Lockhart Tea Museum: A Journey Through Munnar's Tea Legacy

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Munnar, often synonymous with sprawling tea plantations, is home to the Lockhart Tea Museum, a destination that offers a deep dive into the history and production of tea in South India. Situated just 9 km from Munnar on the Thekkady Road, the museum is housed within a historic building constructed in 1936 and was officially opened to the public on 22 January 2014.

The Legacy of Lockhart Estate

The Lockhart Estate, where the museum is located, is among the earliest tea plantations in the High Range (Munnar). It was established in 1879 by Baron John Von Rosenberg and his son, Baron George Otto Von Rosenberg. The estate initially experimented with cinchona and coffee, before ultimately transitioning to tea cultivation, which flourished in the region.



Inside the Lockhart Tea Museum

The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich history of tea production, featuring photographs, antique machinery, and exhibits that illustrate the evolution of tea processing techniques. The adjacent Lockhart Tea Factory, owned by Harrisons Malayalam Limited, remains a significant producer, generating around 20 million kilograms of tea annually. Visitors can witness firsthand the various stages of tea processing, from withering and rolling to drying and packaging, during factory tours held during regular working hours.

The Strategic Importance of Lockhart

Located on the slopes of Chokarmudy, one of South India's highest peaks, the Lockhart Tea Museum offers breathtaking views of the entire valley of Lockhart. This vantage point provides not only a picturesque landscape but also insight into the strategic significance of Munnar in India's tea history.



A Global Tea Perspective

Tea, as a global commodity, has an extensive and complex history. From its colonial connections to the industrial revolution, its journey has shaped economies and cultures worldwide:

  • 1733 – The Boston Tea Party became a symbolic protest against British-imposed taxes, playing a role in America's fight for independence.

  • 1835 – The East India Company established tea plantations in Assam, marking India's emergence as a major tea-producing region.

  • 1857 – The first tea plantation in Kerala, including the Lockhart Estate, was established in the High Range.

  • 1908 – The invention of tea bags in New York revolutionized the way tea was consumed globally.

  • 2017 – Tea was cultivated in over 40 countries, with global production exceeding 2.5 million tons annually.



With tea being the second most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, a visit to the Lockhart Tea Museum is an enriching experience for anyone interested in the history, culture, and production of tea. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or a history enthusiast, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Munnar’s tea industry, making it a must-visit destination in Kerala.

Happy travelling.


Location: Lockhart Estate, Munnar - Kumily Hwy, Devikulam, Munnar, Kerala 685613, India

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