Tea evokes feelings of tranquillity, comfort, and energy, much like the serene hills that nurture them. While we often enjoy it in the cosiness of our homes, venturing out into the lush tea gardens offers an unmatched sensory experience. As tea’s popularity continues to grow, so does the concept of tea tourism, where travelers can explore the world of tea and immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of tea-producing regions. The experience engages all of our senses, allowing us to touch the velvety tea leaves and inhale the natural earthy aroma of the soil in which it is grown. In a country as diverse as India, every region boasts its own distinct version of the beloved beverage, known by various names. The most comfortable way to discover these stunning landscapes and taste the flavorful chai they offer is to sit in the backseat of a chauffeur driven cab. Why not elevate your love for tea to new heights by embarking on a road trip adventure to breathtaking tea plantations and indulging in a cup of tea amidst the serene beauty of nature?
Unraveling the rich history of tea tourism in India
India is a country with a rich history and tradition of tea cultivation, and tea tourism is an
emerging trend that is attracting both domestic and international tourists. The country’s diverse climate, soil, and topography provide the perfect conditions for growing a wide variety of tea, each with its unique flavour, aroma, and character. One of the primary reasons that India is special for tea tourism is its long-standing tradition of tea cultivation. Tea tourism in India has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the colonial era when the British introduced tea cultivation in the country. They established tea gardens in India to meet the growing demand for tea back home. These tea estates were often located in picturesque hill stations and became popular destinations for British officials and their families to escape the heat of the plains. This led to the development of tea-related tourism activities such as guided tours of the tea estates, tea tasting sessions, and cultural experiences with local communities. Over time, tea tourism in India has evolved and expanded, offering travelers a wide range of experiences, from exploring the tea gardens to visiting tea museums and factories.
The steaming trend of tea tourism in India
Savaari recently embarked on a mesmerizing road trip from Bangalore, venturing into the verdant retreat of Nilgiris. In collaboration with Mahesh S, owner of Soul & Fuel, and Susmita Das Gupta, an expert tea artist, we set out to showcase the enchanting tea terrains of India to the world through breathtaking films and compelling storytelling. Savaari meandered through the stunning Nilgiris Biosphere, exploring the vibrant tea tourism scene in India and immersing ourselves in the richness of cultural diversity.
Tea tourism is a novel concept that has only recently gained momentum, not just in India but in any region where tea is cultivated. While some tea garden owners in India offer
accommodations in their tea bungalows under the guise of “tea tourism,” the true essence of this experience goes beyond just a place to stay. It involves a comprehensive immersion into the world of tea and partaking in a range of activities associated with this aromatic beverage,” said Mahesh. These activities include visiting tea plantations and factories to witness the tea- making process firsthand, participating in tea tastings, attending cultural events and festivals centered around tea, exploring local markets to purchase tea-related products and souvenirs.
‘By emphasizing the immersive and experiential aspect of tea tourism, we aim to captivate the interest of travellers and inspire them to join us on a tea trail that will leave them with
unforgettable memories’, he added.
Savaari tea tourism campaign encouraged travellers to explore the diverse tea plantations of India, leading to increased travel and discovery beyond the traditional milk and green tea options. Mahesh explained that India produces four unique types of tea, all of which are derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant and differ in their production methods. These types include white tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, with black tea being the most widely produced.
However, the production of oolong and white teas is limited to a select few gardens in the
country.
How tea tourism is promoting eco-friendly travel experiences
Moreover, tea tourism promotes sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The tea industry in India employs a significant number of people, and by visiting tea gardens and supporting the industry, tourists contribute to the local economy and help preserve the environment. Susmita said, “We believe that tea tourism will not only provide an unforgettable experience for visitors but also promote sustainable and responsible tourism. It also supports the local communities and preserves the natural beauty of tea gardens.” Tea tourism meets domestic tourism – Endless possibilities for a flavorful getaway. India boasts several regions that are ideal for tea tourism, providing visitors with a chance to experience the country’s rich tea culture, natural beauty, and diverse cuisine. Some of the best places for tea tourism in India include the rolling hills of Darjeeling, where visitors can witness the famous “first flush” harvest and indulge in the region’s unique black tea. Assam is another popular destination with its vast tea gardens, picturesque landscapes, and bustling tea auction centers. The Nilgiris are known for their aromatic tea and scenic beauty, making it a perfect place for a tea trail. Other noteworthy destinations include the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the Dooars in West Bengal, and the Kanan Devan Hills in Kerala. Each of these regions offers a unique tea tourism experience, with opportunities to explore tea estates, participate in tea-tasting sessions, and learn about the tea-making process. Embarking on a road trip through the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling, the picturesque Nilgiri hills, or the charming Assam countryside is a remarkable journey that promises to delight tea enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. For those who are unfamiliar with the area, booking a cab with a local expert driver can provide a reliable means of exploring the region’s tea tourism offerings. As interest in distinctive travel experiences grows, we anticipate that tea tourism will continue to gain momentum and play a significant role in promoting domestic tourism.
The roads are calling, where are you?
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