Manjolai Estate

Manjolai Estate is a scenic tea plantation region located within the Western Ghats of Tirunelveli district, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled at altitudes ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 metres above sea level, the estate lies within the verdant expanses of the Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), one of India’s most biodiverse protected areas. Known for its tranquil landscapes, cool climate, and British-era plantation heritage, Manjolai is a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural productivity, and ecological conservation.

Geographical and Environmental Setting

The Manjolai Estate is situated in the upper regions of the Manimuthar River basin, approximately 70 kilometres from the city of Tirunelveli. The area is characterised by its rolling tea gardens, dense evergreen forests, and mist-covered hills. The terrain forms part of the southernmost stretch of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and endemism.
The region experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Annual rainfall, influenced by both the southwest and northeast monsoons, averages between 2,500 and 3,500 millimetres, supporting luxuriant vegetation. The surrounding forests are dominated by native tree species such as teak, rosewood, and ironwood, interspersed with shola grasslands and montane vegetation typical of high-altitude ecosystems.

Historical Background

The development of Manjolai Estate dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the British colonial period, when the region was identified as suitable for tea cultivation. The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited (BBTC) was granted permission by the then Travancore princely state to develop and manage tea plantations in this highland area.
Under British management, the estate saw the establishment of tea gardens, processing factories, and a settlement for workers. Colonial architecture, visible in old bungalows and administrative buildings, continues to reflect the region’s plantation heritage. Post-Independence, the BBTC retained operational control under lease agreements with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, ensuring that the area remains a working estate within a protected reserve.

Tea Cultivation and Economy

Tea remains the economic backbone of Manjolai. The estate produces high-quality orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) teas, marketed primarily under the BBTC brand. The plantations are cultivated across several divisions, including Manjolai, Oothu, and Kuthiravetti, each occupying distinct elevations and microclimates that influence flavour profiles and yield.
Key features of the tea industry in Manjolai include:

• Sustainable Practices: Being located within a tiger reserve, the estate operates under strict environmental guidelines to minimise ecological impact.
• Employment: The plantation provides livelihood opportunities to hundreds of local workers, many of whom are descendants of early settlers brought from neighbouring regions.
• Processing Units: Tea leaves are processed in nearby factories equipped with withering troughs, rollers, fermenting tables, and dryers, combining traditional and modern methods to preserve aroma and quality.

The Manjolai Tea is valued for its distinct aroma, golden liquor, and brisk flavour, often compared with teas from Munnar and Valparai, other famous South Indian tea-growing regions.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Manjolai Estate lies entirely within the Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), one of the most important conservation zones in southern India. The reserve, covering nearly 900 square kilometres, forms part of the larger Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its rich flora and fauna.
Wildlife commonly observed in the region includes:

• Mammals: Tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sloth bears, and Nilgiri langurs.
• Birds: Malabar hornbills, great Indian hornbills, paradise flycatchers, and numerous endemic species.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: King cobras, pit vipers, and a range of endemic frogs and lizards adapted to montane habitats.

The forest ecosystem provides crucial ecological services such as water regulation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration. The rivers originating from this area, including the Manimuthar and Thamirabarani, supply water to vast agricultural and urban regions downstream.

Tourism and Access

While primarily an active tea estate, Manjolai has gained popularity as a hill station and eco-tourism destination due to its serene environment and panoramic views of the Western Ghats. However, visitor access is carefully regulated to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the tiger reserve.
Tourists require permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to enter the area, and visits are typically organised through authorised guides or in collaboration with estate management. Major attractions within and around the estate include:

• Manimuthar Dam: A large reservoir offering scenic viewpoints and boating facilities.
• Kuthiravetti Viewpoint: Known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas over the forest canopy.
• Oothu Tea Estate: A picturesque division where visitors can observe tea plucking and processing.
• Upper Manimuthar Falls: A pristine waterfall surrounded by dense forest, accessible with prior permission.

Accommodation within the estate is limited, primarily available in guesthouses managed by the tea company or forest department, maintaining an emphasis on eco-friendly tourism.

Conservation and Environmental Management

Operating within a tiger reserve places significant responsibility on the estate management to ensure sustainable coexistence between industry and nature. The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation implements several conservation measures, including:

• Restricting chemical pesticide and fertiliser use to prevent soil and water contamination.
• Maintaining buffer zones of natural vegetation between tea fields and forest areas.
• Supporting wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching initiatives in collaboration with forest authorities.
• Promoting community awareness about forest conservation among estate workers and local inhabitants.

These efforts reflect the broader principles of eco-sensitive development, aiming to balance economic activity with biodiversity preservation.

Socio-economic and Cultural Aspects

Manjolai’s workforce is an integral part of its cultural landscape. The plantation community includes multiple generations of tea workers, with distinct traditions, festivals, and social networks shaped by plantation life. Schools, healthcare facilities, and welfare programmes are maintained within the estate to support these communities.
The cultural environment of Manjolai exhibits a harmonious blend of Tamil and Kerala influences, reflecting the region’s proximity to the Kerala border and its historical administrative connections to Travancore. Local cuisine, languages, and customs demonstrate this dual heritage.

Significance

Manjolai Estate represents a unique intersection of natural heritage, colonial history, and modern sustainability. As part of a critical ecological corridor within the Western Ghats, it demonstrates how agricultural enterprise can coexist with wildlife conservation when managed responsibly. The region’s scenic beauty, ecological importance, and historical depth continue to make it one of southern India’s hidden gems.