Munnar vs Nilgiri

Munnar

Munnar tea comes from the rolling highlands of Kerala's Western Ghats, one of south India's oldest tea regions, planted by the British in the late 1800s. The cup is brisk and fresh with a light malty sweetness and clean finish — lighter than Assam but rounder than most Darjeeling. High-grown Munnar leaves brew a bright, golden liquor that stands on its own without milk.

Nilgiri

Nilgiri black tea grows in the Blue Mountains of southern India at elevations up to 2,500 meters. The cool climate produces a brisk, clean cup with fruity brightness and a smooth body that holds up well to milk. Nilgiri is one of India's three great tea regions alongside Assam and Darjeeling, and its leaves are prized for blending because they brew quickly and evenly.

Munnar

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Nilgiri

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

1–2 times

Munnar

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Nilgiri

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Munnar

India · Kerala (Western Ghats)

Munnar's tea estates sit at 1,500–2,200 meters in Kerala, planted from British stock in the 1870s–90s.

Nilgiri

India · Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris)

The Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu grow tea year-round, with peak quality in the cool winter months.