Tea Gardens in India

If you are a tea lover then a visit to the tea plantations is a must in your itinerary! These verdant tea estates are tranquil and provide the ultimate backdrop to sip your piping hot cup of tea. Here are some of the most famous tea plantations in India.

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Glenburn is one of the finest tea estates in Darjeeling with mesmerizing landscape, snow-laden mountains and wildlife. Located at an hour’s drive from Darjeeling, the tea estate is spread over 1,600 acres. One truly feels blessed to sip tea in the wafting aroma of tea leaves while soaking in breath-taking view of the Kanchenjunga peak.

Manohari Tea Estate, Assam

Situated in upper region of Assam, this renowned tea estate offers a special variety of Assam tea known as Manohari Gold, which is hailed as India’s most expensive tea. Its production is a tedious and time-consuming process, since it is hand rolled. Various specialty teas such as CTC, Orthodox, Silver Needle, Oolong Gold, Green, White and Yellow tea are produced on the Manohari estate. Yet the most exclusive tea is Gold tea, which is almost 100% hand rolled.

Happy Valley Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Established in 1854, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling. The tea grown here is unique as it has a delicate ‘muscatel’ or ‘flowery’ flavour, which makes it a delicious drink even without adding milk and sugar. Originally owned by an Englishman David Wilson, the 437 acre tea garden is also a famous tourist attraction for its sylvan beauty but it also has a museum, factory and tea processing unit. 

Nilgiri Tea Plantations, South India

The magical Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu are renowned for their uniquely dark and strongly aromatic tea. In fact, the mountains are home to some of the finest tea plantations in India and tea is the most important industry in the region.

These stunning hills have been growing tea for over 100 years and produce tea which is mild and unique in taste with mellow and clean liquor. The tea plantations are one of the biggest producers of Black Tea in India.

Unlike Assam and Darjeeling where tea grows on seasonal basis, it grows all throughout the year in the Nilgiris and more than 50% of Nilgiri tea is exported.  The lush greenery of the various tea gardens namely, Kodanad Estate, High field Tea Factory, Lockhart Tea Estate, Vigneshwar Estate Tea Factory and Glendale Tea Estate, make for a memorable tea tour.

Kanan Devan Hills Plantation, Munnar

The spellbinding beauty of Munnar, a hill station in Kerala, enchants visitors with its tranquillity and peace that it has to offer. A well-known tourist attraction, it mesmerizes with its unique biodiversity and manicured tea gardens. The plantation has India’s first ever tea museum, which depicts the growth of this over a century old tea plantation, from the rudimentary tea roller to the fully automated tea factory at Madupatty. 

Jorhat Tea Bungalows, Assam

The state of Assam is the largest tea producing region in India and its specialty is the brightly coloured malty Assamese tea. Nestled in central Assam, Jorhat is often referred to as the ‘Tea Capital of the World’. The place is famed for its natural beauty, architectural heritage and unique flavour of tea; which together make for an exceptional ‘old-world’ holiday experience.

Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka

Famous for its organic process of tea making, it is a much cherished place to visit for the tea enthusiasts. Spanning over 1,500 acres, the estate has a factory located in its middle, which was built 70 years ago. It uses traditional techniques, which involve the seven-step process of tea-making namely, rolling, withering, fermenting, drying, sieving, grading and fibre extraction.

Cooch Behar Tea Estate, West Bengal

Located in the foothills of the Darjeeling Hills, the exquisite tea estate is owned by the Cooch Behar Tea Corporation Limited, which was established all the way back in 1950. It hosts around 30,000 small tea growers and attracts tourists from across the world, who feel mesmerized by the fresh and delicious tea.

Nidhi Jakhar