Benchmark Tea Factory and chocolate factory — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

🌿 Benchmark Tea & Chocolate Factory – A Must‑Visit in Ooty!

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Great educational & fun experience with a touch of shopping paradise.

Ambiance & Location

Set atop Doddabetta Road and Kotagiri Road, the vibrant red structure stands out surrounded by lush Nilgiris greenery—immediately catching your eye even from afar . Inside, the décor strikes a fine balance between educational and tourist‑friendly, with well‑placed boards explaining tea and chocolate history and steps .

Tea Factory Experience

You begin by sampling delicious varieties—masala, cardamom, green, white, oolong—guided by staff who walk you through each stage: plucking → withering → rolling → fermentation → drying → sorting → packaging . There's even a mini tea roller display showing six black‑tea grades (from Orange Pekoe to fannings and dust) . Educational videos and interactive exhibits help beginners and kids understand the process. Tip: Entry fee (~₹30 for factory + ₹10 for samples) buys you a tour and refreshments .

Chocolate Factory Experience

Start downstairs with a spoonful of fresh melted milk chocolate, followed by demos of roasting, conching, tempering & molding . You get to sample various chocolates—including bean‑to‑bar white chocolate—absolutely delicious!

Entertainment Add‑Ons

Beyond production tours, there’s a whole entertainment section with:

Wax museum

5D cinema offering immersive 3D visuals plus motion and environmental effects (wind, fog, bubbles)

Infinity mirror room

Miniature car museum

Arcade games & small aquarium displays (These attractions had occasional maintenance closures—but are usually available!)

In‑site Stores & Souvenirs

The exit leads to a fantastic shopping experience over three floors stocked with:

Fresh teas (CTC dust, masala, green, oolong)

Home‑made chocolates (plain, truffle, fudge, cherry & brandy), priced affordably ₹80–₹210 per 100 g

Spices, essential oils (like wintergreen and gaultheria), dry fruits

Local Ooty specialties: "varkey" cookies, local crafts & clothes

Practical Tips & Summary

Entry: Free to roam; ₹30–₹40 for guided tour + tea/choco samples

Best Time: Visit during weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds

Parking: Available on-site

Cash advised: Card options may be limited in small kiosks

Time Required: 1–1.5 hours for tours, 30–45 minutes extra for entertainment sections and shopping

👍 Highlights

Immersive factory tours of both tea and chocolate with live demos

Free samples of freshly brewed tea and melted chocolate

Educational with well-organized exhibits and clear signage

Diverse entertainment options (wax museum, 5D cinema, mirror room, car museum)

Large on‑site store with great selection and prices, covering everything from teas and chocolates to spices, oils, apparel and dry fruits

👎 Areas for Improvement

A little too commercial for those expecting a traditional museum vibe

Some areas may close for maintenance—check ahead

Tea samples are served in metal glasses, which might dull the flavor experience

Final Verdict

Benchmark isn’t just a factory—it’s a full‑fledged tourist destination that combines education, entertainment, and retail all under one roof. It’s an ideal half‑day stop for families, couples, or anyone curious about how tea and chocolate are made—and who loves a good souvenir spree. A minor commercial vibe aside, this place is worth a visit for the tasty samples and...

I was the first customer to reach Benchmark Tea Factory & Chocolate, Ooty on a weekday. Parking was easy being the first car to arrive. The external environment was clean and spacious, very welcoming. The residential areas surrounding the factory were flanked by green hills. It was pretty picturesque when you stood on 2nd level before buying the entry ticket.

The Ticket Counter uncle was very kind and apologetic. Being the 1st customer, he didn’t have enough change for me when I paid cash INR50. He asked that I helped to wait till more customers arrived. Eventually, he requested that I returned after the tour of the premises to collect the change. I agreed. More visitors arrived.

It was very straightforward. Machines in line were clean & hygienic, with one staff explaining in English while showing the processes. After that, the path led me to the simple Tea Tasting section. As I couldn’t drink caffeinated beverages, the service staff picked green tea & white tea for me. She was very polite.

Further in was a clean room with lined machines. It wasn’t in operation but a video was played on the screen showing the types of teas and their processes. That was very informative.

More rooms on the lower levels and these started with sales of Tea, Chocolate and then Coffee/Spice and Oilment. I bought lots of white tea, lemon tea & ginger tea. Then more of chocolates from the 2nd room. Here, a notice was displayed that they couldn’t dispense chocolates for tasting due to overwhelming crowds. Furthermore, they had to cover the costs too. For this, I understood clearly and obliged. They didn’t have walnut dark chocolates for me so I bought others. I found that dark chocolates still sweeter than expected.

Finally, I ended up in the 3rd room buying an additional of 2 bottles of coffee for my relatives back home. As my international card had issues from all the affected rooms due to network connectivity, I was held up longer over here. The cashier used an Axis card machine and then a swipe-card machine to transact. I only noticed a double transaction happened when I received a message via email after I departed. Currently, Benchmark Ooty’s Customer Relations Manager is in the midst of resolving my case which I am very thankful for that.

Ticket Counter uncle returned my change apologetically. He was such a nice man, not perturbed at all.

There were many shops right at the ground floor exit, like a bazaar, selling clothes and winter wear. By then, I was already quite late to En route to Bangalore, I rushed back to the car and left the factory.

It was a pleasant visit to this red building and I was assured of good quality products (assurance of no preservatives). Weather was terrific that day coupled with a well-organised and clean environment. Benchmark does set the bar high and cut a great name for...

I recently visited the Benchmark Chocolate Factory and Tea Plant in Ooty this July, and it turned out to be a delightful experience filled with rich flavors, scenic views, and a fascinating journey through the world of chocolate and tea.

Our visit began at the chocolate factory, where we were taken through the entire process of chocolate-making, from the roasting of cocoa beans to the molding of their signature bars. It was captivating to see how much care and craftsmanship go into every step. The transparency they maintain in showcasing the production process is impressive, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, explaining each stage in detail. Of course, the best part was tasting their chocolates. The milk chocolate was smooth and delightful, but the cocoa chocolate stole the show with its deep, intense flavor — it was truly love at first bite!

After indulging in chocolates, we moved on to the tea manufacturing area. Here, we were given a behind-the-scenes look at how they produce their tea, from the fresh leaves to the final packaging. Watching the various stages — withering, rolling, drying, and sorting — was a unique experience, and it gave us a real appreciation for the effort that goes into each cup. The complimentary freshly brewed tea we enjoyed afterward was a perfect conclusion, especially on a cool, cloudy monsoon day.

The setting added to the charm of our visit. Being there during the monsoon season meant the mountains were wrapped in clouds, and the mist rolling over the hills created a stunning, almost surreal backdrop. It made the entire experience feel magical, blending the warmth of tea and chocolate with the beauty of nature.

The factory also has a store where you can purchase a variety of products, from their delicious chocolates and specialty teas to Nilgiri oils and Ayurvedic products. I couldn’t resist picking up some dark chocolate, which was just as rich and flavorful as the ones we tasted earlier.

The only hiccup during our visit was navigating our way out. The exit is a bit confusing, and as first-time visitors, we found ourselves struggling to find the right path. Thankfully, the staff were helpful, but it did take some time to figure out.

Overall, our visit to the Benchmark Chocolate Factory and Tea Plant was thoroughly enjoyable. The minimal entry fee is more than worth it for the experience, which includes a tour, tastings, and even some complimentary chocolates. If you’re in Ooty, I highly recommend stopping by. It’s a delightful blend of flavor, learning, and breathtaking views — an experience you...