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Of tea leaves and more

Photos: K. Ananthan

A taste of Coonoor Homedale Tea Factory

Think Coonoor, and what comes to mind are cotton-wool clouds on picturesque hills; verdant green tea slopes; and snug cottages nestled away from the bustle of the city.

However, this time around we have decided not to rave about any of those. Well, not so much. There are a few other things you could do other than sight seeing at Coonoor — like visit a tea factory; wander into an antique furniture shop; and even buy wool at a tiny outlet. First, the tea. Just a leaf, you might say. But, one that is celebrated across oceans. While most swear by their morning cuppa, true tea tipplers might want to know more about the journey their leaf makes from the slopes into the tea pot.

A stopover at Homedale’s Tea factory is educative. The place is redolent of fresh green leaves. And, even as I slowly breathe in the aroma, a smiling Prashant Menon, partner of the factory, takes us around. The leaves (two tender leaves with a bud) are plucked as early as 5.30 a.m. to 6 a.m.

These leaves that arrive in huge sacks are spread on a withering trough to remove any moisture. Then, they move to a big roller that twists the leaves.

From here through the CTC machine which cuts, tears and curls them. Then they reach a drum, interestingly named googhy, which granulates the tea.

That is then spread on the floor for fermentation where they shed their green-leaf colour and assume a new a dark brown coat.

The remaining moisture is removed by passing hot air through it. Finally, the tea is ready to be sifted, graded, and finally packaged. And, that is exactly how it reaches your cup! To visit the factory, call 0423-2231811.

Almost all old cottages you visit in the hills have wonderful furniture. If you want some like them, visit Vriksh, an antique furniture gallery at Jograj Building in Bedford.

Vriksh gallery

More than a decade old, the shop stocks sofa sets, chest of draws, mirrors, drawing tables, lamps, book cases, coffee tables, cupboards, tables, dining tables, glass cabinets, etc, some of which are over 100 years old! The quaintly named ‘what-not shelf’ can be mounted on the wall or just rested against it; the dowry shelf (wonder why it is called so!) comes with brass inlay work and secret chambers.

Every nook of the shop yields a surprise and there are charming porcelain coasters, vases, kettles, wall hangings, cake stands, German silver plates, framed paintings, and hat-and-coat stands that double up as umbrella and walking-stick holders, too. For details, call 0423-2221730.

Now for some wool-gathering. There is no place more suited to the soporific task of knitting and a tiny shop right there gives you a chance to do so. The shop in the same building sells three kinds of wool; soft, softer and softest. Take your pick from the greens, blues, pinks, yellows, browns, beiges, white and black.

You can also go in for the multi-coloured ones. Buy them in skeins to knit sweaters, socks and dainty caps for your little one.

Or, sweaters and classy stoles for yourself! What’s more, you could buy your knitting needles and buttons too from the same shop.

So, the next time you are in Coonoor, check out these spots, and if you find any more surprises tucked away in the winding lanes and roads, tell us about them.

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