9 Must Visit Tea Plantations in India

BY Daniel Hales

If you’re heading for a luxury holiday in India and travelling to any one of the country’s beautiful tea growing regions, visiting a tea or coffee plantation should be near the top of your to do list.

So, we thought we’d do some of the work for you and put together our list of the 9 best tea plantations in India.

Glenburn Tea Estate, West Bengal

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, just one hour from Darjeeling in north east India, sits the 1600-acre Glenburn Tea Estate. Here you’ll find yourself able to sink into its lush, verdant surroundings and truly spectacular views of the stunning Kanchenjunga mountains. You won’t regret sampling the estate’s charming and traditional bungalows on any luxury holiday in India.

Happy Valley Tea Estate, West Bengal

Established in 1854, Happy Valley Tree Estate is one of the oldest tea plantations in India and is situated just 10 minutes’ drive from Darjeeling in West Bengal – one of the most famous tea plantation states in India. The estate produces some of India’s finest teas, thanks to the climate, soil and location where it sits at an altitude of 2,100 metres.

Cooch Behar Tea Estate, West Bengal

Situated in the rolling green slopes of the Darjeeling foothills, Cooch Behar is one of the most famous tea estates in India, attracting tourists from all over the world, and is home to around 30,000 small tea growers. Dating back to 1950, it’s owned by the Cooch Behar Tea Corporation and produces some truly exquisite teas.

Jorhat Tea Bungalows, Assam

Deep in the Brahmaputra Valley in one of India’s most remote regions, sits Jorhat – otherwise known as the tea capital of India – or indeed the world. Its location in Assam, one of the largest tea plantation states in India, means it boasts fantastic scenery, making it popular for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. And its stunning colonial bungalows shine with old-world charm.

Gatoonga Tea Estate, Assam

Assam is famous for its flavoursome tea, and if you’re looking to see how it’s traditionally made while on holiday in India, Banyan Grove in the Gatoonga Tea Estate is a great option. Located near Jorhat, and founded over a century ago, the estate features a beautifully traditional colonial bungalow.

Darang Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh in northern India is famous for its abundance of outdoor activities as well as its temples and monasteries. The family-run Darang Tea Estate in the foothills of the Himalayas is one of the most beautifully quaint tea plantations in India, with delicious tea, stunning views and a peaceful visit guaranteed.

Nilgiri Tea Plantations, Tamil Nadu

Tea has been growing year-round in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu since the early twentieth century and, thanks to the favourable climate of the Western Ghats, the tea grows all year round here. There’s lush greenery everywhere and plenty of choice when it comes to which individual tea estates to visit.

Kanan Devan Hills Plantation, Kerala

The south Indian state of Kerala is renowned for its beauty, and most luxury holidays in Kerala will include a trip to the Unesco-listed Western Ghats mountain range. Buried within the rolling slopes of this famous tea growing region is the mile-high mountain town of Munnar. And the great thing about its Kanan Devan Hills Plantation is that it’s home to India’s first ever tea museum which makes it a must-visit on any luxury holiday in Kerala.

Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka

If you love tea, you’ll love witnessing tea production the old fashioned way with a trip to the Kelagur Tea Estate in the south-western Indian state of Karnataka. The 1500-acre estate, situated at around 8,000 feet altitude, is popular with tea lovers thanks to its certified organic status and tours of its traditional factory.