India
is one of the largest producers of tea in the world, second only to China. Tea
cultivation was introduced in India around the early 1800s by the British East
India Company. Today, India is one of the leading exporters of tea in the
world. Darjeeling Tea and Assam Tea are grown exclusively only in India, and
known for their unique taste and flavor.
The
concept of tea tourism is relatively new in
India. It can be best explained as the eastern counterpart to Europe’s famous
wine tourism. Similar to how tourists get a chance to live in the vineyard
estates and witness the steps of wine making, tea
tourism also encourages tourists to enjoy a stay in tea estate resorts.
They may participate in the tea plucking activity, visit a tea factory, and
witness the different methods of commercial tea processing. Complimentary tea
tasting sessions are also provided.
The
various tea plantations in Assam, Darjeeling and Munnar enjoy a great deal of
tourist appeal. Some of the tea estates in these tea-producing regions are more
than a few centuries old. They attract a fair share of visitors all round the
year.
Some
of the best destinations in India are:
Assam
Assam
is the single largest tea-growing region in the world. The tea plantations can
be found on on either side of the Brahmaputra River. Assam tea is known for its
characteristic malty flavor and strong bright color. The state has more than
800 tea estates in the region. A tea festival is held every year in November in
Jorhat – a district located in central of the Brahmaputra valley, often
referred to as the "Tea Capital of the World". Tourists can enjoy a
memorable getaway surrounded by the lush greenery of tea plantations.
Darjeeling
Tea tourism in Darjeeling is quite an attraction. Built
on the hilly slopes of Himalayas, the tea plantations of Darjeeling paint a
stunning picture against the backdrop of snow-clad mountain peaks. Darjeeling Tea
is golden or amber in color and has a unique delicate flavor. The brew is often
referred to as “Champagne of Teas” because of its “muscatel” taste. Darjeeling
has many tea estate resorts where they can enjoy a quite retreat away from the
city life. Enjpy the serene view of Himalayas while sipping a warm cup of tea!
Munnar
A popular
hill station in Kerala, Munnar welcomes all tourists with a spectacular view of
miles upon miles of tea plantations surrounding the valley. Teas of this region
have a medium fragrance and obtain golden liquor with an orange tinge. Munnar
is home to some of the largest tea producing estates. Tourists get an excellent
chance to stroll through the tea gardens while enjoying the scenic mountain
views.
Nilgiri Mountains
The Nilgiri
district in Tamil Nadu is known for its deliciously fragrant and exquisitely
aromatic tea. The brisk liquor and elegant flavor of Nilgiri tea is contributed
by the rainfall and atmospheric condition of the region. The tea brews to
golden yellow liquor with high tones of delicate floral notes. The combination
of fragrance and briskness makes Nilgiri Tea a truly unique flavor.
