What better place to indulge in Tea Tourism, than India. India is the largest producer of tea accounting for as much as 810 million kilograms or 32% of the world's total. India is also the largest consumer of tea and 75% of our produce is consumed at home.
The Indian tea Industry goes back over 150 years and provides employment to over 1 million citizens, India produces both orthodox as well as CTC Tea. Darjeeling is one of the main regions for growing tea in India.
Tea Estates in Darjeeling :
Nestled in the foothills of the snow covered Himalayan Range, Darjeeling is home to many tea estates. Some of the prominent tea estates in Darjeeling are Goomtee Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Makaibari Tea Estate, Puttabong Tea Estate and Happy Valley Tea Estate.
The Glenburn Tea Estate boasts of a Tea Nursery where young tea plants are cultivated. Happy Valley Tea Estate was established in 1854. The bushes in the estate are as old as 150 years. This tea estate is closest to Darjeeling town, and tea tourism enthusiasts often visit it.
Other tea estates in Darjeeling are Badamtam, Margaret's Hope, Barnesbeg, Castleton, Sungma, Chamong, Rohini, Tindharia, Seeyok, Singbulli, Thurbo, Longview, and Tumsong, to name a few