Previous to my journey through the southern states of India, I had only driven past small plots of tea farms in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Near Ooty, a famous hill station of Tamil Nadu, the highways were lined with vast green stretches of tea plants. The opportunity to learn more about the business of tea in India was of particular interest. So, with my trusty camera and a few rupee notes in hand, I took my place in line at The Tea Factory eager to learn it all. Unfortunately what appeared from the outside to be a working tea factory offering plantation tours, in reality, was yet another tourist attraction for those looking for cheap entertainment.

Tourists make their way from the large parking lot (several tourist coaches should have tipped me off) to the front entrance where tickets are sold. A limited number of people for each “tour” are then gathered before the front door is shut. Once inside, the hum of processing machines became relaxing background noise as the PA system sparked to life. The ticket seller now doubled as the emcee. In a thick Indian accented English he explained the initial phases of tea production from seed, to harvest, to processing.

After the introduction, tourists were free to meander through the factory on a catwalk-like elevated platform. Informational signage is posted in stages along the walk explaining the various machines and their duties. What started out as large tea leaves slowly was mowed down to finely sized particles. There appeared to be no time limit for watching the process. I was free to take unlimited photos without the nudging of a factory employee. Along with the rattle and hum of the machines, the fresh, fragrant aroma of tea wafted through the building. Within 5 minutes the tour ended with a taste of hot tea near the side exit door. Don’t bother asking any relevant questions here. The non-English speaking employee has just one function (pouring tea into small paper cups).

Directional signs point newly educated tea travelers toward the attached chocolate shop. What may sound like an odd combination are actually two businesses that thrive here in Ooty. Local chocolate producers line the shops of the main drag with their creations. Fields and fields of tea attract curious visitors so who else better to market to than a captive audience. Flavored teas, oils and of course, chocolates are all on sale.

It’s apparent this factory is the closest tourists get to “tours” of the tea plantations. And maybe that’s because it’s all the general population is interested in seeing. For now, I keep searching for an authentic tromp through the plants. I want to touch a tea leaf. I want to learn which leaves are perfect for picking. I want to pick a leaf dammit.

Plan on a minimum of 30 minutes but not more than an hour for this location. Views of Ooty from the attached observation deck might be considered more valuable than the tour itself. The factory is walkable from town albeit a bit long. Grab a tuk tuk, bus or taxi instead.

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