Munnar, Kerala

India

Munnar in the Western Ghats of Kerala is South India's highest tea-growing district, with gardens draped across rolling hills at elevations reaching 2,200 meters. The region was developed by Scottish planters in the 1880s and still retains much of its colonial-era estate infrastructure. The high altitude, heavy monsoon rainfall, and cool mountain temperatures produce teas with a bright, brisk character and a subtle floral-fruity sweetness. Kanan Devan Hills, the largest contiguous tea plantation in the region, is now employee-owned and produces both CTC and orthodox teas that are increasingly recognized in specialty markets.