Are you a lover of all-things chai? It's time to take a trip to a tea estate. You don’t just see the locals pluck out the leaves from the bushes, you also get a lesson in how the tea is processed before taking that sip you’ve been waiting for.

Here’s 10 of the best tea estates in India.

Nilgiri Tea Plantations, Tamil Nadu

While Assam and Darjeeling grow tea during certain months, there’s no such problem in the Nilgiris where it’s tea time all year round. Also known as the Blue Mountains, these hills have been home to several estates for more than 100 years. The popular ones include Kodanad Estate, High field Tea Factory, Lockhart Tea Estate, Vigneshwar Estate Tea Factory, and Glendale Tea Estate. If you’re a fan of tea that’s dark, strong, and one with a very strong aroma, these hills on the Western Ghats are your dream destination. 

Kanan Devan Hills Plantation, Munnar

You can book your date with history and tea in the most literal sense at Munnar by paying a visit to the Kanan Devans Hills Plantation, home for the country’s first-ever tea museum. What’s more, it’s the only plantation in India that’s entirely owned by its employees. With a whole lot of serenity and scenic views, it’s tranquility at its best in Munnar.

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

We can’t be talking tea and not mention Darjeeling. Located at an hour’s drive from the hill station is the unmissable Glenburg Tea Estate, a sprawling lush green property spanning 1,600 acres with luxurious suites, designed with Victorian Teak wood furniture, and the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Their green tea is the best you’ll ever sip.

Happy Valley Tea Estate, Darjeeling

168 years old. Yes, that’s exactly the age of the Happy Valley Tea Estate in Darjeeling, one of the oldest in the area. Spread over 437 acres and located at a height of 6,800 ft above sea level, the property offers tea that's floral in flavour, so much so that many guests choose to not add milk and sugar to it. Although, while one doesn’t need an occasion to sample some chai from Darjeeling, it’s best not to pay this place a visit during the monsoon.

Jorhat Tea Bungalows, Assam

Located in the central part of the valley, there’s a reason why Jorhat is called the tea capital of the world. If you’re looking for something old school, one that resembles the colonial era, this estate, with its aesthetics and architecture is just where you need to go. All you need here is a cup of their malty Assamese tea and off you go for a nice walk or trek to enjoy the scenery. 

Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka

What sets Kelagur Tea Estate apart from the rest is its entirely organic method of making tea. You can pay a visit to the factory, built 70 years ago, and witness their traditional techniques. Their seven steps involve rolling, withering, fermenting, drying, sieving, and grading, with the process culminating in fiber extraction.

Darang Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh

A tea estate that doubles up as a home stay? Sign us up. Dating back over 150 years, the family-owned Darang Tea Estate in Himachal Pradesh offers four cottages, each with a picturesque view of the Dhauladhar range. Once done trying out the fresh brew, you can spend time going for a hike, a swim, or even fishing. The estate also has several sightseeing options like the Kangra Fort, Triund, and Mcleodganj.

Gatoonga Tea Estate, Assam

If you’re at Jorhat, you can head to the Gatoonga Tea Estate. One of the most popular places to stay is the Banyan Grove, a colonial heritage bungalow more than 100 years old. The property has seven bedrooms, each with a fireplace, a dining room, a common sitting room, and an attached kitchen. 

Cooch Behar Tea Estate, West Bengal

The Cooch Behar Tea Estate is yet another Darjeeling delight. Situated in the foothills, the estate, established in 1950, is host to as many as 30,000 tea growers. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the hill station, one can watch time come to a halt in the gardens, with the clear skies above, as they sip a hot cup of tea. 

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Tamil Nadu

Just like the Kelagur Tea Estate, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate offers tea lovers the chance to experience how tea is made the traditional way. Located close to 7,900 ft above sea level, the plantation and factory established in the middle of the estate gives one the chance to enjoy the scenic plains. Those looking for some excellent robust tea, this is the place to be!

 

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