Starting your day with a hot chai in bed is a whole lot easier in a tea plantation. Dually catering to lovers of tea and nature, the best tea plantation hotels in India showcase the country’s rich tea heritage and stunning verdant landscapes in equal measure. With the steeped beverage playing an integral part of the republic’s identity, India takes its tea seriously; with exceptional tea plantations present across the country. Several plantations have ventured into the hospitality realm, allowing tea enthusiasts to experience life on the estate in the lap of luxury.
From the valleys of Assam to the mountains of Nilgiri, these are the best tea plantation hotels in India.
1. Taj Savoy Hotel, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
To experience the beauty of a tea plantation in all its colonial grandeur, a stay at the Taj Savoy Hotel is the way to go. The estate dates back to 1829, when John Sullivan was summoned by the Madras Presidency to explore Nilgiri (dubbed the ‘Blue Mountains’) to find a respite to British officers struggling with the heat of the plains. Sullivan settled on the hill station of Ooty, with the estate experiencing a few identities before transforming into the Taj Savoy Hotel as we now know it.
Today, one can relive the golden era of colonial times sans, well, colonialism. Ideally placed to explore the nearby tea fields, guests are inveigled to enjoy afternoon tea with scones and organic Nilgiri teas (but of course!), croquet on the lawn, and old-school board games.
Address: 77 Sylks Rd, Monterosa Colony, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Price: from $380AUD/night
2. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal
A city synonymous with tea, Darjeeling accounts for almost a quarter of India’s total tea production. Known for its light-bodied, fragrant quality, Darjeeling tea is a must-try for tea connoisseurs. And what better way to experience it than on the verdant rolling hills of the eponymous city itself? The Glenburn Tea Estate was established by a Scottish tea company in 1859, before being passed onto one of India’s most prominent tea planting families, the Prakashes. Rooms and suites in the two well-appointed colonial bungalows overlook the Kanchenjunga mountain in the Himalayas and the Rangeet river that delineates Sikkim and Darjeeling, while decor blends pastel hues with antique furniture. There’s a convivial atmosphere at Glenburn Tea Estate, with guests eating together in the dining room and sharing cups of tea in the colonial-style sitting room. Naturally, there’s ample opportunity to try Glenburn tea, whether in a tea tasting session or accompanied by breakfast on the verandah.
While it’s easy to while away time simply enjoying the estate, embarking on a factory tour to experience the tea making process is essential fare. The more actively inclined are also well catered for with mountain hiking routes and river rafting opportunities nearby.
Price: from $990AUD/night
Address: near Singritan, Darjeeling, Kambal Tea Garden, West Bengal, India
3. Wild Mahseer, Balipara, Assam
Nestled in the Brahmaputra Valley, Wild Mahseer is a thoughtfully restored colonial bungalow sitting on 22 acres, surrounded by tea gardens. Despite its colonial aesthetics, it’s run by the local community and promotes mindful tourism, achieved through partnerships with indigenous communities and local botanists which aid in promoting biodiversity in flora and fauna.
Wild Mahseer acts as a launch point to the forests of Kaziranga, Pakke, Nameri, and Orang, with activities including cycling, bird watching, and heritage and botany walks. The nuanced nature of Assam tea is also showcased through tea tasting ceremonies and tea tours.
Price: from $200AUD/night
Address: Balipara Division Addabarie Tea Estate, Sonitpur Dist, Off National Highway 52, Balipara, Assam, India
4. O’Land Plantation Stay, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
A world away from the chaos of the city, O’Land Plantation Stay is located on 120 acres of unspoiled land in the Nilgiri mountain range (affectionately referred to as the ‘Blue Mountains’). Expect to wake up to the aroma of freshly steeped tea, brewed with leaves plucked from the estate’s own plantation. Not only can you watch tea go from plantation to cup, you can lend a hand yourself and join the workers. After plucking the finest leaves, taste the spoils of your labour in a tea tasting session, with an array of white, green, and black teas to be experienced.
Price: from $135AUD/night
Address: O’land Plantation Stay, Kollacumby Post, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, India
5. Windermere Estate, Munnar, Kerala
The untamed wilderness of the hills of Munnar in the southwestern state of Kerala plays host to the charming Windermere Estate. Crafted to sit in harmony with the rock formations of the cliff on which it resides, the retreat—formerly a cardamom and coffee plantation—emanates old-world elegance, while the aromas of coffee, tea, and cardamom delicately scent the air.
After exploring the surrounding tea plantations on foot, sit down for a tea tasting session with onsite tea sommeliers and hone in your knowledge of the multifaceted beverage. Windermere Estate hosts daily guided sunset walks through its plantations, taking guests through the dense evergreen trees and foliage, many of which are grown to attract birds and butterflies. Rooms find luxury in minimalism, with restrained yet thoughtful decor that places an emphasis on earthy tones and natural materials letting the gabled roofs and terracotta floors do the talking.
Price: from $210AUD/night
Address: Pothamedu Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala, India
6. Vythiri Resort, Wayanad, Kerala
Those desirous of true immersion in nature should make their way to the Vythiri Resort in the mountainous district of Wayanad. Located over 150 acres of tropical rainforest, the resort’s tree houses make the most of their lush location while independent villas and cottages are bordered by both the rainforest and a stream. When you’re done exploring the abundant nature of the rainforest, head to the tea plantations of the Western Ghats for a tour and tasting.
Price: from $240AUD/night
Address: Kunnathidavaka, Vythiri Lakkidi, Vythiri, Kerala, India
7. The Outer Space, Sathram, Kerala
For a decidedly different experience, try truly getting among the landscape by camping on it. Located on Mount Sathram and flanked by tea plantations, The Outer Space offers a luxurious glamping experience by way of glass cabins mounted on stilts. Vegetarian meals—and ample tea—are served onsite.
Price: from $90AUD/night
Address: G3FJ+JRM, Sathram Rd, Manjumala, Kerala, India
8. Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Darjeeling, West Bengal
If colonial design isn’t your cup of tea, we’d recommend a stay at Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa. Ideally suited for those whose taste skews more contemporary than colognia, this tea plantation hotel in India takes a modern design approach, with sleek structures rendered in wood and stone. The hill station bolt hole offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and surrounding tea plantations, with the hotel hosting daily tea tasting sessions and visits to Makaibari Tea Estate, the oldest tea factory in India.
Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after at Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa. In addition to forest treks, yoga classes, and spa treatments, a range of Ayurvedic therapies is also on offer.
Price: from $500AUD/night
Address: Makai Bari Tea Gardens, Kurseong, West Bengal, India
Words by Theo Rosen
