10 Popular Tea Estates in India to Visit
Tea is the favorite addiction among all ages in this country. Tea or popular as ‘Chai’ is the most favorite beverage whose aroma exists in every household in India. Chai is the first thing every Indian desire in the morning to start a new day, it is served to the guests, and can also be consumed as a remedy. There are plenty of tea plantation estates in India brewing fresh tea daily for the Indians.
Most hill stations have popular tea plantation companies in India that add a lot of beauty to that place. Tea plantations are known for their unique flavors, tastes, and aromas. If you are a chai lover, then tea plantations should be on your bucket list. Check the list of 10 popular tea gardens in India below.
Nilgiri Tea Plantations, Tamil Nadu
Nilgiri Hills have been growing tea for over 100 years and these hills are famous for strong, dark, and aromatic tea. Nilgiri Tea Plantations are one of the best tea plantation companies in India and grow tea throughout the year. While other tea plantations in the country grow tea seasonally. Coonoor with lovely lush greenery around would be your best option to start with. Try out some aromatic teas at one of the tea estates and you can also stay at the peaceful Tea Nest here.
Best Time- Late November to mid-February is the best time to visit Nilgiri Tea Plantations.
Location- Nilgiris, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Places to visit in Coonoor-
- Lamb’s Rock
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Sim’s Park
- All Saints Church
- Wellington Lake
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
The Glenburn Tea Estate is nestled beautifully in the foothills of the snowy Himalayas that you shouldn’t miss. The Glenburn Tea Estate offers you a bungalow for staying purpose with the mesmerizing Kanchenjunga mountain view. The Glenburn Tea Estate is spread across 1600 acres of lush green and is one of the popular tea estates in India to visit. If you’re visiting Darjeeling then don’t miss this beautiful heaven of tea.
Best Time- October to December is the best time to visit Glenburn Tea Estate.
Location- Darjeeling, West Bengal
Places to visit in Darjeeling-
- Zoological Park Darjeeling
- Batasia Loop
- Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
Jorhat Tea Bungalows, Assam
Jorhat Tea Bungalows are the most beautiful tea plantation estates in India that are located in Assam. This North-East state other than its scenic places is famous for its tea gardens also. Jorhat is also known as the “Tea Capital of the World” situated in the Central Valley. You can feel the ‘old world’ charm here because the bungalows are from colonial times which will add more flavor to your holiday.
Best Time- October to March is the best time to visit the Jorhat Tea Bungalows.
Location- Jorhat, Assam
Places to visit in Assam-
- Kaziranga National Park
- Umananda Temple
- Kamakhya Temple
Happy Valley Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Happy Valley Tea Estate is started in 1854 making it one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling. Happy Valley Tea Estate has grown tea known to have a ‘flowery’ or ‘muscatel’ flavor. People skip regular sugar and milk to taste the tea here and it is on the list of popular tea gardens in India. During monsoon season, avoid visiting here.
Best Time- April to June is considered the best time to visit Happy Valley Tea Estate.
Location- Darjeeling, West Bengal
Places to visit in Darjeeling-
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Yiga Choeling Monastery
- Darjeeling Rangeet Valley passenger cable car
Kanan Devan Hills Plantation, Munnar
Munnar, the pristine land situated in ‘God’s Own Country’ i.e Kerala is popular for tea estates other than its beautiful landscapes. Kanan Devan Hills Plantation is the first-ever tea museum in the country. If tea gardens are your thing, Kanan Devan Hills Plantation are popular tea estates in India to visit. This beautiful tea plantation is a must-visit tourist attraction situated in the Idukki district. You can have the freshly brewed tea along with pleasing scenes at the tea estates.
Best Time- November to February are the best months to visit Kanan Devan Hills Plantation
Location- Munnar, Idukki, Kerala
Places to visit in Munnar-
- Mattupetty Dam
- Eravikulam National Park
- Attukad Waterfalls
- Anamudi
- Pothamedu View Point
Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka
Kelagur Tea Estate is situated in Karnataka and is known for its organic process of tea making. Karnataka comes third in the country after West Bengal and Assam for tea production in the country. Kelagur Tea Estate is one of the best tea plantation estates in India and was established 70 years ago. By exploring the tea estate and factory, you can see what techniques are used and how the leaves are processed. You need Coorg hotels for a comfortable stay to explore this beautiful tea estate in Kelagur.
Best Time- March to November is the best time to visit the Kelagur tea estate
Location- Kelagur, Karnataka
Places to visit in Kelagur-
- Kodige Falls
- Charmadi Ghat View Point
- Ballala Rayana Durga Fort
Darang Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh
Darang Tea Estate in Himachal Pradesh is another popular tea plantation estate in India. Himachal Pradesh is known for Buddhist monasteries, skiing, trekking, and beautiful winters. Darang Tea Estate is over 150 years old and influenced by Tibetan culture. Darang Tea Estate is owned by a family and houses cottages that give you the fascinating views of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas.
Best Time- March to June is the best time to visit Darang Tea Estate.
Location- Kangra, Darang, Himachal Pradesh
Places to visit in Darang-
- Gandhi Smriti Park
- Satras
- Bar Masjid
- Pukhuria Beel
- Patharughat Shaheed Minar
Cooch Behar Tea Estate, West Bengal
Cooch Behar Tea Estate is situated in the West Bengal state and is a famous tourist attraction. This tea estate is one of the best tea plantation companies in India that was established in 1950. This tea estate is owned by the Cooch Behar Tea Corporation Limited and is situated in the foothills of Darjeeling hills. Enjoy the scenic mountain view with a freshly brewed cup of tea.
Best Time- October to February is the best time to visit Cooch Behar Tea Estate
Location- Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Places to visit in Jalpaiguri-
- Gazoldoba
- Jayanti Forest
- Bhramari Devi Temple
- Buxa Fort
- Dooars
Gatoonga Tea Estate, Assam
Assam tea is famous for its supreme quality and taste. Gatoonga Tea Estate produces the largest number of tea in-country and near Jorhat. Gatoonga Tea Estate is on the list of top 10 tea gardens in India. You have to stay at Banyan Grove on the Gatoonga Tea Estate if you’re in Assam. Don’t miss the process of witnessing the tea-making process when you are at this colonial bungalow which is 100 years old.
Best Time- October to March is the best time to visit Gatoonga Tea Estate
Location- Gatoonga, Assam
Places to visit in Gatoonga-
- Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghar
- Nimati Ghat Road
- Rajmao Pukhuri
- Tocklai Tea Research Institute
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Tamil Nadu
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a two-storey tea estate situated in Tamil Nadu established in 1930. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate surely takes you back to the old-world charm and it is one of the oldest tea plantation companies in India. You can take a sip of the delicious tea while touring the tea factories and enjoying the divine view of the plains. After visiting Kolukkumalai tea estate you can comfortably return to hotels in Chennai for having relax bed time.
Best Time- October to March is the best time to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.
Location- Kottagudi village, Theni, Tamil Nadu
Places to visit in Kottagudi-
- Kurangani
- Meesapulimala
- Pampadum Shola National Park
- Top Station
Whenever you plan a trip, don’t forget to add popular tea estates in India to visit in your itinerary. A true tea lover cannot resist heading toward the plantations to get the aroma and taste of tea. Visit the HotelDekho.com for best offers and discounts.