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Top 5 Tea Estates to Visit When in Ooty & Coonoor

A guide to the best plantations, tastings, and tea factory tours in the Nilgiris

No trip to the Nilgiris is complete without experiencing the region’s most iconic export — tea. With rolling estates, cool misty weather, and time-honoured traditions, Coonoor and Ooty are home to some of India’s most beautiful tea plantations.

Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or just curious to sip and explore, here’s our curated list of the top 5 tea estates worth visiting — with a special spotlight on Coonoor, where tea truly feels like part of the air.

🫖 1. Highfield Tea Estate, Coonoor

(Just 10 mins from Hillside Home)

A Coonoor favourite — and for good reason.

  • What to expect: A scenic walk through the plantation, a short guided factory tour, and tastings of fresh Nilgiri blends.
  • You can see how tea is plucked, processed, and packaged — and even meet the estate dogs!
  • Pro tip: Try their eucalyptus-infused tea — it’s unique to the region.

This estate is perfect for first-timers looking to understand the tea journey from leaf to cup — and it’s just a short drive from Hillside Home by tisyastays.

🌱 2. Tranquilitea Tea Lounge & Estate, Coonoor

(Upper Coonoor, approx. 20 mins from the villa)

A boutique tea experience with a personal touch.

  • Run by tea enthusiasts, Tranquilitea offers private tasting sessions that walk you through the subtleties of flavour, aroma, and brew technique.
  • What makes it special: Small groups, expert insights, and estate-grown specialty teas.
  • You can also pick up artisanal blends and tea accessories to take home.

It’s ideal for those looking to go beyond the basic factory tour and explore tea in a more curated, sensory way.

🍃 3. Glendale Estate & Factory, Coonoor

(Ketti Valley, 30–40 mins from central Coonoor)

One of the oldest and most picturesque estates in the region.

  • What to expect: A more industrial look at tea production, with large-scale equipment, but stunning estate views.
  • They produce both orthodox and CTC teas, and you can taste them after the tour.
  • Glendale’s teas are also available globally, so it’s interesting to see the origin of such an internationally loved product.

If you’re a fan of black, green, or specialty blends — this one’s worth the drive.

🌄 4. Doddabetta Tea Factory, Ooty

(Ooty town, approx. 45–50 mins from Coonoor)

Part museum, part factory — this is one of Ooty’s most-visited tea experiences.

  • What to expect: A walk-through tour of the production line, a chance to buy fresh tea at factory rates, and an attached chocolate shop for added indulgence.
  • The nearby Tea Museum is a fun bonus for history buffs and curious travellers alike.
  • Great for families and those who want the full Ooty tourist loop.

Pair this visit with a drive up to Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views — especially during clear weather.

🌾 5. Tea Nest Plantation & Trails, Coonoor

(Near Singara Estate, 25 mins from Hillside Home)

Less commercial and more immersive.

  • A serene tea-themed stay and experience rolled into one — but day visits are also welcomed.
  • You can walk through their tranquil plantations, book a garden tea service, or join a tasting session with estate-grown blends.
  • It’s all about slow living and nature here — think long walks, birdsong, and fresh mountain air.

It’s a great option for those wanting to experience tea tourism minus the crowds.

☕ Make It a Tea-Soaked Getaway from Hillside Home

Staying at Hillside Home by tisyastays means you’re within 10 to 40 minutes of every tea estate worth visiting in Coonoor — plus easy access to Ooty for a full Nilgiri experience.

Here’s what makes Hillside Home the perfect base:

  • A scenic, sunset-facing balcony perfect for your own tea moments
  • 3 beautifully designed bedrooms, ideal for families or small groups
  • Fully equipped kitchen if you want to brew your newly purchased tea finds
  • Close to Sim’s Park, cafés, local markets, and plantation trails
  • Concierge help to arrange guided estate visits or tasting experiences

✨ Sip, Stroll, Repeat

Whether you're winding through misty plantations or sipping on a hot cup back at the villa, the Nilgiris invite you to slow down and savour. And in Coonoor, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a way of life.

Book your stay at Hillside Home and explore the best of the Nilgiris, one cup at a time.