Tea is a plant that requires a certain kind of topography, climate and temperature to survive and thrive. The kind of topography and climate required for a tea estate is usually hilly and cool, making the region an ideal holiday destination as well. This is the reason that in many places in India the concept of tea tourism has emerged that attracts tourists from all over the world.
What is Tea Tourism?
It is not just those who love their cup of tea that would be interested in a spot of tea tourism, the tea estates themselves are a throwback to the genteel days of the Raj, which give the visitor a taste of an unhurried, relaxed and pampered way of life. There are three major tea growing regions in India which is the largest producer of tea in the world: Assam (where Englishman Robert Bruce famously found tea plants growing wild), Darjeeling (which produces some of the finest teas in the world) and the Nilgiri region in South India.
Visiting a tea plantation
This gives you a taste of a luxurious life at the plantation bungalow. Typically, you have the opportunity to see how tea is plucked and processed; you can also try your hand as some tea picking yourself! Rather like wine tourism in European countries, you can also enjoy a tea tasting session in the verdant locale that you visit.
The Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling
This is one of the best known tea estates in India. This estate claims to offer beautiful scenery and relaxation for those that seek it and alternatively adventures such as Camping out, river rafting, hiking through the forest, etc. The environs are spectacular and the town of Darjeeling offers charming excursions as well.
The Naxalbari Tea Estate
This is another one close to Darjeeling which offers stays in a stilt bungalow that was originally built to keep out predators. The recommended activity is taking long walks on the estate or simply finding a quiet spot to relax with endless cups of fresh tea!
The Makaibari Tea Estate
This is thought by some to be the best tea garden in the world and which apart from the usual tea estate activities also boasts a leopard conservation program.
Ooty, Munnar in South India
Many areas in South India also offer the option of tea tourism, with the Ooty area in South India having among the highest elevation tea factories which are open to visitors. Towns such as Munnar in the state of Kerala offer the dual charm of an Indian hill station and a tea growing area.
Tea tourism is a good opportunity for tea lovers to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life as well as get to see close at hand how their favorite beverage is produced!
