For chai lovers, tea is more than just a drink. It is a heartwarming experience and a daily ritual. From rich tea estates and plantations to bustling urban spaces, tea has its unique presence and influence everywhere. There are many unique places in India that have given tea a unique identity. Through this blog, we will take a look at some of these fascinating destinations.
Darjeeling- The champagne of teas
Darjeeling is often called the champagne of teas. Situated near the Himalayas, Darjeeling offers not just a cup of tea but a complete cultural experience for every chai lover. It has world famous tea gardens like Happy Valley and Glenburg where you can watch tea plucked and processed all by hand. This place contains breathtaking sightseeing views of plantations. You can also learn about the history of tea in colonial era in this place and stay in plantation bungalows.
Assam- India’s tea heartland
Assam is the ultimate hub of tea in India. It contains lush and expansive tea plantations known for producing some of the finest tea in the world. Assam is the largest tea producing estate in India where tea gardens stretch endlessly across the Brahmaputra. There are also tea tourism stays in British era bungalows of planters. For every chai lover, Assam is a must visit.
Munnar, Kerala- Tea garden in the hills
Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is another destination a chai lover should visit. It contains breathtaking landscapes of tea gardens along with estates like Kolukkumalai and Kanan Devan Hills. Kolukkumalai is the highest tea estate in the world located 8,000 feet above sea level. It also contains the Tata tea museum which showcases the unique history of tea in this place.
Street chai stalls in Old Delhi and Varanasi
Old Delhi and Varanasi offer the ultimate raw and charming experience of Indian chai. This is an experience showcasing tradition, hustle and everyday life. Tea stalls here offer chai in kulhad that adds a unique aroma and gives it an eco-friendly touch. Every stall has a magical masala chai recipe that offers some of the tastiest chai ever. You can sip chai while absorbing the vibrant culture around you in the bazars of Chandni Chowk or the ghats of Ganga. And the best part is- it is all affordable, authentic and satisfying!
Chai cafes in Urban India- Where tradition meets trend
Modern cafes in big urban hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bangalore are reimagining the chai experience. These cafes are becoming a famous hangout spot for students and young professionals in these cities. You can explore unique types of chai that you have never seen before such as elaichi adrak shots and ice-blended chai coolers. These are very modern looking and cozy places that completely enhances the experience. Along with chai, you can also pair yourself with all your favourite snacks like maggie, pizzas, sandwiches or momos. These cafes prove that tradition doesn’t have to be old. They can be redefined and remodeled with a modern touch as well.
If you’re a diehard chai lover, you will never regret visiting these places. From admiring the natural beauty of chai, visiting tea estates, experiencing the bustling city culture and witnessing the modernization of chai culture, every place is worth visiting.
