Top Tea Plantations Places in India

It’s all about "garma garam chai”. India is one of the largest tea plantation country in the world. We all love our Chai, However, over 70% of it is consumed by Indians themselves. Tea lovers don’t miss visiting these beautiful places where you'll find the best Indian tea plantations and tea. You can even stay on a tea estate and tour the tea factories.

1. Assam

 Assam is well known and world famous for its quality of tea as well as the natural beauty of the tea plantation area. Enormously found mountain region, its greenery and pleasant climate make this location popular not only for its tea, but also for being a popular spot for enjoying eco- vacations. Assam, the home to origin of Indian Tea, some 165 years ago, is also one of the most famous Tea production spots in the world. The both sides of famous river, Brahmaputra, constitute the world's largest Tea growing area.

Tourists Activities: Take a nature walk to the lush and verdant tea gardens. See the workers plucking the tea leaves and working hard in the fields. You can talk to them and have a cup of hot and spicy black tea with them. Apart from that you can simply relax in the calm and peaceful environment.


When to Go: The best time to visit any of these is during May and June. If you make a visit to the Assam in the month of November, you can be part of Assam Tea festival. It is organized by the Assam tourism and is the completely unique experience which should not be missed. It gives you the opportunity to make a visit to the magnificent tea gardens, enjoy the exciting river cruises. 

2. Nilgiri

Nilgiri hills, is also called as “The Blue Mountain”, situated in the South India. Another very popular spots sheltering numerous of beautiful tea gardens. The hilly landscape of Nilgiri , unlike Darjeeling and Assam, grows Tea plants all over the year. At Nilgiri the tea is grown at the elevation of around 1,000 meters to 2,500 meters. The major teas produced on the Nilgiri hills are the Oolong and black tea. The favourable climatic conditions, makes Nilgiri a truly unique tea. Some of the popular tea esates in Nilgiri include Tiger Hill, Corsley, Craigmore, Pascoes Woodlands, Colacumby, Nonsuch Dunsandale, Chamraj, Parkside, and Glendale.

Places like Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri of Nilgiri region are not only famous for their flavoured Teas, but also these beautiful hill stations offer very pleasant destinations for tourists. 

Tourists Activities: Tourists can take a walk through the tea gardens enjoying the breath-taking views of the Nilgiri hills . These magnificent tea gardens are the popular picnic spot. It is a place where you can learn about the tea picking and processing.

Visit to the Nilgiri Tea Auction centre: You can make a visit to Coonoor, the tea center of the Nilgiris auction centers. At coonoor more than one million pounds of tea is sold in on one week, which amount to double in the rainy season. While at this place you can enjoy also enjoy trekking and hiking at this place.

When to Go: The winter season is the best time to visit this wonderland of tea cultivation.

3. Munnar 

Yes another famous hill station that is known for its scintillating tea gardens is Munnar in Kerala. Tea plantations once owned by Tata, the largest tea manufacturing company in India, they've now been sold to employees.

Munnar is such a beautiful place in Kerala, which cannot be portrayed in a single canvas.The hills, the mist, the valleys, the streams, the waterfalls, tea plantations, rare flora and fauna.... It is a beautiful tea town in Idukki district of Kerala easily accessible from Kochi and Coimbatore. The gorgeous hill station is ideally placed in the South Western Ghats of India. With an area of around 557 sq km.

Tourists Activities:

Mattupetty Dam - Mattupetty dam and its reservoir  is  located 13 km away from Munnar.  This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects.

Top Station - It is about 40 km from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breath-taking. Top station got this name from it’s being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway.

Tea Museum- Tourists must visit tea museum in Munnar it showcase the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.

Tea Plantations – How can anyone resist a tea garden tour when you are in Munnar ? Rolling hillsides covered with tea plantations is a sight to behold

Also tourist can visit Kundala Lake, Echo Point,  Rajamalai (Part of Eravikulam National Park),Marayoor Sandalwood Forests, Attukad Waterfalls, Blossom Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,  Lakkom Water Falls.

When to Go: The tourist season is from August to May, although winters are very cold during December and January.

4. Darjeeling

Darjeeling, is one of India's most popular hill stations, is surrounded by tea plantations that produce prized light colored, floral smelling tea. Almost 25% of India's total tea output comes from Darjeeling. Once there were well over 100 tea estates. Currently there are 87 operational tea gardens in Darjeeling district covering an aggregated area of about 19,000 hectares (i.e. 46,950 acres) under tea plantation. The tea gardens in Darjeeling presently employ about 52,000 permanent workers (including both garden and factory workers). Most of the garden workers are women and almost all employees are Nepalese. 

Tourists Activities: The Happy Valley Tea Estate is famous tourist spot which is located around 3 kilometres north of town. The estate grows some of the finest tea in Darjeeling, and has a long history. It was established by an Englishman in 1854, and later taken over by an Indian aristocrat from Kolkata. At 2,750 meters above sea level, it's one of the highest tea gardens in the world. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay at the boutique Glenburn Tea Estate for an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

When to Go: March to November for tea plucking, but the monsoon season from June to September is best avoided.

Travel Tips During Monsoon

1.Always carry a raincoat or an umbrella during the monsoon, even if the particular day appears to be sunny.

2.Carry clothes which are light in weight and which will dry fast.

3.Under extreme circumstances, due to the downpour, trains and flights might get delayed due to floods   and roadblocks, especially in cities like Mumbai. So, travel accordingly keeping enough time in hand.

4.If you are planning to travel to Leh, remember that the most traveled road gets closed in the month of   October when the monsoon is about to end and winter sets in.

5.Take proper care of health concerns during monsoon season like fever and allergic reactions.

6.In the monsoon season, landslides are common in the north-eastern areas of India, particularly the states of Assam and Sikkim.

Monsoon travel in India is immense fun,So keep Going & Keep Travelling.

Best Monsoon Weekend Getaways near Mumbai

Hey it’s raining in Mumbai. Have you been to awesome places near Mumbai in monsoon .If not, then there are just awesome places outside of Mumbai, which makes them perfect weekend getaways.


Malshej ghat is situated in Pune district near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. It is at a distance of 130 km north of Pune and 154 km from Mumbai towards northeast. The nearest rail head is Kalyan in Thane District near Mumbai. This place near Mumbai is blessed with green hills and innumerable waterfalls. The view from behind the MTDC resort is a must-see. But truly a famous place near Malshej Ghat is Khireshwar which is 2/3 km from rest house. Through Khireshwar village, one can visit the famous Harishchandragadh also. One of the beauties here are many waterfalls in the hilly regions. Various waterfalls from small up to the huge ones are really worth to see and many are right next to the highway. What makes Malshej Ghat so illustrious are the large flock of migratory birds coming from Siberia between July and September. The mating dance of the pink-legged Flamingo is an eye-catching spectacle Since the area is at a considerable distance from a small town, there are not many posh restaurants and shopping malls. Flamingo Hill is a resort run by MTDC – Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in the vicinity. Other than MTDC resort, there are other private resorts where you can spend a day or two. Accommodation is also available in a nearby village called Madh. Madh is about 6 km away from Malshej ghat.

2.Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavla and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which refers to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa that are close to Lonavla. Lonavla is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc. Lonavla is well-connected by train.Buses are also available at regular intervals to complete the remaining 15 km of the journey to Lonavla from Khopoli bus station. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, travelling between Mumbai and Pune, halt at Lonavla. Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India, about 3 kilometres  from Lonavala and 7 kilometres from Karjat. Khandala is located at one (top) end the Bhor Ghat, a major ghat (meaning valley in Marathi) on the road link between the Deccan and the Konkan plain. The ghat carries an extensive amount clarification needed] of road and rail traffic. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the main link between the major cities of Mumbai and Pune, passes through Khandala.

Places of interest around Lonavla and Khandala Rajmachi Point,Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan,Valvan Dam,Lonavla Lake,Duke's Nose,Tiger's Leap,Karla Caves,Lohagad Fort,Bhushi Dam,Lion Point,Tungarli Lake and Dam,Shooting Point,Wax Museum

3.Lohagad Fort

Lohagad is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km northwest of Pune,  Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level. Lohagad fort can be accessed by various modes of travel. The nearest airport is the Pune International Airport. The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport will serve as the nearest airport in the coming future.The nearest major train station is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune railway line. Lohagad is connected by the Mumbai-Pune Highway and can also be accessed from Paud via Kolvan and Dudhiware Khind for all vehicles.

Nearby attractions

Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, Lonavala , Aamby Valley City

4. Durshet

Covered in thick forests in the lap of the magnificent Sahyadri ranges with the Amba River flowing through the woods; combined offer a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere for a quick weekend getaway near Mumbai or Pune. The place is full of waterfalls in the rainy season where one can enjoy trekking through the falls and greenery.For the more adventure seekers, Durshet also offers adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, etc. Durshet is also filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna; you can hear the shrill of the birds chirping or see a butterfly at work.

5. Mulshi Dam

3 hour drive from Mumbai, Mulshi Dam is your one day escape route from Mumbai’s chaos. Mulshi is the name of a major dam on the Mula river in India. It is located in the Mulshi taluka administrative division of the Pune district of Maharashtra State. In recent years Mulshi and adjoining areas have been developed as a tourist destination, adding accommodation for leisure guests.

6. Karnala

Karnala fort is also called Funnel Hill & is a hill fort in Raigad district about 10 km from Panvel city. Currently it is a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It was a fort of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor pass which connected the Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra (Vidharba)  and was the main trade route between these areas. Treks or drive through Karnala from Mumbai offers a majestic view of the misty Sahyadri Ranges in the monsoons. The waterfalls are refreshing and the Karnala Fort has much to explore. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic birds. Monsoons see a variety of migratory birds.

7. Thoseghar Falls

Thoseghar waterfalls is a scenic spot located near the small village of Thoseghar, 20 km from Satara  city, at the edge of the Konkan region, in Western India. There are a series of waterfalls, some of them 15  to 20 metres and one of 500 metres in height. One of the best waterfall near mumbai Heavy rain falls during that season, and because of this the falls have more water and are more      spectacular. The immediate area is calm and quiet, with a clean lake and dark woods in a hilly area. An ideal place for picnic, a quick swim in the lake or for just watching the ebb and flow of water

8. Matheran

Matheran is a most famous and coolest Hill Station situated in Karjat Tahsil, Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. It is located on the range of Western Ghats at height of 800 m (2625 Feet) above sea level. The name Matheran means either ‘Forest on Top’ or ‘Woodland overhead’. Matheran is located around 90 km from Mumbai, 120 km from Pune and about 320 km from Surat. Matheran is awesome place for to spend weekend. Matheran as a Hill Station was discovered by a British, Mr. Huge Mallet, the then Collector of Thane, in 1850. Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles. Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of lakhs coming to visit throughout the year. There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.

09. Alibaug

A drive to Alibaug is just as beautiful as the place itself. Alibaug has many beaches to boast and the Kolaba sea fort just around the corner. However, for monsoons give the beaches a skip and head instead to Korlai Fort – a half hour distance from Alibaug, it is a lesser known destination but a fantastic place for the monsoon.Sprawling fort ruins depicting Portuguese, Moghal and Maratha architecture this fort has changed a few hands of reigns. An easy trekking to the top offers a panoramic view of the sea and right down under you can enjoy a swim in what looks like the ruins of the Royal Bath. During Monsoons, the ferry services to Alibaug are closed, making it accessible only via road.

10.  Kolad

Kolad is a village, in Raigad district, Maharashtra State, India. It is 117 km from Mumbai on the National Highway no 17 (Mumbai-Goa). It lies on the banks of River Kundalika. the monsoon season (June to September) is accompanied by heavy rainfalls. Winters are during November and February and are characterized by medium level of humidity and cool weather. The best time to visit here is from June to March. Kolad Railway Station is the first station on the Konkan Railway line.

Places to visit

Kolad is fast gaining recognition due to resorts which provide river rafting opportunities on the Kundalika River Resorts: in wilderness near / around the river and dams. Kundalika river: river rafting and camping throughout the year. Waterfalls: on state highway 60 towards pune in the rains. Adventure sports: Rafting, Rappelling, Jungle camping, kayaking, Para sail, Aero modelling & all kind of outdoor activities. Gaimukh,Devi Kedar Janani Hill,Kolad Dam,Bhira Dam (Tata Powerhouse Dam),Dholwal - Pui Dam,Sutarwadi Lake,Tala Fort,Kanal Avenue,Tamhini Falls,Ghosala Fort,Kuda Caves

11. Bhandardara

Bhandardara is a holiday resort village on the western ghat of India. The village is located in the Ahmednagar district of the state of Maharashtra, about 185 kilometers (115 mi) from Mumbai. Bhandardara is full of attractions – from Wilson Dam to Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air, pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganges river, which is now known as the Pravara River. Bhandardara is the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and is visited by  tourists throughout the year.

12. Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a town and a Hill Station municipal council in Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats. Igatpuri railway station lies in Nashik District between Mumbai and Nashik Road on the Central Railway. Igatpuri is known for Vipassana International Academy, where ancient technique of meditation is taught called Vipassana. It's heavenly for trekkers and hikers, Most Indian (Hindi) movie outdoor scenes specially songs are shot in Igatpuri region. Tourism is the most significant segment of the Igatpuri's economy. Following are the places most visited by tourists : Bhatsa River Valley ,Arthur Lake.Kalsubai Peak ,Amruteshwar Temple,Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre,Ghatandevi Temple,Tringalwadi Fort,Camel Valley,Baba Ji's.