Indian tea is the prime means of allurement for worldwide travelers. India is the largest exporter and consumer of tea in comparison with other countries around the globe. Blessed with a lot of tea estates, Indian tea gardens offer 32% of world’s total tea. The history of Indian tea production dates back to 150 years. Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri contributing tremendously in making India a major tea producer. Darjeeling tea estates are the main tea growing regions in India. Goomtee Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Makaibari Tea Estate, Puttabong Tea Estate and Happy Valley Tea Estate are prominent tea estates in Darjeeling.
The Inception:
The first commercial tea gardens of Darjeeling were introduced by the British tea interest in the year 1852. In the year 1866, Darjeeling had 39 gardens, producing a total crop of 21,000 kilograms of tea. The number of tea gardens of Darjeeling increased at an alarming rate. In 1874, tea became a profitable venture of Darjeeling; as a result the total number has reached up to 113 which cover 6000 hectares land.
Present scenario of tea estates of Darjeeling:
86 running tea gardens producing 'Darjeeling Tea' on a total area of 19,000 hectares has festooned the country. The total annual production of tea in Darjeeling ranges from 10-11 million kgs. Darjeeling tea industry offers employment to 52 thousand people on an enduring basis, out of which 15,000 persons are engaged in the plucking season. The women are only involved in plucking of tea leaves.
Other tea estates in Darjeeling:
Badamtam, Margaret's Hope, Barnesbeg, Castleton, Sungma, Chamong, Rohini, Tindharia, Seeyok, Singbulli, Thurbo, Longview, and Tumsong.
