If you enjoy tea even more than we do, you must try exploring the wonderful tea gardens in India. No, we certainly don’t mean a garden dining or café that offers tea, but instead the real tea estate where the tea plants are located and grown.
These beautiful green woodland regions are very peaceful and give the perfect setting to enjoy your tea. Are you ready to begin your trip?
Before we begin, it’s best to know that India is one of the world’s major tea producers. Moreover, over 70% of tea is procured by Indians themselves. Tea production boomed since the British control of India when enormous expanses of farmland were transformed for mass tea growing.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is well-known for producing the best teas in the world, each with its distinct flavor and scent. The location is close to the Himalayas. The tranquility of the Himalayas will change your senses. Darjeeling now has 87 tea estates available for business. These plantations cover approximately 19,000 hectares and employ over 52,000 daily laborers.
During the plucking season, which lasts from March to November, the estates hire an extra 15,000 pluckers. So don’t be concerned; you won’t get lost. Don’t bother them since the excellent job they perform results in your lovely cup of tea. Your priority should be to try some authentic Darjeeling tea. To bring the inside child out you must try the toy train ride around tea fields.
Activities on a holiday trip in Darjeeling
- Visit tea plantations: Darjeeling tea is known for its musky, fruity, and floral flavor with a light astringency. It is often referred to as the “champagne of teas.” Since Darjeeling is famous for its tea, you can check which tea plantations you would like to visit, watch the tea-making process, and definitely taste some of the best teas in the world.
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: This railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations, and is a unique way to experience the region.
- Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: This park is home to many rare and exotic species of animals and birds, including the Himalayan black bear and the snow leopard.
- Visit the Ghoom Monastery: This beautiful Ghoom Buddhist monastery is one of the oldest in Darjeeling and is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- Take a scenic hike: The hills surrounding Darjeeling offer many scenic hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the region.
- Visit the Rock Garden: This beautiful park features a collection of rock formations and waterfalls, making it a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
- Explore the Darjeeling Museum: This museum showcases the cultural and natural heritage of Darjeeling and its surrounding regions and is a great place to learn more about the history of the area.
- Explore the local bazaars: Good buys include textiles, baskets, pottery, and wooden carvings. Buy local spices like cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Darjeeling has a large Tibetan community, and you can find many Tibetan handicrafts like clothing, jewelry, and home decor items. As a matter of interest, Darjeeling is known for good musical instruments and you can see a variety of traditional musical instruments for sale, including sitars, tablas, and flutes.
Assam
Our tea garden trip continues in Assam. It is one of the world’s major tea-producing regions. Each year, the tea plantations produce around 1.5 million pounds of tea. The only areas with indigenous tea plants, in reality, are Assam and Southern China. Assam’s tea gardens are so fruitful that they also have their unique time zone. “Tea garden time” is one hour earlier than the Indian standard time. This technique was implemented to make the most of the earlier start to sunrise.
In Assam, you may also see the Hoolock Gibbon, Red-headed Vulture, and one-horned Rhino. Assam tea is cultivated at about 45-60 feet above sea level to offer heavenly moments for a lifetime to come. This is quite low in comparison to other locations, such as Darjeeling, where tea is produced between 600 and 2000 meters above sea level.
Activities on a holiday trip in Assam:
- Visit the Assam tea gardens: Assam tea is known for its strong, malty flavor and is often used as the base for many tea blends. The flavor of Assam tea is often described as robust, full-bodied, and slightly bitter. You can select some tea gardens that you can visit to know how tea is made and do a bit of tea tasting in the midst of rolling tea hills.
- Explore the Kaziranga National Park: This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as its elephants, tigers, and other wildlife.
- Visit Majuli Island: This is the largest river island in the world and is home to a vibrant culture and many historic monasteries.
- Explore Sivasagar: This city is home to many historic palaces and temples, including the 17th-century Sivasagar Palace and the ancient Rang Ghar stadium.
- Visit the Assam State Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Assam and is a great place to find out more about the region’s rich heritage.
- Enjoy a scenic river cruise: Assam is home to many beautiful rivers, and you can enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Brahmaputra River to take in the stunning scenery and local wildlife.
- Explore the local markets: Assam has a vibrant local culture, and you can shop for spices, tea, handmade crafts, and cloth.
- Visit the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is known for its large population of one-horned rhinoceroses and is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and nature walks.
Munnar
This hill station’s stunning terrain is made up of tea plantations, some of which are the finest tea plantations on the globe. Acres of land changed hands beginning in 1876. The first tea seedlings were planted less than a decade later. Relax at Windermere House or Matupetty Tea Estate and experience providing tea tours and tea-tasting sessions.
You may stroll through wide swaths of grassland, and the numerous tea plantations will entice you with their captivating beauty and charm. Also, when visiting Munnar, don’t forget to stop at the Tea Museum. It is India’s first tea museum, and it is conveniently located in KDHP’s (Kannan Devan Hill Plantation) Nallatanni Estate.
Activities on a holiday trip in Munnar:
- Visit tea plantations: Munnar tea is known for its light and smooth flavor with a hint of spiciness. The tea grown in Munnar is often used in blends and is characterized by its bright golden color. A tour of the tea plantations in Munnar is a must, where you can watch the tea-making process. You can also taste the different varieties of tea and purchase some to take back home.
- Trekking and hiking: Munnar has several trekking and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The popular trails include Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, and Meesapulimala.
- Wildlife watching: Munnar is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and several species of birds. Visit the Eravikulam National Park or the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to see some of the local wildlife.
- Boating: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the artificial lake of Mattupetty Dam and take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Visit the Rajamalai Hill Station: Take a trip to the Rajamalai Hill Station and see the rare species of the Nilgiri Tahr, which is native to the region.
- Shopping: Munnar has several shops selling locally made handicrafts, such as handmade soaps, aromatic oils, and tea.
- Relaxation: Munnar is known for its serene and tranquil atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the tea plantations or relax in a spa or Ayurvedic center to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Kangra is the place where Himalayan tea is cultivated. Places like Palampur arose, particularly, after Dr. Jameson planted saplings here. The British loved it, and tea plantations continue today. Staying at tea farms such as the Darang Tea Estate or taking a tea tour at the Wah Tea Estate are all options to see a thrilling mix of traditional cultures and agriculture. Guests are invited to the Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory, which also conducts production plant tours.
During your visit, you may explore the tea farms, wander around the plantations, interact with nature, take great photos, and eat excellent traditional food.
Activities on a holiday trip in Kangra:
- Visit temples: Kangra is home to several ancient temples, including the Brijeshwari Temple and the Jawalamukhi Temple, which are known for their architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Explore the Kangra Fort: The Kangra Fort, which dates back to the 5th century, is one of the largest forts in India. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and is a great place to learn about the region’s rich history.
- Enjoy adventure activities: Kangra offers several adventure activities, including rock climbing, paragliding, and white-water rafting.
- Visit the Dalai Lama Temple: The Dalai Lama Temple, also known as the Tsuglagkhang, is a peaceful and serene place to visit. It offers a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
- Visit tea gardens: Kangra is known for its tea gardens, where you can learn about the tea-making process and taste different varieties of tea. Palampur tea is known for its strong and robust flavor with a slightly bitter taste. The tea grown here are good for blends and is well known for its high levels of antioxidants.
- Explore the hot springs: Kangra is home to several hot springs, including the Tatwani and the Manikaran springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.
- Visit the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: If you’re a cricket fan, visit the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium and watch a match or take a tour of the stadium.
- Go on a trek: Kangra offers several trekking trails, including the Triund Trek and the Indrunag Trek, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Blue Mountains -Nilgiris
Tea gardens have been built in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu since 1835. The exquisite smell of Nilgiris Teas is well renowned. Tea farms may be found in and around Coonoor. During the British Raj, the Badagas, a native tribe, were forced to labor in the plantations after their lands were taken over for tea estates. Tea estates may be found across the Nilgiris, including Wayanad, the Anamalai region, and Nelliyampathy, among several other places.
Another place of attraction to watch out for here is the O’land Estate which is 40 minutes away from Ooty. Tenerife Plantation is a refreshing opportunity for tourists traveling to Coonoor.
Activities for a holiday trip in Coonoor
- Visit tea plantations: Nilgiris Coonoor tea is known for its light and delicate flavor with a hint of floral notes. The tea grown in this region is often used in blends and is characterized by its bright golden color. Take a tour of the tea plantations in Coonoor and learn about the tea-making process. You can also taste different varieties of tea and purchase some to take back home.
- Enjoy a scenic train ride: Take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Coonoor to Ooty for a scenic train ride through the rolling hills and tea plantations of the region.
- Visit Sim’s Park: Sim’s Park is a beautiful park that is home to a wide variety of plant species, including several exotic plants. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and to take in scenic views.
- Visit the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint: The Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing.
- Visit the Law’s Falls: The Law’s Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Coonoor. It’s a popular spot for picnics and offers a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
- Go on a trek: Coonoor offers several trekking trails, including the Catherine Falls Trek and the Kotagiri Trek, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Visit the St. Catherine’s Church: The St. Catherine’s Church is a beautiful colonial-style church located in Coonoor. It’s a peaceful and serene place to visit and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
- Shop for local handicrafts: Coonoor is known for its locally made handicrafts, such as hand-woven textiles, pottery, and jewelry. You can find these items at local markets and shops in the area.
Kolukkumalai, Tamil Nadu
Kolukkumalai is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, just across the border from Kerala. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, is possibly the highest and largest tea plantation in the nation, standing at 8,000 feet above sea level, making for a fascinating view. Because of the high altitude, the tea cultivated there is renowned to have a distinct scent and flavor.
Due to the difficult terrain, it takes roughly 2 hours to reach this lonely site via Suryanelli in Kerala’s Idukki district, despite being just approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Munnar town. The final stretch of the journey must only be completed by the jeep to experience, nonetheless, a breathtaking route.
Activities for a holiday trip in Kolukkumalai
- Visit the tea plantations: Take a guided tour of the tea estates and learn about the tea-making process. You can also taste the famous Kolukkumalai tea and buy some to take back home. Kolukkumalai tea is known for its light and smooth flavor with a hint of sweetness. The tea grown in Kolukkumalai is known for its high levels of antioxidants and is often used in blends.
- Hiking: The surrounding hills and forests offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking. Explore the scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
- Nature walks: Take a leisurely walk through the lush green plantations and forests, and observe the diverse flora and fauna of the area.
- Visit the Kolukkumalai Temple: The ancient temple is located atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site.
- Camping: Kolukkumalai is an ideal destination for camping and star-gazing. Pitch a tent in the wilderness and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place.
- Adventure sports: The area around Kolukkumalai offers opportunities for adventure sports like paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling.
- Visit local villages: Take a trip to the nearby villages and interact with the local people. Learn about their culture, customs, and way of life.
Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad has historically been associated with tea plantations spread across 5 estates. A visit to Wayanad would be incomplete without a stop at these tea estates. It is a picturesque hill station popular with nature lovers and is also known as the Green Heaven of Malabar. Its lush mountainous agricultural region also supplies a massive portion of chai (along with coffee, pepper, areca nut, cardamom, and spices).
The majority of the tea estates are south of Kalpetta, from Vythiti to Meppadi which offer heartwarming views. These are scenic locations with mist-clad hills and incredibly clear mountain streams that would make you forget about bustling city life. Spend time in nature while tasting some of the world’s greatest teas during the route to Chembra Peak passes via a private estate. Wayanad tea is known for its strong and robust flavor with a slightly bitter taste. The tea grown in Wayanad is used in blends and has high levels of antioxidants.
Tea gardens or Tea estates Tea is a drink that is taken by almost every Indian early in the morning with a newspaper and some light snacks. This beverage is our companion in almost every break that any Indian would like to take. The tea estates of India are world famous and they are spread across hill stations that not only beautify the environment but also endeavour to give a unique flavour to everyone’s mouth. For all chai lovers, exploring tea plantations in India is a blissful journey.
Activities for a holiday trip in Wayanad
- Trekking: The hills and forests of Wayanad offer some of the best trekking opportunities in India. You can take the Chembra Peak Trek to explore the scenic trails or Chembra Peak Trek to marvel at the breathtaking views of the valley. Pakshipathalam Trek leads to a cave with a natural spring and offers great views of the surrounding hills and forests.
- Wildlife viewing: Wayanad is home to a rich diversity of habitats. Take a jungle safari and observe the animals in their natural habitat. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 344 square km and is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and several species of birds.
- Visit the Edakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves are ancient rock shelters with unique rock carvings that are believed to be over 3000 years old.
- Visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum: The museum is a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Wayanad, including its history, art, and architecture.
- Enjoy the waterfalls: Wayanad is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Soochipara Falls, Meenmutty Falls, and Kanthanpara Falls. Take a dip in the cool waters and relax in the serene atmosphere.
- Visit local villages: Take a trip to the nearby villages and interact with the local people. Learn about their culture, customs, and way of life.
- Ayurvedic Massage: Wayanad is known for its traditional Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Book an appointment at a local spa and rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Plantation tours: Wayanad is famous for its spice plantations, including cardamom, coffee, and tea. Take a guided tour of the plantations and learn about the cultivation process.
We have listed a few of the most famous tea plantations for you to stay
Jorhat Tea Bungalows, Assam
Assuming there’s one thing that Assam is known for other than its nature’s excellence, it is the tea estates here. It is the Tea Capital of the World, and you can’t pass by the state without visiting the Jorhat Tea Bungalows. It will just add more flavours to your vacation.
Assam tea is for the most part collected two times. The primary flush i.e. first season begins in March. The subsequent flush, collected later in the season begins from May to June. The tea created in the subsequent flush season is maltier, better, and all the more full-bodied and is by and large viewed as better than the principal flush tea. For the most part, tea creation goes on till the end of November and is known as pre-winter flush.
Nilgiris Tea Plantation, Tamil Nadu
Home to one of the best tea estates in India, the Nilgiris Hills is about a thousand years old. The tea here is dim, solid, and very aromatic. A scrumptiously fragrant and flawlessly sweet-smelling tea, with high tones of sensitive botanical notes and brilliant yellow alcohol that will make you feel freshly energetic and splendid.
The peaceful Toda clan of these tea gardens helps in making these fragrant cups of tea. Nilgiri tea has a somewhat fruity, minty flavour, presumably on the grounds that trees like the Blue Gum and Eucalyptus dab the locale.
The reasonable mix of flavours and body makes Nilgiri tea a ‘blender’s fantasy’. The Nilgiri Hills otherwise known as the ‘Blue Mountains’ have gone under the impact of both southwest and northeast rainstorms; a motivation behind why the tea leaves here are culled around the year. Also, maybe the flavours created in closeness to the tea gardens give the light mix its liveliness.
Kanan Devan Hills Plantation, Munnar
Munnar is one more slope station that is famous for its tea homes. As a matter of fact, the Kanan Devan Hills Plantation is an absolute necessity visit since it is the very first tea historical centre in the country. It is arranged in Idukki and is a completely flawless area up the slopes. Not exclusively will you love the view here at the tea homes yet additionally the reviving refreshment that grows here will amuse you. You ask for any kind of tea from, green tea to black to flavoured tea to some essential oils, everything is available here at your service.
amã Stays & Trails
IHCL offers a collection of seven heritage Tea Estate bungalows in Munnar in its amã Stays & Trails portfolio. Located in the famous Kanan Devan Hills, on an estate spanning over 58,000 acres of lush plantations and thick forests, the seven original tea planters’ bungalows offer a good experience. Scenic landscapes, pristine lakes, unending expanses of tea plantations, and blankets of mist – make a stay at this Munnar tea plantation setting worthwhile.
From trout fishing on the estate, hot air balloon rides, rounds of golf, or a visit to the tea factories and the Tata Tea Museum, guests can absorb the local culture. The cuisine at the bungalows reflects Kerala, Tamil, and British influences through traditional family recipes passed down to generations.
Darang Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh
The Darang Tea Estate in Himachal Pradesh is one more well-known tea bequest in India that is over 150 years of age. After you have finished exploring Himachal, you can get a charge out of all that the state brings to the table to you, you should visit the tea bequest, possessed by a family, for its outlandish tea. The view is stupendous, and the tea estates just add to it.
Its rural appeal affectionately protected throughout the long term, Darang Tea Estate acquaints you with soul-feeding peacefulness in the neglected piece of Himachal Pradesh. Settled among the 70-section of land there are four comfortable cabins to rest in, each with an immediate perspective on the snow-covered Dhauladhar scope of the Himalayas.
Enchanted by the sputtering waters of a khud (mountain stream) and wrapped by sections of land of tea garden, visitors get to encounter the solaces of a homestay and the isolation of a selective hotel at a solitary spot. Darang has a decent part of its domain loaded up with wild-blooming plants and organic product-loaded trees. Due to such closeness with Himalayan nature, the bequest is regularly visited by admirers, bird watchers, and travellers.
Cooch Behar Tea Estate, in the lower reaches of Darjeeling, West Bengal,
The Cooch Behar Tea Estate in West Bengal is one more delightful tea home that sightseers love to visit. Relish in some newly blended tea while enjoying the beautiful perspective on the estate. Situated in the lower regions of the Darjeeling Hills, it plays host to an enormous number of tea cultivators; just about 30,000 of them. The domain is possessed by the Cooch Behar Tea Corporation Limited, which was laid out as far as possible back in 1950. Come and be entranced by all the new and wonderful tea.
Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka
Karnataka is likewise a famous state for refreshments. Kelagur tea bequest is known for natural tea making. The ranch is spread across 1500 acres of land. The tea estate was fabricated 70 years prior. It draws in a multitude of travellers on account of its staggering magnificence. What’s more, tea darlings can’t avoid this spot. The salubrious environment of this state is renowned for making probably the best rambling tea homes in India.
You can really see the handling of tea leaves and the techniques used to plant tea. You can find out about the methods of developing and collecting tea. The old conventional techniques involved by the estate are turning into the preeminent fascination for tea aficionados. The natural tea is stuffed in holders and is sent out to various corners of the world. The legitimate tea of Chikmagalur has an exceptionally sharp smell and is not difficult to recognize.
With this, we come to the end of this beautiful journey of tea estates that are considered as the best in India. If you are a true tea lover you must definitely pay a visit to these wonderful tea estates.
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