Wayanad Tea Museum

Wayanad Tea Museum is a museum located in the village of Vythiri, Wayanad district of Kerala, state of India. It is one of the largest and first tea museums in Wayanad. The Museum is often part of a large tea estate visit, where visitors can enjoy guided tours, observe the tea-making process firsthand, and sample a variety of locally growing teas. It is an excellent place for those interested in tea history, agriculture tourism, and the natural beauty of Wayanad.

Attraction

Wayanad is also known for its tea plantations, and the Museum highlights the significance of tea production to the local economy and culture. It offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the main attractions of the tea museum is the opportunity to see the tea processing method firsthand. The Museum and surrounding tea estates often offer guided tours where visitors can witness the entire process, from packing the tea leaves to processing and packing. A visit to the Wayanad Tea Museum is not complete without sampling some of the local teas. The Museum offers tea-tasting sessions, allowing visitors to savor a variety of fresh, high-quality teas produced in the region.

History

Wayanad Tea Museum was introduced by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. The tea factory was built in 1911 with wooden and iron panels. It is a perfect place to learn the history of the tea culture of Wayanad, along with knowledge of the different tea species growing here. Moreover, visitors can learn about the historical role of the British coloniser in establishing tea plantations in the area. The tea museum provides insight into the culture and lifestyle of the workers in the tea estate, highlighting the role of the local communities in the tea industry. The Museum building itself is housed within a colonial-style structure that reflects the era when tea plantations were first established in Wayanad. Black and white photographs on the walls showcase the early days of tea planting in Wayanad, with images of the first tea estates, the workers, and the colonial impact on the industry.

Inside/Outside Views

Inside the Tea Museum, you will find tea processing machines that were once used in the early days of tea production. These machines, many of which were imported during the British colonial era, highlight the evolution of the tea industry.
The area around the museum is well maintained, with lush gardens featuring local plants and flowers. Many visitors enjoy the beautiful views from outside the museum. It offers excellent photo opportunities, particularly in the early morning when the mist rolls over the tea fields or during sunset.
A visitor can buy fresh tea and other local products from the museum’s souvenir shop, making it a great spot to pick up a gift or a personal treat.

How to Reach

By Air: Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Wayanad, which is approximately 95 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad. From Wayanad, you will take local transport to reach the Tea Museum. The drive usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.

By Train: The closest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 85-90 km away from Wayanad. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad. From Wayanad, you can hire local transport to reach the Tea Museum.

By Road: Wayanad is well connected by road from various cities. You can reach Wayanad Tea Museum by following the Kozhikode, Bangalore, and Kochi routes. You can take public transport to reach the Wayanad Tea Museum from Wayanad.

Tips for Travellers

The best time to visit Wayanad is during the winter months ( October to March) when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Carry water bottles and necessary things.
You can usually take photos in the museum and plantation area, but check for any specific restrictions or guidelines.
Please follow the museum rules.

FAQ