Highfield Tea Estate
Discover the art of tea at Highfield Tea Estate, Coonoor. Explore lush gardens, learn about tea processing, and savor unique flavors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highfield Tea Estate
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the art of tea at Highfield Tea Estate, Coonoor. Explore lush gardens, learn about tea processing, and savor unique flavors.
"A delightful stop to learn about tea production and enjoy scenic Nilgiri landscapes."
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful tea garden stroll and tour experience.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
The short walk from parking to the factory is easy and pleasant for all ages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lush Tea Gardens
Surrounding the estate
Wander through endless rows of vibrant green tea bushes, a perfect backdrop for photos.
Informative Guided Tour
Tea processing plant
Learn the fascinating journey of tea leaves from plucking to your cup.
Tea Tasting Session
Tasting shop
Sample unique flavors like masala, ginger, and chocolate tea.
Eucalyptus Oil & Chocolate Making
Factory sections
Discover the extraction of eucalyptus oil and the art of handmade chocolates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Serene Visit
Understand the Tour Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful tea garden stroll and tour experience.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
The short walk from parking to the factory is easy and pleasant for all ages.
☕ Taste Unique Flavors
Don't miss the chance to sample special teas like masala, ginger, and chocolate.
📸 Capture the Greenery
The tea plants offer stunning photo opportunities; bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful tea garden stroll and tour experience.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Scenic Walk
The short walk from parking to the factory is easy and pleasant for all ages.
☕ Taste Unique Flavors
Don't miss the chance to sample special teas like masala, ginger, and chocolate.
📸 Capture the Greenery
The tea plants offer stunning photo opportunities; bring your camera!
💰 Be Prepared for Sales
Guides may encourage purchases; enjoy the tour and decide later.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Highfield Tea Estate offers an educational and visually appealing experience with its informative tours and scenic tea gardens. Visitors appreciate the tea tasting sessions and the opportunity to learn about eucalyptus oil and chocolate making. However, some find the guides overly pushy with sales, and there are mixed reviews on the consistency of purchased products compared to samples.
"The way they explained everything and yes tasting was really good!
Just that masala tea what I got there was not tasting the same as the packed one which I got home!
They also have shopping place there if you want to buy something!"
Ramya Venu
"Highfield Tea Factory in Coonoor offers an insightful glimpse into tea production, though experiences vary. The guided tour is a highlight, with knowledgeable staff explaining tea processing stages, from leaf picking to drying and sorting. Visitors appreciate the tea tasting session, featuring unique flavors like masala, ginger, and chocolate tea. The factory also showcases eucalyptus oil extraction and chocolate-making, adding diversity to the tour.
The scenic tea gardens provide excellent photo opportunities, and the on-site shop sells teas, oils, and chocolates. While many enjoy the tasting samples, a few caution against purchasing shop items due to inconsistent quality and occasional staff rudeness.
Practical details:
Timings: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM daily (closed Mondays)67.
Entry fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹20 for children.
Though the experience is educational and visually appealing, temper expectations regarding factory operations and shop purchases. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a compact tea estate experience in Coonoor"
Shubham Mahendrakar
"We had a great visit to Highfield Tea Factory! The tour was very informative – our guide walked us through the tea processing plant, the Nilgiri oil extraction unit, and even their chocolate-making section. It was a knowledgeable and engaging experience that gave us a deeper appreciation of the local products. At the end of the tour, we visited their sales shop and picked up a variety of teas and other items. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Coonoor!"
Harsh Shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highfield Tea Estate is located in Coonoor, which is a short drive from Ooty. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The route can be narrow but is generally drivable.
Yes, there is parking available for about 8-10 cars. The walk from the parking area to the factory is brief and easy.
Absolutely! Highfield Tea Factory is conveniently located on the route between Coimbatore and Ooty, making it a great stop.
The estate is situated in Coonoor, with Ooty being a nearby larger town. Coimbatore is the closest major city.
The road leading to the factory is described as a bit narrow but drivable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is nominal, typically around ₹30 for adults and ₹20 for children.
Yes, there is a reduced entry fee for children, usually around ₹20.
Advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
The estate is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though it is closed on Mondays.
Yes, a free guided tour is usually included with your entry ticket, explaining the tea processing.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The tour covers tea processing stages, Nilgiri oil extraction, and chocolate making. Guides explain the details of white, black, and green tea production. +1
Yes, tea tasting is a highlight, with various flavors like masala, ginger, and chocolate tea offered.
There is a shop where you can purchase teas, eucalyptus oil, and handmade chocolates. +1
The scenic tea gardens provide excellent opportunities for photography.
Visitors describe it as a serene and beautiful place with a pleasant aroma of fresh tea leaves.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can purchase various types of tea, eucalyptus oil, and handmade chocolates.
While many find the products pure, some reviews suggest inconsistency between tasting samples and purchased items.
The primary focus is on tea tasting and purchasing. Dedicated dining facilities are not typically mentioned.
Yes, handmade chocolates are often offered for free tasting.
Specific best-sellers aren't highlighted, but white tea and unique flavored teas are popular purchases.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The sprawling tea gardens themselves offer the most picturesque settings. Look for paths winding through the bushes.
Photography is generally allowed in the gardens. Inside the processing plant, it's best to check with your guide, but often permitted for general shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots over the tea gardens.
Specific drone regulations are not mentioned, but it's advisable to inquire locally before flying a drone.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the tea gardens, close-ups of tea leaves, and people walking through the rows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tour details might be complex for very young children, the overall experience of being in a natural, scenic environment is pleasant. It’s a good opportunity to introduce them to where their food and drinks come from in a simple, accessible way. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid overwhelming crowds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different angles, from wide-angle shots showcasing the expanse to macro shots highlighting the intricate details of the tea plants. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting. Don't forget to capture candid moments of tea pluckers if they are present, adding a human element to your photos.
🌿 Nature Lovers
+1This is an ideal spot for mindfulness and relaxation. Find a quiet corner, sit back, and simply absorb the serene surroundings. The estate offers a genuine connection to nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Tea Production
Beyond the standard tea production, the estate also provides insights into other local products. The extraction of eucalyptus oil, known for its medicinal properties, is a unique aspect of the tour. Additionally, the on-site chocolate-making demonstration adds a sweet dimension to the experience, showcasing artisanal methods. This multi-faceted approach makes the visit more engaging and educational, appealing to a wider range of interests.
While the educational aspect is strong, it's worth noting that the factory itself is described as small. However, the comprehensive explanation and the opportunity to see these processes in action make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in agricultural production and local crafts.
Experiencing the Tea Tasting
Visitors often praise the tasting experience, finding it a delightful way to discover new favorite teas. However, some reviews suggest a difference in taste between the samples offered during tasting and the packed teas purchased from the shop. This is something to keep in mind when making your purchasing decisions.
For tea enthusiasts, this tasting is a chance to learn about the distinct characteristics of Nilgiri teas and perhaps find a unique souvenir to take home. It’s a sensory journey that complements the visual beauty of the tea gardens.
Photography Opportunities
+1Popular photo spots include walking paths that meander through the tea plantations, offering perspectives of depth and scale. Close-up shots of dew-kissed tea leaves or the workers tending to the bushes can also yield beautiful, evocative images. The soft morning light or the warm glow of the late afternoon sun often enhances the natural beauty, making these times ideal for photography.
While the gardens are the main attraction for photos, the estate also offers opportunities to capture the essence of tea production, from the processing machinery to the final packaged products. Remember to be respectful of the workers and their environment while you're capturing these memorable moments.
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