Assam is well known in the world map for sprawling tea gardens spread across the plain of Assam. It is the largest tea producing region after China. Assam tea is mainly known for its unique taste and flavour.
The first tea garden was established in Assam in 1840. Most of the tea gardens in Assam are grown in the low lands in the Brahmaputra valley. During 1860 -1900 numerous small and big tea garden were established specifically in upper Assam starting from Jorhat to Tinsukia district.
With the stunning ancient bungalows amidst lush tea gardens “tea tourism” is another exciting part of Assam tour. The lavish tea bungalows constructed during Britcher’s era are still intaking its traditional way in most tea gardens. In this post, I will write about heritage tea bungalows in Assam.
Though the British left India in 1947 they left their embrace in all the tea bungalows. Most of them are sizeable two-storied bungalows with a vast loan amidst tea garden with a scenic view. Staying a few days these places will take you back to a planter’s life in the 18th century.
Tea tourism season in Assam
Assam tea is generally harvested twice. The first flush ie first season starts in March. The second flush, harvested later season starts from May to June. The tea produced in the second flush season is maltier, sweeter and more full-bodied and is generally considered superior to the first flush tea. Generally, tea production continues till the end of November and is known as autumn flush.
Generally, December – January is considered off-season in tea garden during that time tea factories remain closed and start their annual maintenance.
Tea Bungalows in Assam
Tea bungalows of Assam have a unique style with a raised wooden platform (Chang Bungalow), spacious surrounding and big verandas. The main building was made of big Teak wood pillar and they are generally 2 storeys with a big loan and outstanding interior decoration. The planters are mostly English, Scottish and Irish and create their home according to their choice in a lavish way.
Now, most of the bungalows were transformed into resorts with all modern amenities.
Some most significant bungalows where you can stay and enjoy your holiday in Assam are Chameli Memsaab bungalow, Kaziranga golf resort, koliabor manor, Mancotta heritage tea bungalow, wild mahseer, Wathai Heritage Bungalow etc.
Chameli Memsaab Bungalow
It was the home of Assam’s first tea planter late Maniram Dewan. Located in a scenic surrounding built over a three-acre area of Cinnamora Tea Estate. Situated just 15 minutes away from Jorhat airport it is a stunning big tea bungalow where you can spend few days plentifully like a tea planter. It was renamed as Chameli Memsaab Bungalow after the film Chameli Memsaab, which was shot in the bungalow in 1975.
The main advantage of this place is that you can enjoy all the amenities at a reasonable rate. It is a stunning big 2 story bungalow where you can enjoy tea tasting and visit nearby tea estate where you can explore tea leaves plucking and witness the various process of tea production.
It’s a convenient place to visit Gibbon Wildlife sanctuary which takes only 45 minutes to reach. It’s a great place to enjoy delicious Assamese cuisine.
Cost: Rs 6,000 -Rs 8,000
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Kaziranga Golf Resort
It is a scenic golf resort located in the Moubandha tea estate of Jorhat district. It is one of the biggest and luxury tea resort in Assam. Located 16 km away from Jorhat airport and 75 km away from Kaziranga National Park staying here is a once a lifetime experience. Bura Sahib bungalow is the oldest building here constructed 120 years ago. You can also stay there in one of the newly build cottages near the bungalow.
It also houses a big 18 whole golf field where you can enjoy playing golf in a leisurely way. The resort offers buffet lunch on weekends and other delicious cuisines in weekdays. One can also explore the Tocklai Tea Research Centre and Gibbon wildlife sanctuary from here.
Cost: The double rooms with breakfast cost between Rs 8,500 and Rs 25,000
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Mancotta heritage tea bungalow
It is a very big and charming property located in the Mancotta tea estate in Dibrugarh. It is a charming bungalow with a stunning interior decoration dating back to the 18th century. It has very big rooms well decorated with antique interior and a pleasant balcony overlooking the garden and tea plantations. It was the official residence of the superintending manager of Mancotta Tea Estate Duncan Hayes who was the last serving British manager here.
In this bungalow, one can enjoy horse-riding on a stallion. Here you can experience the dining style of 19th century with courses of food served formally.
Wathai Heritage Bungalow
Located in Limbuguri Tea Estate near Dibru river, in Tinsukia district, it is a boutique plantation bungalow, where you can feel and see the essence of a bygone era as it is.
Sited in a stunning location overlooking the tea garden one can identify different birds fluttering around. It is an ideal place to explore the tea plantation and nearing tea factory. It is the most convenient place to go for a trip to the Dibru Saikhowa National park which is located just 5 kilometres away.
You can also enjoy tea garden visit and tea tasting in these luxurious tea bungalows. There you can witness the process of tea leaves plucking to processing. The whole process will demonstrate you buy an expert. If you go for a stroll around this place then you can observer the life of tea pluckers who stayed nearby. The festivals celebrated in their village and beautiful dance forms are one more addition to the top attractions of Assam.
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Koliabor manor
It is a beautiful resort in Semi colonial vibrant situated in a natural hillock in Silghat, in Nagaon District. It is at a distance of 170 km from Guwahati and 45 km from Kaziranga National Park. An ideal destination to rejuvenate yourself amidst the lush green tea gardens with breathtaking views of the mighty Brahmaputra river. This is a huge place having two cottages for guests. It is adorned with large rooms with a full-size glass window from where one can enjoy a great view of the river and the surrounding.
The resort has a clean infinity pool having a great view. You can enjoy traditional Assames breakfast and lunch here.
Check Kaziranga tour package
Hope these heritage tea bungalows will be able to blow your mind and you are ready to treat yourself with a break amidst green tea fields. Contact us to book your stay in a tea bungalow or write to us at support@nexplore.org to plan your holiday in Assam.
