India as a country is obsessed with the idea of tea. How could you not start the day without a cup of chai? And not only do we drink it, we also like to vacation at tea estates. Here are the top tea garden properties in India that will make your inner ‘chai’ lover go crazy! By Japleen Kaur
7 tea estates in India for the chai lover in you
Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling
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This home stay in one of the most gorgeous parts of our country lets you experience the beauty of organic tea. Watch how local tea factories work, while seeing soothing sunsets with a cup of hot piping chai! Exactly what an idyllic vacation is made of, right?
Darang Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh
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A tea estate overlooking the hills — this 150 year old tea haven is everything that defines warmth, not only from the tea, but also the hosts. A visit now would give you sightings of the snow clad Dauladhar range.
Banasura Hill Resort, Kerala
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Not only tea, but this eco-friendly resort has coffee plantations as well. Best of both worlds, we think! It’s top notch luxury situated amidst the forest. The perfect getaway from the city life, this is how you holiday while caring about the environment.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
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This premium boutique hotel still has the old charm alive from the days when its foundation was laid, and that was way back in the 1800s by a Scottish tea firm. You get to live in colonial architectural marvels, and experience tea made with age-old secrets.
Kelagur Tea Estate, Karnataka
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This one is for serious tea enthusiasts who can distinguish one tea leaf from another just from the aroma. Kelagur estate takes you on a seven-step tea making process, and lets you be part of the whole experience. Organic tea gift baskets from here would make for a lovely present, especially since the holiday season is just around the corner.
La Maison, Tamil Nadu
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La Maison is a French-style homestay situated in the village of Kotagiri, surrounded by the Nilgiris. The description itself sounds magical, right? They’re not only a tea estate, but also have their own organic kitchen garden. So, if it’s a healthy, relaxed stay and some French stories you’re looking for, you know where to head!
Wild Mahseer, Assam
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Located in the serene locale of the Addabarie tea estate, Wild Masheer is a heritage home stay. Once there, it’ll feel like a place straight out of your history text books. Britishers sure left us with a few good things, this tea estate included!
Related: 10 Luxury Eco-Resorts in South India Idyllic For Conscious Travellers