Tea, a beloved beverage cherished across cultures, holds a significant place in our lives as one of the
most consumed drinks globally, trailing only water. By originating in the misty highland slopes, our
tea journey spanned millennia, evolving into a symbol of the abundance of nature and a source of
pleasure for all who indulge. With a growing awareness of health and the persistence of lifestyle
diseases, there is a notable shift towards non-alcoholic and non-sugary alternatives.
Our 2-day escapade to the Misty Mountain Plantation Resort (nicknamed Teyila), which nestles on
Kuttikanam, a misty hilltop in the Idukki district of Kerala, unveiled the essence of tea, its types and
origins. A mere 120-km-drive from Kochi brings the visitor to this enchanting world of tea, cardamom,
rubber, and coffee plantations, generously interspersed with silver cascades, water bodies, green
meadows and coolness that the plains failed to deliver in the tropical March weather.
Tea encompasses a rich spectrum of flavours and aromas rooted in the oxidation process of the tea
leaf. As categorized into four types, namely green, white, black, and oolong, each variant offers a
distinct sensory experience shaped by its oxidation level. Celebrated by its minimal oxidation, green
tea retains its original colour and potency and is renowned for its bitter notes and health benefits.
The fully oxidized black tea boasts a complex flavour profile, from the delicate Orthodox variety
favoured in Europe and the Middle East to the robust CTC blend popular in Indian markets. Bridging
the gap between green and black, oolong tea offers a symphony of flavours that characterizes a
semi-oxidized nature. By harvesting from tender tea buds, white tea is the least oxidized variety,
prized for its delicacy in flavour and rarity.
The living quarters, comprising wooden chalets and stone reverie cottages nestled amidst wild foliage
and beside a serene check dam, will captivate every holidayer. The fish, well cared for by both the
management and guests, thrive in their natural freedom. Surprisingly, none of them succumbed to
the temptation of fishing bait despite our unabashed indulgence with the gear provided by the resort.
A true testament to their charmed lives!
The wellness secrets of tea are extensively documented and widely marketed. Within their leaves lies
a treasure trove of health-promoting compounds, including caffeine and antioxidant polyphenols.
Green tea, in particular, has captured attention for its antioxidant properties, offering potential
benefits for cardiovascular health and combating lifestyle diseases due to its minimal oxidation.
Embarking on a journey through Teyila promises to explore flavours, aromas, and experiences. From
misty mountainsides to bustling markets, Teyila invites its guests to discover the timeless art of tea-
making and appreciate its cultural significance. We immersed ourselves in this enchanting world,
where every sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature.
Visitors will enjoy a fantastic kayaking adventure in one of the expansive check dams of the resort,
where the water depth exceeds 20 feet. Venturing through dense foliage and exploring the wilds
surrounding the reservoir, one encounters a variety of bird species native to the region, particularly
the Whistler (Thrush), Kingfisher, Black Bird, and Babbler. Interestingly, locals share stories of early
morning serenades by the whistlers, known to rouse unsuspecting sleepers from their beds!
Evenings were divine, bathed in a pervading, misty embrace. Serene and still, time danced with the
mystic air, whispering secrets. We were mere spectators, blessed by the gentle caress, remaining
captured by mystery, marooned in time.
Two main varieties, Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica, thrive in different climates. Camellia
sinensis (popularly grown in China), known for its small leaves and rich aroma, is well-suited to colder
weather, while Camellia assamica, a native of Assam, India, thrives in tropical weather. Additionally,
herbal tea incorporates various plant parts such as chamomile, hibiscus, and dandelion. During
harvest, the top layer of the tea plant — consisting of two leaves and a bud — is light green and
tender. The pluckers will pick the first two leaves and a new bud for producing the black and green
tea varieties. The oolong tea stock has a bud and three or four leaves for choice. For white tea, they
pick just the bud.
To put it into perspective, it takes 5 kilograms of freshly harvested tea leaves to produce 1 kilogram
of finished tea leaves. As the white tea uses the centre bud only, it takes 15 kilograms of freshly
harvested stock to produce 1 kilogram of finished tea. Generally, smaller and fewer tea leaves
produce a more expensive tea. White tea, air-dried (natural) indoors at a standard room temperature
range of 25–30 °C, is said to have three times more antioxidants than green or black tea. The cost
varies roughly in a ratio of 3:1.25:1 between white, green, and black varieties.
Tea plants live long lives, typically over 100 years, requiring moist soil and sunlight to flourish. The
ambient temperature range for a tea plant is 18–25 °C to grow well. Flavour intensity increases with
altitude while strength decreases. Hand-picked and crafted by skilled tea masters, each leaf
undergoes meticulous care throughout the manufacturing process.
Orthodox tea production involves withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, cleaning, grading, and
packing. Withering removes excess moisture, while rolling ruptures cells, allowing enzymes to reach
the outer surfaces. Fermentation with oxygen develops colour and flavour, ending with drying to
reduce moisture content to 3%. Grading segregates waste tea and categorizes products by particle
size.
For enjoying black tea with character, select the orthodox black tea featuring whole leaves and a
long, wiry grade. For a robust milk tea, choose CTC dust grade, while connoisseurs may prefer white
tea for a delicate sip. CTC, short for crush, tear, curl, is a processing method where tea leaves are
crushed, torn, and curled into small, pellet-like shapes. Due to their petite size, CTC dust teas infuse
quickly, resulting in a strong, robust brew. Each option provides a distinct flavour experience,
reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of tea-making.
The jeep safari provided glimpses of various sounds and natural sights, showcasing the terrain that
fosters the coexistence of diverse life in the Western Ghats, supporting valuable crops such as black
pepper, cardamom, coffee, and rubber.
As we bid farewell to the estate, we had a profound appreciation for the rich biodiversity found in
nature, in particular, focusing on its abundant offerings and fruitful yields.
