Tea farms are highly coveted destinations for writers. In the cool temperate, weather, free from metropolitan distractions, writers can immerse themselves in their work, staying alert with a fresh pot of tea on standby at all times. Tea estates are usually located at higher altitudes, surrounded by small economies mostly catering to the tea industry. As a result, most people cannot live there unless they are lucky enough to work remotely.For centuries, tea estates in India have attracted wealthy individuals, prompting them to build gorgeous vacation homes in the foggy hills. In recent times, the old colonial bungalows and cottages that were built decades ago lay vacant. Some owners rent them out for cheap to visitors, adding another stream of income to the mostly self-sufficient tea estates. Breakfasts are farm fresh and hearty, and locals are warm and friendly.Here are some of the best tea farms in India for writers and anyone else who could use the change of scenery to get some work done.
Where To Stay For Focus & Tranquility
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is part of the Western Ghats mountain range. Rich in biodiversity and character, this hill station was once a popular destination among the British elite. Much of the architecture is in the colonial style, which is known for providing a classy but cozy living experience.
The Kanan Devan Hills Plantation rents out elaborate colonial bungalows located right in the midst of the plantations. Prices vary by year but expect to pay around $50 a night for some of the fancier houses.
Munnar is also home to rare mountain goats, several waterfalls, and elaborate hiking trails, so there's no shortage of natural inspiration to get the creative juices flowing.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Tea enthusiasts from around the world conduct pilgrimages to the town of Darjeeling. With close to 400 distinct tea gardens in this Himalayan hill station, it's clear to see why Darjeeling is the Mecca of tea cultivation.
It was so popular among the British Raj elite, that they built an entire train line to Darjeeling, connecting it to the rest of India. The Darjeeling "Toy Train" is considered a unique and invaluable piece of infrastructure by UNESCO.
From nearly everywhere in town, one of the tallest mountains in the world - Mt. Kanchenjunga - is visible in the backdrop.
Glenburn Tea Estate provides fittingly luxurious and authentic experiences, everything from tea tasting, colonial bungalows for rent, fishing, massages, Himalayan flora tours, and camping. For the most ornate packages, prices are as high as $400 a night, inclusive of airport pick-up, meals, intricate activities, and luxury accommodation.
Jorhat, Assam
Unlike other tea farm destinations mentioned, the town of Jorhat in Assam is relatively large. Despite the diversity and size of the economy, tea is a huge part of the local culture. In fact, the local government has a dedicated department - the Tocklai Tea Research Institute - that specializes in the cultivation of tea in the face of modern challenges like climate change and globalized competition. Visit the Tocklai Experimental Station, which has been in operation for well over a hundred years, to get a glimpse into the cutting edge of scientific tea development.
The Cinnamora Tea Estate in Jorhat is the oldest tea garden in Assam. In 2016, for the first time, a colonial-era residence was converted to a guest house to bring in more tourism. The estate has a long and important history, having once been owned by an Indian freedom fighter who was hanged by the British Raj. Today, as a symbolic ode to his legacy and sacrifice, the Cinnamora Tea Estate is a flourishing producer of tea and an ideal place to stay.
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Tea enthusiasts are probably familiar with Nilgiris tea, known for its rich flavor and vibrant effects. It turns out, people can stay at the tea farm where it originates and experience the cultivation, processing, and end product directly at the source.
Interestingly, Nilgiri tea was introduced to the Nilgiri Mountains by the British in the early 1800s. The seeds originated from China, but the tea was only formally commercialized in India, which imbibed the tea with its unique essence, so much so that it was named after the Nilgiri Mountains while the original name is obscured. Nilgiri tea is unique as it has a fruity, minty, and creamy flavor profile that comes from nearby Eucalyptus and Blue Gum trees.
Thiashola is the largest tea estate in the region and was originally manned by Chinese soldiers taken prisoner by the British during the Opium War. Visitors can contact the estate from the website and request tours and accommodation in this gorgeous example of living history.
Darang, Himachal Pradesh
In the Himalayan Kangra Valley of western Himachal Pradesh, tea is an essential part of the local culture, both for economic and health reasons. The tea has a warming and antiinflammatory effect that is essential to living at high altitudes.
The Darang Tea Estate rents out quaint cottages that give visitors tranquil access to some of the most beautiful views and tea gardens in the world. It is the first formally Indian-owned tea farm in India.
Every room comes with an attached kitchen and bathroom, so it's ideal for working remotely in, with plenty of tea to drink, and plenty to do outside in the cool, clean air. Prices are provided upon inquiry through the website.
This article covers a few tea estate options available in India where writers and other remote workers can retreat to. There are thousands more to explore in some unlikely locations. Hopefully, it's abundantly clear that tea farms in India are potentially the best writers retreats in the world, and most of them are very affordable.