The Department of Chemistry organized an industrial visit and study tour for III BSc students to Ramakalmedu, Munnar, and the Kanan Devan Hill Plantation Company’s tea factory in Madupatty, Munnar, as part of an educational excursion. The aim was to provide students with practical exposure to industrial operations and insights into sustainable practices within the industry.
The journey began in Talapady, Karnataka, at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2024, and 39 students and 3 staff members arrived in Munnar the following morning at 8 a.m. The first day was reserved for exploring the local attractions in Munnar. We explored several notable spots, including the Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the beautiful tea gardens that Munnar is famous for. These visits not only allowed students to appreciate the natural beauty of the region but also set the stage for understanding the tea plantations we would be visiting the next day.
On the second day, May 24, 2024, we visited the Kanan Devan Hill Plantation Company’s tea factory in Madupatty. The factory, established over 100 years ago, is renowned for being one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world. The factory visit began with necessary security checks and official formalities, after which we were ushered into a room for a comprehensive video presentation on the history and manufacturing process of the factory. Following the video, an employee explained the tea-making process, including the production of green, white, and black teas. The CTC method (Crush, Tear, and Curl) used for black tea was demonstrated, highlighting its efficiency in leaf processing.
The tea factory visit showcased the manufacturing facility. All the students observed the withering and CTC machines in action. After the insightful visit to the tea factory, we visited a nearby chocolate factory. At the factory’s outlet, students purchased a variety of chocolates. As the next part of the journey, we visited an Ayurvedic farm and learned about various herbs and their medicinal properties. This part of the visit was particularly educational as students gained knowledge about the uses of different herbs in treating different ailments like hair loss, migraine, cough, hormone imbalance, and more. The staff of the farm explained the significance and composition of different medicines.
All 39 III BSc students enjoyed the tour, which remains a memorable chapter in their academic journey, providing them with lessons and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Report By,
Mrs.Sanbhya B and Mrs. Roopashree K P
