Highfield Tea Factory is a famous tea estate and factory located in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated about 2 km northeast of upper Coonoor and 19 km away from Ooty. It is a place that is drenched with the smell of fresh tea that is being brewed and processed. It offers a fascinating insight into the history and process of tea production in Coonoor and a chance to taste some varieties of tea and chocolates. Visit during Coonoor Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory is located on the Coonoor-Kattabettu-Kotagiri Road, about 3 km from Coonoor bus stand and railway station. It is surrounded by lush greenery and eucalyptus trees, creating a serene and scenic atmosphere. It offers a splendid view of the Nilgiri Hills and the tea estates.
Timing / Entry Fees Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. The camera fee is Rs. 20 for still camera and Rs. 50 for video camera. The guided tour fee is Rs. 100 per person.
How to Reach Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory can be reached by road from Coonoor or Ooty. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also hire a private vehicle or a bike for more convenience. There is ample parking space available near the factory.
Things to Do / Must See Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory offers various things to do and see for tourists of all ages and interests. You can enjoy a guided tour of the factory, a tea tasting session, a chocolate tasting session, a eucalyptus oil extraction demonstration, etc. at the factory. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose View Point, etc.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour of the factory is one of the main attractions at the factory. You can learn about the history and process of tea production in Coonoor and see the different stages of tea processing such as withering, rolling, drying, sorting, etc.
- Tea Tasting: A tea tasting session is another attraction at the factory. You can taste some varieties of tea such as green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, etc. and learn about their benefits and characteristics.
- Chocolate Tasting: A chocolate tasting session is another attraction at the factory. You can taste some varieties of chocolates such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, etc. and learn about their ingredients and flavors.
- Eucalyptus Oil Extraction: A eucalyptus oil extraction demonstration is another attraction at the factory. You can see how eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of eucalyptus trees using steam distillation and learn about its uses and properties.
- Sim’s Park: Sim’s Park is a botanical garden near Highfield Tea Factory that features various types of plants, flowers, trees, etc. from different parts of the world. You can also enjoy boating in the lake inside the park.
- Lamb’s Rock: Lamb’s Rock is a view point near Highfield Tea Factory that offers a splendid view of the Nilgiri Hills and the tea estates.
- Dolphin’s Nose View Point: Dolphin’s Nose View Point is another view point near Highfield Tea Factory that offers a splendid view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls.
Significance of Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory is a place of historical and cultural significance. It was established in 1930 by Mr M.R.C Wilson as one of the first tea factories in Coonoor. It has been producing high quality tea for over 90 years and has won several awards for its products. It is also a place of educational significance as it provides an opportunity to learn about the history and process of tea production in Coonoor and to taste some varieties of tea and chocolates.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Highfield Tea Factory?
A: The best time to visit Highfield Tea Factory is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Q: What are the facilities available at Highfield Tea Factory?
A: There are basic facilities available at Highfield Tea Factory such as parking, toilets, drinking water, etc. There are also some shops and stalls that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Highfield Tea Factory?
A: Some tips for visiting Highfield Tea Factory are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk to explore the factory.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be respectful while viewing the factory and do not touch or damage the machines or the tea leaves.
Do not litter or feed the animals at the factory.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Highfield Tea Factory is a famous tea estate and factory located in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a place that is drenched with the smell of fresh tea that is being brewed and processed. It offers a fascinating insight into the history and process of tea production in Coonoor and a chance to taste some varieties of tea and chocolates. It is one of the most popular attractions of Coonoor and Ooty and a must-visit destination for tea lovers.
