Offering mountainous terrain, lush vegetation, and incredible vistas, India’s plantations are a draw for nature lovers and tea drinkers alike. Tea tours in India are growing more than just Darjeeling, the country’s innumerable tea farms produce some of the finest and most delicate varietals in the world. Take a tea tour in India with best tour operator of India for a tranquil escape into nature (along with plenty of cups of chai), visitors to India shouldn’t miss the opportunity to stay on one of these estates.
Wild Mahseer – Balipara, Assam
Travel back in time when you stay at this old-world boutique resort, situated about 25km/40min out of Tezpur. Built by British planters in the 1800s, the property comprises a three-bedroom heritage bungalow and three smaller bungalows. After a round of tea-tasting and visiting the plantations, take a cooking class at the property. Wild Mahseer is on the north bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river, so take some time out to go river rafting and dolphin-watching.
Windermere Estate – Munnar, Kerala
Everything at the Windermere Estate is geared towards a different time, a different pace – inspired by the magic of plantation life. The property is intimate, with just 18 lovingly handcrafted rooms arranged around the original Planter’s Bungalow which still serves as the owner’s residence. They’ve embraced a little cliff, building around the existing rock formations and trees to create a space that’s refreshingly close to nature.
Glenburn Tea Estate – Darjeeling – West Bengal
This estate was formed in 1859 by a Scottish tea company and is now home to a cosy boutique hotel located about 36km/1hr out of Darjeeling. Rooms are available in two colonial-style bungalows. Take a cooking class, go on a day trip to Kalimpong (if it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, visit the Haat Bazaar) or opt for the “Tea Experience,” which gives an introduction to the estate along with a visit to the tea factory and the plantation.
Banyan Grove – Jorhat, Assam
Located in the heart of the Gatoonga Tea Estate, Banyan Grove is a heritage bungalow in Johrat, Assam. With a history more than 100 years, The bungalow exhibit a colonial decor with carpets and sylvan flooring.
Vivanta by Taj Madikeri – Coorg, Karnataka
Lose yourself in a 180-acre rainforest in its most pristine form. Amongst hills peppered with more than 200 species of plants including rudraksh trees, tea, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine and eucalyptus. And find yourself again in an environment so natural, not a stone has been upturned. Enjoy the warmth and relaxation of traditional Kodagu architecture – the gentle sloping of roofs, tall pillars – all the rooms opening into a central courtyard.
Vythiri Resort – Wayanad, Kerala
Those seeking a warm weather tea-themed retreat should head to the Vythiri Resort in Wyanad, Kerala. Boasting a tropical jungle setting, the resort offers traditional, rust-hued cottages, while its 150-acre property presents an immersive entry point into nature.
Savoy IHCL (Taj) Selections – Ooty, Tamil Nadu
A landmark in the misty hills of Ooty since 1829, the Savoy is vintage gold. This heritage grand hotel ushers guests into a colonial-era lifestyle with afternoon high tea, croquêt on the lawns, spa sessions, single malts by the fireplace, and an exclusive taste of local cuisine. Walking through the Nilgiris tea estates, you can imagine your footsteps tracing those of John Sullivan who was summoned by the Madras Presidency to explore the fabled ‘Blue Mountains’ for an escape for British officers sweltering in the heat of the plains.
La Maison – Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
LA Maison bungalow was probably built in 1888 by a Scottish man called Kay. The Scottish were the first who changed primitive forests into lands for agriculture on a larger scale. The first tea plantation started in the 1920’s. The house came into local hands(twelve owners) in the 1960’s, and was bought by Frenchman Benoit Siat in 2007. The remarkable transformation in the hands of the present french owner, can be truly appreciated on visiting La Maison.
Gateway (TAJ) Hotel – Chickmagalur, Karnataka
Lose yourself in a 180-acre rainforest in its most pristine form. Amongst hills peppered with more than 200 species of plants including rudraksh trees, tea, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine and eucalyptus. And find yourself again in an environment so natural, not a stone has been upturned. Enjoy the warmth and relaxation of traditional Kodagu architecture – the gentle sloping of roofs, tall pillars – all the rooms opening into a central courtyard.
Tranquilitea’s Tenerife Hill – Coonor, Tamil Nadu
Tenerife Hill is a plantation farm stay, set in the midst of our tea estate on the slopes of Tenerife Hill, the highest point in Coonoor, offering unmatched views of our tea gardens and the rolling Nilgiri Hills.
Banasura Hill Resort – Wayand, Kerala
Spread across 35 acres of verdant terrain and tucked away at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, Banasura Hill Resort is located in Wayanad, Kerala. Constructed using mud excavated from the very site that it stands on, its unique rustic look offering the best in luxury and comfort is truly “Heaven made of Earth.”
Red Hill Nature Resort – Munnar, Kerala
Red Hill Nature Resort has sweeping, dramatic 30-mile views of the majestic Avalanche mountains and lakes. The experience blends the comforts of home with the quality you would expect from a top-rated exclusive estate resort. Privacy and seclusion are complemented by as much – or as little – contact as you choose to have with the area’s charming historical sites and activities; surrounded by tea plantations, enjoy fine cuisine from the traditional hospitality of the Badaga community.
Talayar Valley Bungalow – Munnar, Kerala
Located 18km from Munnar, this serene plantation offers four beautiful, spacious suites and views of the mountains, waterfalls and, of course, the rolling fields of green. The highlight is the tea workshop, in which you can learn how to cut, wither, ferment, curl, dry and tear tea leaves, and then put those leaves in your own tea.
The Lodge at Wah – Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
An hour and a half outside Dharamsala, this 500-acre estate houses a luxury stay that’s built with smooth river-stones, local slate, pinewood, and mud bricks and offers all the modern comforts you’d expect. The owner conducts a delightful tour and tasting session of Kangra’s uniquely flavoured product.
Darang Tea Estate – Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Over 150 years old, this family-owned property has just four cottages across 70 acres, each with views of the Dhauladhar mountains. Guests can go trekking and fishing, but if you just want to browse the library or laze by the fireplace, that’s cool too. Plus, the homegrown fruit, veggies and milk from the farm will make sure your system gets the reboot it needs.
Homestay at Makaibari – Kurseong, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Run by Volunteer in Makaibari, an independent self-help group, the homestay programme in Kurseong allows visitors to really see the lives of local tea farmers up close. The Makaibari estate is the home of some of India’s most expensive tea varieties. Learn about the different types and flushes, pick tea leaves, attend tasting sessions and help with various aspects of production.
Amā Stays and Trails – Multiple Locations (Coorg, Ooty etc.)
A unique product from Taj Hotels & Resorts. Unique cottages in amazing tea planttaions. Slow down and discover your inner bliss. From living the simple life in heritage bungalows at pristine locations to discovering untouched forest trails and local cuisine, an amã Stays & Trails holiday takes you back to the basics.
