Tea Tourism in India

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 02 March 2025

A Journey through India’s Tea Gardens 

Tea is more than just a beverage in India; it is a vital thread woven through the nation’s cultural and social fabric. In recent years, tea tourism has emerged as a unique travel trend, offering visitors an immersive experience in India’s lush tea-growing regions. From the sprawling estates of Assam to the misty slopes of Darjeeling and the tranquil Nilgiri Hills, tea tourism provides an enchanting blend of history, culture, and breath-taking landscapes. 

This journey through India’s tea gardens allows travellers to witness tea cultivation first hand, experience heritage bungalows, and indulge in the finest brews. In this article, we explore the origins of Indian tea, the unique characteristics of its renowned tea regions, and the vibrant festivals that celebrate India’s tea heritage. 

The Origins of Indian Tea 

Tea in India traces its roots to the early 19th century when the British East India Company sought to challenge China’s monopoly over tea. In 1823, Scottish adventurer Robert Bruce discovered wild tea plants growing in Assam, and soon after, the British introduced large-scale tea plantations. Over time, tea cultivation expanded to Darjeeling and the Nilgiris, shaping India into one of the world’s largest tea producers. 

Today, India is synonymous with a variety of teas; Assam’s bold, malty brews, Darjeeling’s delicate muscatel flavours, and Nilgiri’s fragrant, brisk teas. Each region has its own unique growing conditions and methods, creating an experience that is as diverse as it is flavourful. 

Assam: The Cradle of Indian Tea 

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Assam is home to India’s largest tea-growing region. Its tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and low-lying plains create the perfect conditions for producing strong, full-bodied teas with a signature malty taste. 

Visitors to Assam can tour vast tea estates, where the sight of skilled tea pluckers delicately harvesting leaves is a mesmerizing experience. Many estates, such as the renowned Jorhat Tea Estate, offer guided walks through the plantations, tea-tasting sessions, and insights into the intricate process of tea production. 

A stay at a colonial-era tea bungalow is one of the highlights of tea tourism in Assam. These heritage lodgings, once home to British planters, allow guests to experience the charm of a bygone era. Enjoying a fresh brew on a sprawling veranda while overlooking endless green fields is a moment of pure serenity. 

For those keen to delve deeper into Assam’s tea culture, a visit to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat provides fascinating insights into tea science, innovation, and sustainability. Additionally, engaging with the indigenous Singpho tribe, known for their traditional tea-making techniques, offers a glimpse into Assam’s rich tea heritage. 

Darjeeling: The Queen of the Hills 

Perched in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a paradise for tea lovers. Known for its exquisite, high-altitude teas, this region produces light, floral, and aromatic teas that are often compared to fine wine. The unique terroir, cool mountain air, misty slopes, and well-drained soil, gives Darjeeling tea its distinctive flavour. 

A visit to Darjeeling’s tea estates is a journey into history. Estates like Makaibari, Glenburn, and Happy Valley invite travellers to witness the careful hand-plucking of the prized two leaves and a bud. Tourists can partake in exclusive tea-tasting sessions where they learn to distinguish between different flushes—spring’s delicate first flush, summer’s muscatel second flush, and the autumnal harvest’s rich, full-bodied notes. 

Staying in a heritage tea estate bungalow adds a luxurious touch to the experience. Waking up to mist-shrouded mountains, enjoying a freshly brewed cup on a sunlit terrace, and embarking on guided tea estate walks make for an unforgettable retreat. The region’s colonial charm, with quaint cafes and historic monasteries, further enriches the journey. 

Beyond tea, Darjeeling offers cultural immersion with its blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and British influences. Travelers can explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or savour local delicacies such as momos and thukpa, best paired with a warm cup of Darjeeling tea. 

The Nilgiris: The Blue Mountains of Tea 

In the southernmost tea-growing region of India, the Nilgiri Hills, also known as the ‘Blue Mountains,’ present a different tea experience. Unlike Assam and Darjeeling, Nilgiri teas are grown at a lower latitude but at high altitudes, resulting in fragrant, smooth, and brisk teas that are perfect for iced tea blends. 

Tea tourism in the Nilgiris is a sensory delight. Estates in Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri invite visitors to explore their neatly pruned gardens set amidst rolling hills and misty valleys. The eucalyptus-scented air mingles with the fresh aroma of tea, creating an almost therapeutic atmosphere. 

Tea blending workshops at select estates allow guests to craft their own tea blends under expert guidance. These interactive experiences offer a deeper appreciation of how different flavours, floral, citrusy, or spicy, are combined to create the perfect cup. 

The Nilgiris are also home to the Toda tribe, an indigenous community known for their unique barrel-shaped huts and intricate embroidery. Learning about their traditions and their connection to the land adds cultural depth to the visit. Meanwhile, local treats such as Ooty’s varkey biscuits and homemade fruit jams make for delightful tea-time accompaniments. 

Celebrating Tea: Festivals and Events 

Throughout the year, India hosts tea festivals that celebrate its rich tea culture. These events offer visitors the chance to indulge in rare teas, witness traditional tea ceremonies, and interact with industry experts. 

• The Assam Tea Festival (held in Jorhat) brings together tea lovers and producers through plantation tours, tea-tasting competitions, and cultural performances. Visitors can participate in tea auctions and witness traditional dance forms like Bihu, adding a lively touch to the experience. 

• The Darjeeling Tea & Tourism Festival showcases the region’s finest teas while offering scenic estate visits, interactive workshops, and musical performances. It’s a celebration that blends tea appreciation with the charm of the Himalayas. 

• The Nilgiri Tea Festival offers a chance to explore South India’s tea legacy. It features gourmet food infused with tea flavours, heritage tea trails, and workshops on tea pairing, making it a unique event for culinary enthusiasts. 

These festivals not only highlight India’s tea diversity but also promote sustainable tea farming and innovations in the industry. 

A Journey Worth Taking 

Tea tourism in India is a blend of history, nature, and sensory delight. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or a casual traveller, exploring India’s tea-growing regions offers an experience like no other. 

From Assam’s robust brews to Darjeeling’s elegant muscatel flavours and Nilgiri’s refreshing floral notes, each region tells a unique story. The heritage, landscapes, and traditions surrounding tea cultivation create a journey that is both relaxing and enlightening. 

With every sip, travellers connect with the land, the people, and the centuries-old craft of tea-making. So, pack your bags, set off on a tea trail, and savour the essence of India, one cup at a time.