The Cinchona Plantations

The enormous terraced plantation established by the British in Mungpoo in the 19th century remains one of the largest cinchona operations in Asia. Walking among the trees, which look somewhat like large-leafed laurels, and visiting the processing factory (arrangement through local guides required) provides a fascinating window into colonial botanical history. Quinine, extracted from the bark, was once considered as strategically important as any military resource by the British Empire. The plantation manager's old bungalows are colonial heritage in themselves.