India Tea : The Wonder Brew from the Wonderland

By A Correspondent | Darjeeling | West Bengal

India Tea can do wonders

Set out on a journey to discover the soul of a land that has given the world a ‘wonder brew’ called India Tea.

Lose yourself in its rich variants, unique aroma and flavours of the myriad tea plantations. Explore how the ‘two leaves and a bud’, has the power to restore balance, energize and refresh your mind and body.

Take a sip and experience how this wonder brew enriches your life.

Darjeeling Tea: The Inimitable Brew

Darjeeling, nestling at the foothills of the snow-covered Himalayan range, is situated in the state of West Bengal. It is here that the ideal altitude, climate and the right amount of sunshine and rain orchestrate a masterpiece called Darjeeling tea. No other tea can claim its delicate ‘muscatel’ flavour, fine aroma and exquisite bouquet – that can grow only in this picturesque setting.

Darjeeling tea is remarkable for its unique organoleptic characteristics which result in a mellow, smooth, round, delicate, mature, sweet, lively, dry and brisk cup of tea. Darjeeling Tea is registered as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Assam Tea: The Strong Brew

Assam, the gateway to Northeast India is gifted with lush green forests, rolling plains and the gushing Brahmaputra. It is home to the one-horned rhinoceros and Assam tea.

Assam tea is known for its full bodied, strong and malty character, and brownish coppery brightness. Assam Orthodox Tea is registered as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Nilgiri Tea: The Fragrant Brew

One of the most attractive destinations in Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiris or the Blue Mountains is where Nilgiri tea is grown.

Nilgiri tea is delicately fragrant, aromatic with high tones of delicate floral notes. Nilgiri Orthodox Tea is registered as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Kangra Tea: The Distinct Brew

Nestling in the lap of the mighty snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges, the picturesque Kangra valley is a treat to the eyes.  Here, tea is cultivated on the gentle slopes of the outer Himalayas since 1949. Kangra Tea is registered as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Dooars-Terai: The Stimulating Brew

Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Dooars and Terai region, with its spectacular wildlife, meandering rivers, and rich flora and fauna, is home to the famous ‘Dooars-Terai tea’.

Though not as strong as Assam tea, the teas of this region are known for their heavy and full-bodied liquors.

Sikkim: The Delicate Brew

The state of Sikkim nestles amidst the picturesque and scenic Himalayas in North East India. The tea of this region is light, flowery, golden yellow and of delicate flavour. The entire state of Sikkim was declared 100% organic in January 2016.

Tripura: The Invigorating Brew

Tea cultivation started in Tripura in the first quarter of the twentieth century owing to the industrious efforts of some Indian entrepreneurs, with the active encouragement of the state. The agro-climatic condition of the state is suitable for tea cultivation. Mainly CTC tea is produced in Tripura, with a small amount of green tea being also produced.

Besides the above regions, tea is also produced in the states of Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

(Shilpa Bichitra | Special Edition | 2020)