Tea in India

Indian tea is renowned worldwide for its quality, rooted in centuries of cultivation expertise, strong geographical indications, significant investment in processing units, and continuous innovation.

India produces tea across various regions, with the majority coming from Northeast India (including Assam) and North Bengal (Darjeeling district and the Dooars region). South India, particularly the Nilgiris, also contributes significantly, along with a few smaller production centers. India is among the world’s largest tea consumers, with nearly three-quarters of its production consumed domestically.

Tea-Producing Regions in India

Source: Tea Board of India

North India

Assam Tea – 507 million kg
Assam, comprising the northern Brahmaputra valley, Karbi and Cachar hills, and Barak valley, is the world’s largest contiguous tea-growing region. Known for its fertile alluvial soil and heavy rainfall (2500–3000 mm from March to September), Assam produces teas with rich taste, bright liquor, and malty flavor.
Assam primarily grows Camellia sinensis var. Assamica, one of only two regions in the world to grow this native tea plant. Its teas are full-bodied, deep-amber, brisk, and malty, especially the second flush orthodox teas, ideal for a strong morning brew.

Darjeeling Tea – 9.8 million kg
Cultivated since 1841, Darjeeling tea is often called the “Champagne of Teas” and commands premium prices. Representing just 1% of India’s tea output, it is known for its delicate “Muscatel” flavor, golden to amber liquor, and is typically enjoyed without milk or sugar.
Darjeeling was the first Indian tea to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status, covering 87 tea gardens producing around 10,000 tonnes annually. Tea is grown at 600–2,000 m altitude with excellent drainage and high rainfall (3000–3300 mm). Hand plucking ensures careful selection due to the hilly terrain.

Dooars and Terai Tea – 226 million kg
These regions grow the Assamica variety. The Dooars, meaning “doors,” serves as a gateway to Northeast India and Bhutan. Tea gardens range from 90–1,750 m in elevation and receive 3,500 mm of rainfall. Dooars tea is heavy and clear, while Terai tea is slightly spicy and sweet. Together, they account for 25% of India’s tea production.

Kangra Tea – 0.8 million kg
Situated at 1,500 m altitude, the Kangra valley enjoys a mild climate and uniform rainfall (230–250 cm), which allows organic tea cultivation. Kangra produces both fine green teas (Hyson, Young Hyson) and distinct black teas (Pekoe, Fannings), and enjoys a reputation for high-quality teas despite small-scale production.

South India

Nilgiri Tea – 135 million kg
Grown in the Blue Mountains at 1,000–2,500 m elevation, Nilgiri tea receives 60–90 inches of rainfall annually. It is known for its briskness, fragrance, and creamy taste, with golden-yellow liquor and floral notes. Nilgiri tea is GI-registered and contributes about 10% of India’s total tea output.

Annamalais Tea – 30 million kg
Cultivated at 900–1,600 m in the hills between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this tea has a strong flavor, bright golden saffron liquor, and medium to high-toned fragrance with biscuit and floral notes.

Wayanad Tea – 16 million kg
Located 75 km from Calicut, Wayanad tea grows in forests receiving 2,000–2,500 mm rainfall. It produces medium-toned, full-bodied tea with earthy reddish liquor and mild, mellow biscuit notes.

Karnataka Tea – 6 million kg
Tea plantations are primarily in Chikmagalur (Baba Budan Hills). Karnataka teas are golden ochre with moderate briskness, balanced character, and medium tone.

Munnar Tea – 27 million kg
Grown at 1,000–2,500 m in Kerala, with 1,300–2,700 mm rainfall, Munnar teas have golden-yellow liquor, strong body, briskness, and a sweet biscuit-like fragrance.

Travancore Tea – 20 million kg
Cultivated at 750–1,350 m in regions with 2,000–3,000 mm rainfall, this tea has medium fragrance, reddish liquor with yellow tinge, and balanced body and briskness.

Geographical Indications (GI) and Global Recognition

Many Indian teas, including Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Assam, are registered under GI and CTM by the Tea Board of India. Usage of these logos and marks on packaging must follow Tea Board regulations.

For more information, visit the Tea Board of India.

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