The Story Behind Tea

Beyond the brew lies a story of hands, hills, and heritage

Behind every soothing cup of tea lies a world of resilience, labor, and care. The Story Behind Tea is a deeply human experience that takes you beyond the rolling green hills of Wayanad and Idukki, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the people—especially the women—who shape Kerala’s tea heritage with their hands and heart.

Your journey begins with a walk through the plantations, where rows of lush tea bushes stretch into the mist. Here, you meet the women who rise with the sun, weaving through the landscape with quiet determination, plucking leaves with practiced grace. Their stories—of endurance, community, and generational wisdom—bring new meaning to the work that sustains these hills. Through informal conversations and shared moments, visitors gain insight into their daily lives, the challenges of labor-intensive work, and the strength of community that flourishes amidst hardship.

This immersive experience continues with a visit to a working tea factory, where the art and science of tea making unfold. Guided by experienced tea makers and factory workers, you’ll witness each stage of the process—from withering and rolling to oxidation and drying—and discover how small variations create the distinct flavors of black, green, white, and specialty teas.

But the story doesn’t end with flavor. Through interactions with plantation managers, cooperatives, and grassroots organizations, this journey brings to light the social and environmental realities of tea production. Conversations focus on fair wages, access to healthcare and education, gender roles within plantations, and the ecological costs of monoculture and pesticide use.

As part of Ekathra’s responsible tourism approach, this experience is rooted in respect, reciprocity, and awareness. Travelers are invited not just to witness but to reflect—on the interconnectedness of consumer choices, local livelihoods, and environmental stewardship. Every thoughtful interaction becomes a step toward supporting dignified labor, advocating for sustainability, and uplifting the communities that nurture the land.

The Story Behind Tea is not just about tasting a fine brew—it’s about honoring the people who make it possible. It is an invitation to see, feel, and understand the living heritage of Kerala’s tea country—and to let every sip be a reminder of the hands and hills behind it.