1. Singtom Tea Estate, Darjeeling This legendary tea estate was conceived in 1854 by a German priest named Joachim Stoelke and is now managed by the fourth generation of the Chirimars — one of India’s oldest tea-planting families.

The 1862-built bungalow has been restored and offers a glimpse into Victorian architecture, panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and antique fireplaces. Book your stay here.

2. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling “Know how the tea leaf makes it to the cup,” the estate urges, referring to their holistic tea experience.

This journey begins with a walk through the tea gardens (1.5 to three hours), followed by a lesson in tea growing and manufacturing. Lastly, there is a visit to the tea factory and a tea-tasting session. Book your stay here.

3. Sapoi Tea Farms, Assam Put on your learning caps as you work for a day in a tea factory where you watch the entire process of tea making.

At the Sapoi Tea Farms, you’ll not only be living in a heritage bungalow established in 1914 but also get a chance to explore the breathtaking landscape. Book your stay here.

4. O’Land Plantation Stays, Coonoor The Sukhdev family’s deep love for nature compelled them to purchase a piece of land in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor in 2007, which doubled up as an ‘elephant corridor’.

Today, the O’Land Plantation is a stunning example of sustainable ecotourism which offers bird watching, waterfall picnics, tea-tasting sessions and hiking. Book your stay here.

5. Wild Mahseer, Assam One of the stays, ‘The Burra Bungalow’, dates back more than 150 years, when it was the official residence of the sahibs of the McLeod Russel Tea Co.

Among the many varieties of teas you will find here are Flowery Pekoe — one of the finest varieties of tea in the world; Autumn Gold — an orthodox tea produced from fine plucking and  Oolong — a variety of Chinese tea whose flavour profile ranges from sweet and fruity to woody and thick. Book your stay here.

6. Sourenee Tea Estate, Darjeeling Against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga, here’s your chance to dive into the trivia of first flush, second flush, rain flush, and autumn flush while you sample whole-leaf grade teas.

The estate’s proximity to the Mirik Valley makes it perfect for trekking, wildlife sanctuaries, horse riding and boating. Book your stay here.

7. Vaani Greens — Kanchanjuri Tea Estate, Assam “A celebration of Assamese tea culture,” is how guests describe this stay that is neighbours with the Kaziranga National Park.

The eco-stay prioritises experiences over fast travel, and on any odd evening, you can expect a visit from a one-horned rhinoceros or a concert put up by folk groups. Book your stay here.

8. Yule Tea Retreat, West Bengal Perched on the verdant Mim tea gardens of Darjeeling, Yule Tea Retreat is a love letter to the beverage that it has been brewing since its inception.

Today, old colonial touches come together with modern architecture in the form of the tea retreat. Book your stay here.

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