Rolling hills, lush green valleys, the towering Himalayas, and sitting at a small tea stall in the lap of these mighty mountains with a steaming cup of tea in hand—doesn’t it feel like heaven?
It’s the kind of experience every traveller or person dreams of. If you’re looking for something similar, Uttarakhand is your destination—a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and tea enthusiasts like ME!
But you might wonder—what’s the connection between tea and Uttarakhand? Well, the connection runs deep, though not many know it.
And that’s exactly what I’m here to introduce you to in this blog—the unique tea culture of Uttarakhand. It’s a culture that has slowly faded over time but still survives in the form of hidden tea gardens, where you can witness authentic tea cultivation.
Read this write-up to get all the information about the tea estates of Uttarakhand and plan your trip to explore these beautiful gardens.
History of Tea in Uttarakhand
The tea industry in Uttarakhand dates back to the British era, nearly 200 years ago. Tea thrives in cool and hilly terrains, making Uttarakhand a perfect location for cultivation. However, over time, due to logistical challenges, the tea industry in this region began to decline.
Around the same time, regions like Darjeeling, Assam, and Munnar started excelling in tea production. Darjeeling and Assam had the added advantage of being closer to the Kolkata port, which made tea exports much easier. As a result, these regions experienced significant growth in the tea industry.
But things are improving now! Over the last few decades, with efforts from the government, tea plantations have restarted, and the industry is flourishing again. Local communities have also begun tea plantations, reviving the industry.
Currently, the main regions in Uttarakhand known for tea plantations are Munsiyari, Kausani, Kumaon, and Garhwal.
Tea Growing Areas in the Early Years
Several parts of Uttarakhand emerged as prominent tea cultivation hubs between 1850-1900, producing brews prized for their excellent quality.
Kausani
Kausani Valley was the first place tea was planted widely in the 1850s.
In the 1880s, Kausani tea gained much acclaim, especially its orthodox black tea called ‘Champagne of teas’. Today, Kausani still has one of the largest tea estates in Uttarakhand.
Berinag
Commercial tea cultivation was pioneered in Berinag by Kedar Dutt Pant in the 1870s. Additionally, it is thought that the Berinag region gave rise to brick tea, which is still consumed today in Tibet.
Chaukori
Several Anglo-Indian families established the Chaukori tea plantations in the 1870s. As time passed, it became renowned for its high-altitude, orthodox Darjeeling tea.
These regions were famous in the past for tea plantations in Uttarakhand. Today, there are many districts where tea is grown. You can check them below.
Uttarakhand’s Tea Paradises Unveiled
Tea-growing land in Uttarakhand is spread across several districts, including Almora, Nainital, Champawat, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
Below, you can find a list of Uttarakhand’s major tea-producing districts and their famous tea estates:
1. Champawat
Have you heard of Champawat? No? Well, now you do – thanks to its vast tea production! Haha, right?
You must visit this place if you wish to learn about different types of tea!
Otherwise, break up with tea—A true tea lover like me can’t miss this place.
Champawat, known for its extensive organic tea gardens in the Himalayas, spans 235 hectares. These lush tea plantations were established about 150 years ago during the British era.
More than 400 people are employed at the tea gardens in Uttarakhand, which produce black, white, and organic green tea.
Visitors to Champawat can enjoy factory tours, tea picking, tea tasting sessions, and hikes through the tea gardens.
It is recommended that you hire a local tour guide before visiting the tea gardens, as they can provide you with authentic information about the plantations.
2. Berinag
As I mentioned earlier, Berinag has been producing tea in Uttrakhand since the 19th century and remains one of the biggest tea producers.
Black tea from Berinag was highly prized during the British era, and it remains so today due to its taste and aroma.
History lovers will love exploring the historic Berinag tea factory and wandering the picturesque tea gardens with the Himalayas as a backdrop.
3. Nainital
Nainital is one of those places everyone dreams of visiting because its natural beauty is truly unmatched.
The lush green hills and serene lakes add to its charm and make it a paradise for nature lovers.
But do you know that Nainital is also famous for tea production? No!
Let me tell you, it is another significant tea-producing region with organic estates situated in pristine surroundings.
Ghorakhal Tea Estate is one of the most famous here, and it has been producing orthodox tea for 80 years. Limited edition varieties of green and black tea are also grown here.
So when you visit Nainital, plan your visit to Tea Estate here.
4. Kausani Tea Estate
Like Berinag, the Kausani region has been at the forefront of tea production for over 200 years.
This area has grown various types of tea, but the most famous is Giriha’s tea. The Kausani Tea Estate spans approximately 208 hectares. From here, tea is exported worldwide, including to countries like Germany, Australia, and the United States.
You can stroll through the tea gardens here, witness the tea production process, see how tea is cultivated and produced in the factory, and even interact with the workers. This gives you a comprehensive understanding of tea production in Uttarakhand.
When we talk to locals, we also get insights into their culture. So, whenever you visit this place, engage in conversations with the workers for a more enriching experience.
Final Words
Now you know what is the connection between Tea and Uttarakhand? Only a true tea lover can understand the feeling of sitting in a tea garden with a cup of tea in hand, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
So, are you a tea lover too? Don’t stay at home! You don’t need to travel to Assam or Darjeeling when tea estates are near your city!
Stop using your laptop and plan your trip now. Go ahead and visit those gardens that have been waiting for you for years.
If you need help fulfilling your tea love, feel free to ask the experts at Indian Holiday. They will assist you every step of the way.
So, when are you going?
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