Assam Tea: From Lush Plantations to the Perfect Brew

Assam, the emerald heart of India’s tea country, is where the story of Indian tea truly began. Set along the fertile banks of the Brahmaputra River, its humid monsoon climate and rich alluvial soil make it one of the world’s most productive tea-growing regions.
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The first wild tea plants were discovered here in the early 19th century, and soon the British East India Company began cultivating Assam’s native variety, Camellia sinensis var. assamica. This hardy, large-leaved plant produces a rich, malty tea that became the backbone of breakfast blends around the world.

The Tea Experience in Assam

Travelling through Assam feels like stepping into a living postcard of rolling green hills and misty mornings. The Kanchanjuri Tea Estate, surrounded by the wilderness of Kaziranga National Park, is one such jewel. Guests on Darjeeling Tours’ Textiles & Teas of Assam Tour stay amid these tranquil gardens for several nights, exploring how tea is grown, harvested and processed.
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Here, the line between nature and cultivation blurs beautifully. It is not uncommon to spot wild elephants wandering near the plantations at dawn, moving gracefully through the tea bushes. It is a rare and unforgettable sight that captures the region’s deep connection with its natural surroundings.

Visitors also tour the Guwahati Tea Estate and Factory, where the story of Assam tea comes full circle. Guests can see each stage of production, from the careful plucking of “two leaves and a bud” to the withering, rolling, oxidation and drying that create the bold flavour for which Assam tea is celebrated worldwide.

From Seed to Cup

The tea journey begins with planting young bushes in neatly aligned rows across the undulating landscape. After about five years, the plants are ready for harvesting, which takes place several times during the growing season.

Skilled tea pickers, often women, move quickly through the gardens, selecting only the finest tips. In the factory, these fresh leaves are spread out to wither, reducing moisture and concentrating flavour. The leaves are then rolled to release natural enzymes, a crucial step that initiates oxidation. Depending on the desired strength and colour, oxidation times vary before the leaves are fired or dried to lock in flavour. The result is a strong, malty black tea with a bright, coppery liquor that captures the essence of Assam in every cup.

Beyond Tea: Assam’s Living Heritage

​The Textiles & Teas of Assam Tour is not just about tea. It weaves together the twin threads of Assam’s heritage: tea and textiles. Travellers visit villages near Kaziranga to meet local weavers, learn about traditional bamboo crafts and Sitalpati mats, and discover the centuries-old art of weaving colourful cotton and silk fabrics. The warmth and hospitality of the Assamese people add another layer to the experience.

Why Visit Assam with Darjeeling Tours

This 15-day journey combines culture, craftsmanship and the captivating world of tea. From the colonial-era heritage of Kolkata to the serene tea gardens of Kanchanjuri and the modern bustle of Guwahati, it is a sensory adventure that immerses you in the essence of Assam.
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Whether you are a tea connoisseur, a lover of culture, or simply curious about India’s less-travelled corners, Assam offers a story worth savouring.

View our textiles & teas of assam itinerary here