Popular Tea Estates to visit in Assam .

India boasts the title of producing tea of the highest quality and distinct varieties. All types of tea leaves are grown in India yet the Black Tea takes the crown, particularly in the northeast part of India. Well, thanks to India’s unique topography, varied climatic conditions, and ample strength to produce tea leaves every year in huge amounts. Assam, the second largest state of Northeast India is blessed with natural beauty, lush tea gardens, overflowing wildlife, serene Brahmaputra River and the warmness of indigenous people there.

The Assam state is dotted with numerous tea gardens and heritage bungalows which remind of the city’s colonial past, where tourists visit to relish the flavour of Assam tea, munch on exquisite food delicacies and indulge in lovely garden tours. From Monabarie Tea Estate to Sapoi Heritage tea Bungalows, every place has a story to tell. To make sure that you don’t miss out on the team culture, we have jotted down the details to experience and find out the best tea.

The state of Assam which has earned the title of ‘tea estate’ contributes to India’s half tea output and plays a huge role in increasing tea tourism in Assam. Assamese love their tea as it has a rich and earthy aroma that not only comforts but enhances the mood of a chai lover. Do you also wish to see vast greenery and enjoy sipping tea while sitting in the tea estate, well you’re in luck! Here’s a list of some popular tea gardens to visit in Assam. During the tea estate tour, one can admire the stunning views of the gardens, smell the aroma of tea leaves and relish their soul by tasting the tea.

1.Monabarie Tea Estate: The Giant of Asia

Monabarie Tea Estate, located in the Biswanath Chariali district of Assam is Asia’s largest Tea Estate and is listed among India’s Top Tea Tourism Destinations. The tea estate is spread across an area of 1,158 hectares and is owned by McLeod Russel India Limited which is part of the Williamson Major group. The McLeod Russel India Limited was founded in 1869 and now bears the title of the World’s largest tea growing company. The tea producing company owns approximately 31 tea estates alone in the region.

The legendary tea estate has been in existence since the 1800s and travellers from different parts of the world come to rejuvenate themselves in the tea gardens. The most popular tea flavour of this tea estate is the Reddish Bright colour tea which contributes largely to its popularity and growth. Monabarie Tea Estate is divided into different segments namely Lahori Jan, Behu Pukri, Old Line, and New Line. Inside the tea estate, there’s a factory and hospital too. Visiting Monabarie Tea Estate during the months of October to April is considered the best time as the climate remains pleasant and comfortable for strolling through the tea gardens.

Location: NH-52, Monabari, Biswanath, Assam, 784167

2.Halmari Tea Estate

Halmari Tea Estate, located in the Moran district covers an area of 374 hectares of land in the Assam region. Halmari Tea Estate is owned by the Daga Family and is one of the best tea gardens to explore in Assam as it produces a wide range of tea varieties throughout the year. The business of the Halmari Tea Estate is not just in India but spread all across the world. The tea garden is known for its traditional, flavoured, luxury, and CTC (crush, tear, curl) teas and is offered in highly reputed hotels and resorts worldwide. The exceptional quality of tea leaves has even won the highest bids in the tea auction at Kolkata.

The Halmari Tea Estate carries a legacy which dates back centuries and still maintains its legacy by producing the finest Assam teas. The tea plants are nourished by the Brahmaputra River and produce unique flavour tea leaves that include an intense maltiness and hint of sweetness. The Assam tour will remain incomplete if not explored the Halmari Tea Estate. Tourists visiting the place can witness the art of plucking and producing tea leaves, the plucking of the tea leaves can usually take about five to six days.

Location: Khowang, Moranhat district, Dibrugarh, Assam 785669

3.Corramore Tea Estate

Corramore Tea Estate, located in the Hatigarh of Darrang district of Assam covers an area of 480 hectares and holds a family heritage of over 100 years which was founded by Robert Logan from Scotland in the 1860s. The Corramore Tea Estate is now owned by Williamson Tea and now widely focuses on producing and harvesting Camellia Assamica species.

In 1993, the Corramore Tea Estate made headlines because of the record bulk of tea production which has resulted in adopting the modern along with traditional techniques to create exceptional tea leaves. The tea leaves are popular for their unique aroma and flavourful taste which are widely liked by the tourists visiting this place during Assam tourism. One of the best things about this tea estate is that it offers magnificent views of the Kaziranga mountain range and also looks after the famous Corramore runway that is built along the tea plantations.

Location: Khairabari Grant, Hatigarh, Darrang district, Assam 784524

4. Mangalam Tea Estate

Mangalam Tea Estate, located in Towkok Grant No.2 lies close to Sibsagar district in Assam and is spread over an area of 118 hectares. For the past 70 years, the Tea Estate has been a part of Jay Shree Tea, a brand that is well associated with luxury tea. If compared to other Assam tea plantations that have been around for more than a century, then this tea estate is young and was established around five decades ago.

The Mangalam tea estate is a great example of creating the ideal layout of a tea plantation. This Assam tea is slightly stronger and creamier than other whole-leaf varieties since it is mostly made from clonal tea trees in the tea garden. The tea leaves give a delicate fruit taste along with a rich and malty chocolate flavour. This tea estate not only produces excellent black and green tea leaves with golden tips but also focuses on modern tea planting and cultivation.

Assam Tea Tourism will remain incomplete without visiting the Assam Tea Industry as it is widely renowned for its bright golden tips and exceptional flavour. CTC (crush, tear, curl) and traditional leaves of this tea estate are highly favoured by German consumers. The tea estate tour will be best explored during the winter months.

Location: Towkok Grant No.2, Assam

5. Ghograjan Tea Estate

Ghograjan Tea Estate, located in the Dibrugarh district of Assam is spread over 350 acres of land and elegantly lies along the Ghagra River. The fifth generation of the family is presently in charge of the tea estate, which was established in the 1930s. Budhkaran Choukhany founded the Ghograjan tea mill after independence and was among the original founders of the Assam Tea Planters Association in 1935. Best planters were appointed since then to manage the estate. The successors of the property adopted a modern tea processing facility, invested in R&D and also took care of the Ghograjan community. The word Ghograjan means ‘a small river’ in the local language of Assamese.

The tea leaves are highly rated by industry experts as they produce one of the top-quality Assam Orthodox and CTC teas. The tea leaves go through a complex testing process and are packed right inside the family estate. Some widely loved products are the Assam Breakfast Tea, Royal Masala Chai, Assam Golden Tips and Vintage Earl Grey which are grown in the estate.

Around 400 people are working on the plantation along with well structured infrastructure, housing, a healthcare centre and a primary school. Around 75% of the workforce is looked after by women and therefore became one of the industries where women run the business. All these features of the plantation make it a great place to explore when visiting Assam for vacation.

Location: Ghograjan Tea Estate, P.O. Lahoal, Dibrugarh, Assam 786010

6. Khongea Tea Estate

Khongea Tea Estate which is located in the upper region of Assam was established in the 19th century by two English tea planting ladies. The tea estate lies very close to the Brahmaputra River and hence has become a great option for tourists to explore. The tea garden came into existence around 1949 and now the tea estate is owned and managed by Lala Darshanlal’s grandson Sudhir Prakash and his family. After years of hard work and success, the family gained the title of ‘Chaiwala Family’ in the region. Every year at the time of winter, the Khongea Tea Festival is celebrated which gathers the Prakash family and workers of the tea estate.

Khongea Tea Estate produces flavourful tea leaves with a taste of malty sweetness which makes it a delightful choice for tea lovers. Tea tourism season in Assam can be enjoyed twice a year because the first flush season starts in March and the second flush starts from the months of May to June. During the second flush of the season, the finest Assam tea is produced which makes a perfect base for Chai, locally it is called Masala Tea.

Location: PO. Rajmai, Khara Haat-Demow Rd, Hiloidari, Assam 785662.

7. Manohari Tea Estate

Manohari Tea Estate located in Lahoal along the Indian-Burma border is placed at an elevation of 390 feet above sea level. The whole estate comprises 1800 acres and 1000 acres is covered with tea plantations. The tea estate has been popular since the British era and the rich aroma and the quality of the tea leaves are maintained exquisitely. The estate has set records by selling teas at tea auctions at great prices which enhanced the value of the tea industry in Assam.

The Manohari Tea Estate is home to exclusive and special tea leaves such as Manohari Gold which has gained immense popularity in a short period in the health and fitness sector. People visiting the location will never regret their decision as it produces high quality tea in the garden that is surrounded by unparalleled scenic beauty and landscape.

In addition to being a wonderful destination for tea enthusiasts, the Manohari Tea Estate is also a must-see for anybody interested in living on a tea estate and seeing firsthand the commitment and labour-intensive process involved in making premium tea. Travelling to the Manohari Tea Estate is quite accessible as the Dibrugarh Airport is only a few kilometres away from the tea estate.

Location: Manohari Tea Estate, Nogaghuli 1/177 Orr, Assam 786012

Conclusion

The tea gardens in Assam are not just plantation land; but they are as alive as symbols of the state’s culture with history imprinted in them or the beauty of nature that it represents. All the seven tea estates listed have effectively placed Assam as one of the premier tea producers in the world and providing different distinctive flavors to the tea enthusiasts. Enjoy your next cup of Assam tea with a nod to history, Skill and the beauty of the Assam landscape that gives this tea its Unique Character.