Famous Tea Estates in India: A Tour of the Country’s Best Chai Spots
Did you know that, as of October 2024, India consumed about 540,000 metric tonnes of tea? Ranking in the top ten crops in India, this figure indicates the popularity and love for the beverage in the nation. But where does all this tea come from?
It comes from renowned tea estates in India, from Darjeeling in West Bengal to Monabari in Assam. The tea produced by these estates also travels to other places around the world.
That’s why India was also the fourth-largest exporter of tea in the world, as of October 2024. So if you’ve decided to visit India and check out the source of all this tea, you will require a tourist visa for India.
You can apply for this visa by visiting our website, filling out the form, and paying the required fee. Prior to finishing the form, get the important documents in place. With all done and dusted now, it is time to delve into this list of tea estates in India that you must visit.
Darjeeling – The Champagne of Teas
When you think of Darjeeling, a must see tourist attraction of West Bengal, you are reminded of soft clouds touching the summit of Kanchenjunga, gentle mist-like rain, its historic toy train, and people dressed in their finest winter attire.
Apart from these things, Darjeeling is also known for its breakfast at Glenary’s, hot chocolate at Keventers, and yes, its famous Makaibari tea, from the Makaibari region.
It is but natural that Darjeeling will be at the top of this list of tea estates in India; after all, this is where you will find black teas with a unique muscatel flavor.
Estates To Visit
Located 34.2 km (21.25 miles) from Darjeeling, Makaibari is known for producing the finest blend of tea leaves in the world. The region has a rich and illustrious history, dating back to 1859, to the time of the Banerjee family, which still owns the tea garden.
You can choose to book a cab from your hotel or homestay** in Darjeeling to visit the estate.
**Note: Remember that you may need your tourist visa for India when booking a hotel or homestay, in addition to your passport. ** Consider checking with the authorities first.**
Alternatively, you enjoy the toy train ride through the historic Batasia loop, from Darjeeling to Ghum, and get down at Kurseong station.
From the Kurseong station, you can book a van from St. Andrew’s Cemetery or choose to walk 3 km (1.86 miles) to and back from the Factory.
Upon your visit, you will find a tea shop outside the factory, which sells the famous Makaibari tea varieties.
You should also not miss out on travelling to the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is again located at a distance of 35.3 km (21.92 miles) from Makaibari, and 2.3 km (1.42 miles) from Darjeeling.
So, if you’re traveling from Makaibari, you can use your cab, or take an auto rickshaw. However, if you’re traveling from the Bagdogra airport (located at a distance of 36.1 km or 22.4 miles), then take a cab.
Is there an alternate route? Yes. Get to Siliguri Station via train and get a cab from there.
You can be assured of one thing. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the views will be amazing. The sight of the lines of tea plantations, the lush green valleys and meadows, and the people plucking their tea will soothe your eyes.
Things To Do
We would recommend booking a stay at one of the local homes in Makaibari Homestay for an entire day or two. That’s because you'll be able to spend more time at the place and enjoy a variety of activities.
For instance, the package you book will include a visit to the factory, a walk through the plantation, lunch, and a special tea tasting session. The best part? Experts may even guide you to pluck tea leaves!
Another experience that you should not miss at Makaibari is booking a colonial-era bungalow, because you will travel back in time. The bungalows have been restored to their former grandeur, so you will feel like the British colonial tea planters felt during their stay here.
Apart from that, you should also not miss out on birdwatching.
At Happy Valley Tea Estate, you will be able to take part in a guided tea tour. During the tour, you will get to see the different techniques used to manufacture tea. And the guide is going to share more insights on the historical value of the place.
We recommend visiting Makaibari or the Happy Valley Tea Estate between March and November.
Assam – Strong, Malty Brews in the Northeast
Assam, one of the seven sisters, is perhaps best known for being the home of Maa Kamakhya, one of the forms of Goddess Durga, its elephants, and the colorful festival of Bihu. However, it is also known for its famous Assam tea.
One of the unique things about Monabarie Tea is its distinct bouquet of flavours that reveal themselves in each sip.
This tea comes from renowned estates like the Halmari Tea Estate and the Monabarie Tea Estate.
Let’s explore more about these tea estates in India.
Estates To Visit
The Monabarie Tea Estate is located at a distance of 69.0 km (42.78 miles) from Tezpur Airport, which is the nearest airport.
You can take a domestic flight** from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati to the Tezpur Airport, which will take you about five or so hours, as connecting flights are available.
That’s why you should take a train from Guwahati to Dekargaon Station, which will take about five hours.
**Note: Remember to carry your tourist visa for India when you book this flight.**
Going by bus is an alternate route, but it is rather time-consuming (almost four hours!)
The Monabarie Tea Estate is considered to be the biggest tea estate in Assam.
The best route in our suggestion is that you fly from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati to Dibrugarh Airport, and you have landed in the Halmari Tea Estate. Taking a cab is often advisable from the Dibrugarh airport, which is located at a distance of 37.5 km (23.3 miles).
Things To Do
Before you visit either of the tea estates, you should consider booking a bungalow** there or nearby. That way, you will not have to rush due to a hectic schedule and will experience a peaceful stay throughout.
**Note: Remember to carry a copy of your completed India visa application for tourist purposes when you visit the hotel. This document will help you confirm your booking**
The estate of Monabarie is divided into four different regions called Behu Pukri, Old Line, Lahori Jan, and New Line. The region where the factory is located is not open to tourists.
However, you can spend quite a pleasant time touring and walking through the tea gardens. Similarly, you can enjoy walking through the Halmari Tea Estate and enjoying the scenic view. The best time to visit both Halmari and Monabarie Tea Estate is from October to April.
Now let’s take a look at some of the things you should keep in mind when you travel to the tea estates in India.
Tips for Tea Lovers Traveling in India
Now that you have the list of tea estates in India, it is time for practical tops.
First, you should determine the time of your travel.
As we mentioned above, the best time to visit is between March and November for the locations we mentioned above. So you should plan your travel around these months.
Second, consider checking for tea estates located next to each other to plan your itinerary. For example, you may take a flight from Bagdogra Airport to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.
That way, you can explore the tea fields in Darjeeling and Assam consecutively.
Third, consider buying cases or packs of the tea from each of the locations as a valuable souvenir of your visit. You can store the cases and keep them as decorative pieces in your showpiece case.
Fourth, you should ask the people at the factory to select the best blends.
Finally, you should complete your India visa application for tourist purposes on time. We would also recommend letting the FRRO know in case you plan to stay for longer than six months.
You should also make an effort to learn some basic Assamese and Nepali phrases to connect with the locals easily. Don’t forget to pack the correct clothes as per the weather and carry medication, if any, as well. That’s all!
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