{"id":2086,"date":"2020-12-01T07:22:17","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T07:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nexplore.org\/blog\/?p=2086"},"modified":"2026-03-10T12:47:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:47:03","slug":"heritage-tea-bungalows-and-tea-garden-tour-in-assam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexplore.org\/blog\/tea-bungalows-in-assam\/","title":{"rendered":"Heritage Tea Trails of Assam \u2013 A Luxury Journey Through India\u2019s Tea Country"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The first tea garden was established in Assam in 1840. Most of the tea gardens in Assam are grown in the lowlands in the Brahmaputra valley. During 1860 -1900, numerous small and large tea gardens were established specifically in upper Assam, starting from Jorhat to the Tinsukia district.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With the stunning ancient bungalows amidst lush tea gardens, “tea tourism<\/strong><\/a>” is another exciting part of an Assam tour. The lavish tea bungalows constructed during Britcher’s era are still taking their traditional form in most tea gardens. In this post, I will write about heritage tea bungalows in Assam.<\/p>\r\n

The Legacy of Assam Tea<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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 lawn amidst a tea garden with a scenic view. Staying a few days in these places will take you back to a planter\u2019s life in the 18th century.<\/p>\r\n

Assam is the world\u2019s largest tea-growing region, producing more than half of India\u2019s total tea. The tea story here began under British rule when planters established sprawling estates along the Brahmaputra Valley. Today, many of these colonial tea bungalows<\/strong> still stand proudly, converted into elegant heritage stays.<\/p>\r\n

Each bungalow tells a story \u2014 from its antique d\u00e9cor to the manicured gardens and personalised butler service \u2014 giving travellers a glimpse into the old-world charm of the tea planters\u2019 life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Tea tourism season in Assam<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Generally, tea production continues till the end of November and is known as the autumn flush.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Generally, December\u2013January is considered off-season in the tea garden. During that time, the tea factories remain closed and start their annual maintenance.<\/p>\r\n

\"Assam<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Famous Tea Bungalows in Assam<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Tea bungalows<\/strong> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Now, most of the bungalows were transformed into resorts with all modern amenities.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Chameli Memsaab Bungalow<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Chameli
Chameli Memsaab Bungalow, one of the best tea bungalows in Assam located in the heart of Jorhat city<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It was the home of Assam\u2019s first tea planter, late Maniram Dewan. Located in scenic surroundings, 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 a few days plentifully like a tea planter. It was renamed as Chameli Memsaab Bungalow<\/strong>\u00a0after the film Chameli Memsaab, which was shot in the bungalow in 1975.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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<\/strong> and visit a nearby tea estate, where you can explore tea leaf plucking and witness the various processes of tea production.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It\u2019s a convenient place to visit the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary,<\/strong> which takes only 45 minutes to reach. It’s a great place to enjoy delicious Assamese cuisine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cost:<\/strong> Rs 10,000 -Rs 20,000\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Kaziranga Golf Resort<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Kaziranga\r\n
Bura Sahib bungalow in Kaziranga Golf resort (Photo: traveldiarypransree<\/a>)<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is a scenic golf resort located in the Moubandha tea estate of Jorhat district. It is one of the biggest and most luxurious tea resorts in Assam. Located 16 km away from Jorhat airport and 75 km away from Kaziranga National Park,<\/strong> staying here is a once a lifetime experience. Burra Sahib bungalow<\/strong> is the oldest building here, constructed 120 years ago. You can also stay there in one of the newly built cottages near the bungalow.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It also houses a big 18-hole golf course<\/strong> where you can enjoy playing golf in a leisurely way. The resort offers buffet lunch on weekends and other delicious cuisines on weekdays. One can also explore the Tocklai Tea Research Centre<\/strong> and the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary <\/strong>from here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cost: <\/strong>The double rooms with breakfast cost between Rs 8,500 and Rs 25,000\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You may like<\/strong>
Top 12 attractions you don’t want to miss on your trip to Assam<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3.\u00a0 Mancotta heritage tea bungalow (Dibrugarh)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\"British-era
Mancotta heritage tea bungalow – a two storied British-era colonial bungalow in Dibrugarh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this bungalow, one can enjoy horse-riding on a stallion. Here you can experience the dining style of the 19th century with courses of food served formally.<\/p>\r\n

4. Banyan Grove<\/h3>\r\n
\"Banyan
Banyan Grove, one of the largest and most elegant tea bungalows in Assam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

Located in the heart of the Gatoonga Tea Estate near Jorhat<\/strong>, Banyan Grove Tea Bungalow<\/strong> is one of Assam\u2019s most elegant heritage stays. Once the residence of the Assistant Manager of the estate, this century-old bungalow now welcomes travellers to experience the timeless charm of Assam\u2019s tea heritage in true colonial style.<\/p>\r\n

Surrounded by miles of lush tea gardens, the bungalow features spacious rooms with high ceilings, wooden floors, and antique furniture \u2014 preserving the grandeur of the British tea planter era. Its manicured lawns, old banyan trees, and serene setting create a perfect escape for travellers seeking luxury, tranquillity, and authenticity<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5.\u00a0 Wathai Heritage Bungalow(Tinsukia)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Wathai<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Located in Limbuguri Tea Estate near the Dibru River, in Tinsukia district, it is a boutique plantation bungalow<\/strong>, where you can feel and see the essence of a bygone era as it is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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 the nearby tea factory. It is the most convenient place to go for a trip to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park,<\/strong> which is located just 5 kilometers away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You can also enjoy a tea garden visit and tea tasting in these luxurious tea bungalows. There, you can witness the process of tea leaves from plucking to processing. The whole process will demonstrate how you buy an expert. If you go for a stroll around this place, then you can observe 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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

6. Wild Mahseer (Balipara)<\/h3>\r\n

Wild Mahseer is a charming heritage tea estate located in Balipara, near Tezpur in Assam, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Eastern Himalayas.\u00a0 It is a 22- acre retreat that combines heritage, nature, and luxury. The British-style tea bungalow and charming cottages transport you back in time, surrounded by majestic old trees and tranquil beauty. Once part of the historic Addabarie Tea Estate, it dates back to 1875, offering guests a glimpse into Assam\u2019s rich colonial tea legacy.<\/p>\r\n

At Wild Mahseer, visitors can enjoy a range of immersive activities \u2014 from tea garden walks and guided tea tasting sessions to cycling through plantations, birdwatching, and nature trails along the Jia Bhoroli River. Guests can also interact with local communities, visit nearby villages etc.<\/p>\r\n

Cost: <\/strong>The double rooms with breakfast start from Rs 25,000\u00a0 ( Which includes Morning breakfast, lunch and dinner)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

7. Koliabor manor (Koliabor)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Koliabor<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is a beautiful resort in semi-colonial, vibrant surroundings 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The resort has a clean infinity pool with a great view. You can enjoy traditional Assamese breakfast and lunch here.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Tea Garden Experiences<\/h2>\r\n

During your Assam Tea Tour,<\/a> you\u2019ll witness tea being plucked and processed \u2014 from fresh green leaves to the golden brew that delights the world. Guests can also take part in tea tasting sessions, learning to identify subtle notes and aromas of Assam tea.<\/p>\r\n

Popular experiences include:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n