Nestled in the mist-covered hills of Kerala’s Idukki district lies Kuttikkanam, a serene destination that offers tea lovers a unique opportunity to connect with the age-old traditions of tea making. The region, known for its rich plantation heritage, has long been a hub for tea, coffee, and spices. In this lush landscape, the ritual of tea isn’t just about drinking, it’s about appreciating a way of life steeped in culture, nature, and craftsmanship.
A centerpiece of this experience is Misty Mountain Plantation Resort, a sprawling 600-acre resort that welcomes guests into the heart of tea production. Here, the tea-making process is a living tradition, continuously unfolding amidst the rich green slopes and ever-changing mists of the highlands. At around 3,500 feet above sea level, the unique climate of Kuttikkanam shapes the character of the tea grown here, imbuing it with a balanced strength and a nuanced flavor profile that is both robust and smooth.
Visitors to Misty Mountain Resort are invited to go beyond just sipping tea. The resort offers an immersive journey from leaf to cup. It begins among the rows of thriving tea bushes, where guests can watch the careful hand-plucking of only the tender top leaves. Many of these plants, especially the aromatic B661 hybrids, are over 30 years old and are known for their superior quality.
The process of making tea at Misty Mountain follows the orthodox method, a traditional and time-honored technique that emphasizes the natural qualities of each leaf. Leaves are first withered for nearly a day, becoming soft and pliable while beginning key chemical changes. They are then gently rolled to release their essential oils and opened up for oxidation, or fermentation, which develops their color, aroma, and rich malty taste.
Once oxidized to the desired level, the leaves are dried to halt the process and preserve their flavors, followed by careful grading and packaging based on size and quality.
At the resort, the tea-making process unfolds as part of a comprehensive guest experience. Visitors learn about the history of tea in India via audio-visual presentations, and take guided walks through the fields with seasoned experts. The journey culminates in a tasting session, where a range of distinct house blends allows every guest to experience the character and soul of Kuttikkanam’s terroir. For those wanting to take a piece of the experience home, the resort’s signature teas are available for purchase onsite.
Misty Mountain also proudly markets its own tea brand — Misty Mountain Peermade Tea, offering a curated range of superior orthodox teas and flavoured teas. For lovers of the typical Indian-style brew, the resort also produces high-quality CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea, perfect for strong, full-bodied cups with milk and sugar, just the way most Indians love it.
While the tradition of tea making is central to the experience, Kuttikkanam has much more to offer. The scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and traces of colonial history offer a full sensory journey. Whether hiking forest trails, exploring plantation paths by jeep or cycle, or simply resting in the stillness of the high-altitude mists of Peermade resorts, visitors are immersed in a place where history, nature, and craftsmanship come together.
A visit to Misty Mountain Plantation Resort in Kuttikkanam is more than a vacation. It is a chance to witness the meticulous process behind India’s most beloved beverage and to understand the landscape and people that bring it to life. Here, every cup of tea tells a story of heritage, dedication, and the quiet, enduring charm of the mountains.