28 Feb, 2024

Popular Tea Gardens to Visit in Assam, North East India

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.

Here is a list of the 12 Popular Tea Gardens to Visit in Assam which will delight your heart:

• Monabarie Tea Estate
• Halmari Tea Estate
• Corramore Tea Estate
• Mangalam Tea Estate
• Ghograjan Tea Estate
• Khongea Tea Estate
• Nonoi Tea Estate
• Amchong Tea Estate
• Manohari Tea Estate
• Nagrijuli Tea Estate
• Harmutty Tea Estate
• Sapoi Tea Estate

Monabarie Tea Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonoi Tea Estate

Nonoi Tea Estate, located in the Nagaon district of Assam is at the height of 225 metres above sea level and sits peacefully on the Karbi Range. The tea estate is merely 80 years old and is part of the Chubwa Tea Garden. The establishment of the tea garden dates back to the early 1940s and in 1993, it catered for growing a poly-packaging centre to produce packaged tea leaves. The famous waterfall, Nanoi which is a famous tourist attraction is located close by and is the reason behind the name of the tea estate. Due to its picturesque location and scenic landscape, it is one of the best tea gardens to visit in Assam. It would be a great place for tea lovers to taste different tea flavours and enjoy strolling in the tea gardens.

The Nonoi Tea Estate is locally known by the name Rangamati and is spread across an area of around 960 hectares. The tea garden is beautifully divided into three parts which are Old Salna, Rungamutte, and Nonoi. The tea estate is widely known for its efforts to sustain and diversify its tea business along with fisheries and cultivating Assam lemon. The estate produces both Orthodox and CTC teas for domestic and international markets respectively. The Nonoi Tea Estate provides all necessary amenities which include hospitals, dispensaries and two schools and has adopted measures to protect the environment.

Location: Nagaon district, Assam 782101, India

Amchong Tea Estate

Amchong Tea Estate, located in Panbari Mouza of Kamrup district of Assam covers a total area of 1782 acres. The estate’s professional employees highly focus on providing the best quality tea leaves to customers. Loyal customers are given a great opportunity from the estate where they can buy fresh tea leaves at the best negotiated price. The tea estate is valued for its teas, which exhibit a lovely harmony between strength and briskness, making them popular among those looking for a true Assam tea experience.

For many years, the Amchong Tea Estate has been manufacturing CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea and in 2015, it introduced Orthodox tea in its product line and since then it has become widely popular. The tea estate keeps up the potential to produce 1,000,000 kgs of tea annually and has also gathered high demand at auctions. The estate is an essential spot for tea lovers due to its dedication to quality and community development. Reaching the tea estate is very easy as it is only a 20-minute drive away from Guwahati city.

Location: Jubai No.2, Panbari Mouza, Kamrup district, Assam 782401

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

Nagrijuli Tea Estate

Nagrijuli Tea Estate, located in the Baksa district of Assam covers an area of over 604 acres and tends to produce unique and quality tea to its customers. The area is home to the local Bodo community and in the local language, Nagrijuli is derived from the word ‘Narchi-Juri’ which means eternal spring. The spring that surrounds the estate offers clear and refreshing water to the tea plants.

The Nagrijuli Tea Estate is widely renowned for its two famous products which are CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea and the unique Orthodox tea formula. The climate and ambiance of the area are perfect for the premium quality tea leaves. Tourists visiting Assam for tea garden tours can also enjoy other attractions apart from the tea estates such as national parks and mountain ranges.

The Manas National Park is situated close to the Nagrijuli National Park and can be visited easily by the well-constructed roadways. For those who love natural surroundings and beverages, Nagrijuli Tea Estate is an absolute must-see for them because of its peaceful surroundings and exquisite tea.

Location: No.2.Piplani, Baksa district, Assam 781368

Harmutty Tea Estate

Harmutty Tea Estate, situated on the bank of Dikrong River lies 19 kilometres east of Tezpur and 37 kilometres west of north Lakhimpur, very close to the Arunachal Pradesh border. Assam’s Harmutty Tea Estate was built in 1870 and is among the oldest tea estates in the northeast region. According to the locals, the tea garden derives its name from Queen Hiramati, wife of King Arimata. The burial spot of the Queen can be found in the Majh Tea Bungalow’s Kitchen Garden.

The garden has become known as the top orthodox trademark in Assam over the years thanks to its lovely tea area, which is bordered by a natural forest. It is also backed by old seed varieties and high-quality clones for appropriate orthodox production. Tourists after visiting the location can stroll in the tea gardens and hills while enjoying the scenic view around. One can relax and rejuvenate at a place and sip some strongly brewed tea made from fresh harvests from this garden. Reaching here via roadways, railways and airways is easily accessible.

Location: Doimukh Harmuti Road, Lakhimpur, Assam

Sapoi Tea Estate

Sapoi Tea Estate, located in the Sonitpur district of Assam covers an area of 2600 acres and 750 hectares of land is covered with tea which has produced excellent quality tea leaves for over a century. The tea estate keeps its legacy uptight by reflecting its skills and values through its ongoing generations. The Sapoi Tea Estate lies very close to the Brahmaputra River which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Within the estate, one can find guest rooms for visitors who visit this location to witness and experience a tea garden tour.

One's heritage tea bungalows and tea garden tour in Assam will remain incomplete if not visit the bungalows nearby amidst the tea plantations. The owners of Sapoi Tea Garden invite visitors to stay in their bungalows so they may experience living in historically significant bungalows. Visitors can engage themselves in various farm related activities which include picking tea leaves, savouring their taste buds by tasting teas, and learning to make green tea from scratch. Workers working at the tea gardens are quite friendly to teach the tea-making methods to the visitors. It is a great place for tea lovers and travel enthusiasts as it showcases the culture and provides insights into the harvesting and processing of tea leaves.

Location: Sapoi Tea Estate Directors Bungalow, Bhutiaali Gaon, Assam 784111

Now that you have gone through the travel guide of Assam tea gardens. A visit to these tea estates provides you with enchanting opportunities and savour the flavours of the region. For those who wish to explore the lush city of tea gardens, guided tours of the tea estates are provided along with insights into the tea making process and rich tea culture of the region.

Assam tea's heritage lives on, creating a lasting impression on the world's tea market. We highlight the cultural diversity of this captivating location as well as a cherished beverage by embracing the rich tradition of Assam tea gardens.

Hope this blog helps you with useful insights into Assam’s popular tea gardens. Don’t forget to share your wonderful experiences in the comment section below.

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