Assam Tea Gardens

Assam tea is a black tea named after the region of its production, Assam, in India. It is also traditionally used in Yunnan province in China. Assam tea is manufactured specifically from the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Masters). This tea, most of which is grown at or near sea level, is known for its body, briskness, malty flavour, and strong, bright colour. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, are often sold as "breakfast" teas. For instance, Irish breakfast tea, a maltier and stronger breakfast tea, consists of small-sized Assam tea leaves.

Assam is world’s largest tea-plantation area (sprawling over an area of 216200 hectares). The tea gardens add further charm to Assam’s already picturesque panorama. More than 100 tea estates have their gardens here in Assam, like Tata Group of Companies, Williamson Tea Estates, Ambika and Jamirah. With the beginning of March, the cropping season starts and lasts till December. Topping the charts in tea-garden tourism, the plantation is spread on the banks of Brahmaputra River.

And with all of this, Assam has become a popular tourist destination. Tourists love to take a stroll in and around the tea-plantation gardens. Witnessing the workers picking the leaves with their pinky finger gets you closer to knowing the process. You can also catch up with them over a sizzling cup of Assam tea. Larger number of tourists flocks to this region especially during Assam Tea Festival, held in November. Tourist can also enjoy river cruises here and visit Guwahati Tea Auction, the largest of its kind in India.