Nilgiri tea

Elevation: Teas are grown at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2500 metres above sea level.

Annual Rainfall: 150 to 230cm.

The beautiful Nilgiri Hills, sprawling through the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, are home to the pastoral Toda tribe and tea gardens that create the fragrant cup of tea. Nilgiri tea has a slightly fruity, minty flavour, probably because trees like the Blue Gum and Eucalyptus dot the region. And perhaps the spices produced in close proximity to the tea gardens lend the light brew its briskness. The balanced blend of flavour and body makes Nilgiri tea a ‘blender’s dream’. The Nilgiri Hills aka the ‘Blue Mountains’ come under the influence of both south-west and north-east monsoons; a reason why the tea leaves grown here are plucked around the year. Nilgiri Orthodox tea is a registered Geographical Indication (GI). Both Orthodox and CTC varieties of tea are manufactured in this region.

Tea Attributes: A deliciously fragrant and exquisitely aromatic tea, with high tones of delicate floral notes and a golden yellow liquor. Crisply brisk and bright. Lingering notes of dusk flowers with an undercurrent of briskness. Creamy mouth feel. A truly flavoured tea for a stressful day.

Kangra Tea

Elevation: Teas are grown at elevations ranging from 900 to 1400 metres above sea level.

Annual Rainfall: 270 to 350cm.

For Kangra, the ‘Valley of Gods’, nothing less than the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range could have served as a backdrop. And to toast its beauty, there is nothing finer than Kangra tea. The climate, the characteristic terrain and soil conditions, and the coolness of the snow clad mountains in Himachal’s famous Kangra region; all play a role in crafting a delightfully distinct cup of quality tea. Particularly the first flush with an aroma and flavour that has an unmistakable tinge of fruitiness. The history of Kangra tea dates back to 1849 when Dr. Jameson, then superintendent of the Botanical Tea Gardens, pronounced the region ideal for tea cultivation. Being one of India’s smallest tea regions makes Kangra green and black tea all the more exclusive. While the black tea has a sweet lingering after taste, the green tea has a delicate woody aroma. The demand for Kangra tea has been increasing steadily and much of it is bought by natives and exported to Kabul and Central Asia via Peshawar. Kangra tea is a registered Geographical Indication (GI).

Tea Attributes: The first flush of Kangra tea is known for quality, unique aroma and tinge of fruity flavor. A little milder than Darjeeling tea in terms of flavour, Kangra tea has more body and liquor.

MUNNAR

Munnar tea

Elevation: Teas are grown at elevations ranging from 950 to 2600 metres above sea level.

Annual Rainfall: 130 to 700cm.

Munnar will welcome you with a carpet of tea bushes. The land where the three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet is home to tea that is a blend of health and taste. The teas are cultivated in the undisturbed ecosystem of the Western Ghats. With some tea plantations at 2200 m above sea level, Munnar has some of the highest growing tea regions in the world. Tea gardens interspersed with fuel plantations and ‘Sholas’ are one of the unique features of this area. Munnar orthodox tea is known for its distinctive clean and medium toned fragrance of sweet biscuit in dip malt. The golden yellow brew with an orange depth is a combination of strength

and briskness. Munnar may be known for its tea, but it has enough reasons to draw a nature-lover to it. The beauty of its pristine valleys, mountain, rivers and flora and fauna-rich mountains are fascinating.

Tea Attributes: Clean and medium toned fragrance of sweet biscuit in a dip malt. Liquor of golden yellow with an orange depth and a rounded cup. Strong bodied with lively briskness, a touch of fruit and a startlingly lingering note of sweetness in the finish. Expect the unexpected. The beauty of the hills beckons you to an inspiring morning of tea.

Sikkim tea

The state of Sikkim nestles amidst the picturesque and scenic Himalayas in North East India. From the mystic tea gardens of this region emerge the organic two tender leaves and a bud, flourishing at an altitude of 1000-2000 metres above sea level. The tea leaves are hand-plucked with love and care to bring to you a delectable brew which is light, flowery, golden yellow and of delicate flavour. The cultivation of tea in Sikkim started with the establishment of its first tea garden in 1969 — the Temi Tea Estate. Another boutique garden was added to the fold of Sikkim Tea when the Bermiok tea garden was established in the year 2002. The state of Sikkim was declared fully organic in January 2016, and the teas produced at the Temi Tea Estate were certified as 100% Organic Tea in the year 2008. The first flush of Sikkim Tea, harvested during springtime, has a unique taste and aroma. The refined golden liquor has a light floral finish and a hint of sweet lingering taste. Mellow and smooth, the second flush of Sikkim Tea is a toasty brew, with a heady, strong yet smooth brew. The third flush or Monsoon Flush of Sikkim Tea creates a full bodied cup with mellow taste. The final flush or Autumn Flush of Sikkim Tea has a well-rounded taste and the light hint of warm spices. This amber liquor is the perfect end to the seasons of tea. Besides the above varieties of black teas, Sikkim also produces the delicate white tea, which is manufactured from the buds and unfurled new leaves; green tea, which is known for its flowery liquor; and Oolong tea, which is fruity, fragrant and earthy.

Assam Tea

Elevation: Teas are grown at elevations ranging from 45 to 60 metres above sea level.

Annual Rainfall: 250 to 380cm.

Assam means ‘one without equal’ and that is really true about its teas. They say ‘you haven’t woken up fully if you haven’t sipped Assam tea’. The strong tea, grown on the rolling plains by the Brahmaputra river that weaves her way through vales and hills, is famous for its smooth malty flavour. A taste crafted by the region’s rich loamy soil, unique climate and liberal rainfall. Assam is not just the largest contiguous tea-growing area in the world. It is also a refuge for endangered species like the One-horned Rhino, Red-headed Vulture and the Hoolock Gibbon and of course, mind-boggling diversity. It is a land that protects and preserves. Just like the Tocklai Experimental Station, the world’s oldest and largest research station of its kind, carries out clonal propagation and constant research so that the strength of the full-bodied liquor is retained. All to make sure that the tea bushes yield high quality tea. Both Orthodox and CTC (Crush/Tear/Curl) varieties of tea are manufactured here. Assam Orthodox Tea is a registered Geographical Indication (GI).

Tea Attributes: Assam Tea has a rich, deep-amber colour and is famous for its rich, full-bodied cup. It is known for its brisk, strong and malty character, making it a perfect tea to wake up to. The distinctive second flush orthodox Assam teas are valued for their rich taste, bright liquors and are considered to be one of the choicest teas in the world. Source- Tea Board India