Tea isn’t just a beverage in India; it’s an experience, a ritual, and a conversation. Hot Tea Across India by Rishad Saam Mehta invites readers to explore this integral part of Indian culture, as the author takes them on a delightful journey through the country’s varied landscapes, where the fragrance of tea leaves blends seamlessly with stories of tradition, history, and people. For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of India beyond its monuments, this book serves as an ideal guide, offering a sensory dive into the places where the nation’s finest tea is grown, brewed, and savored.
The Allure of India’s Tea Plantations: A Rich Legacy
A tea farmer holding freshly harvested tea leaves
From the misty hills of Darjeeling to the lush green expanses of Assam, India’s tea plantations are more than just agricultural landscapes—they are the soul of the country’s tea culture. Saam Mehta skillfully takes us into these tea estates, many of which have been cultivated for centuries, where the roots of tea are deeply intertwined with the social, cultural, and political history of India. Each region has its own distinctive tea, from the delicate muscatel Darjeeling to the bold, robust Assam brew. In this section of the book, Saam Mehta weaves a narrative that offers insights into the legacy of tea cultivation, the dedication of the planters, and the seasonal rhythms that define the tea-growing regions.
Tea as Culture: More Than Just a Drink
Image courtesy: www.deliciousfoodandwine.com
One of the most striking things about Saam Mehta’s work is how it transcends tea as just a drink. In India, tea is the glue that holds social fabric together. Whether it’s a roadside chaiwala (tea vendor) serving tea in small cups or a high-end tea ceremony in a five-star hotel, the communal ritual of drinking tea is an essential part of Indian daily life. Mehta explores the fascinating rituals associated with tea in India, like the masala chai (spiced tea) prepared on the street corners of Delhi, or the traditional saffron chai enjoyed in the royal palaces of Rajasthan. Through these stories, the book introduces travelers to the true essence of tea culture in India—an experience that’s often a window into the deeper cultural and spiritual life of the region.
Exploring India’s Top Tea Regions
1. Darjeeling:
The Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling
The Champagne of Teas Darjeeling, often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas,” offers a tranquil escape in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is where some of the world’s most exclusive tea estates are located, producing a tea known for its light, floral notes. A visit to Darjeeling is more than just a tea-tasting experience; it’s a journey through time, with colonial-era estates and sprawling tea gardens stretching across the verdant hills. The book takes readers on a tour of these estates, offering a rare peek into the legacy of tea production that has made this region famous worldwide.
2. Assam:
Bold Flavors, Bold Landscapes Assam, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Located in the northeastern part of India, this region is known for its strong, malty teas. The book takes you deep into Assam’s heart, where vast tea plantations are set against the backdrop of the Brahmaputra River. Saam Mehta provides an evocative portrayal of the area’s rich history and its crucial role in shaping India’s tea industry. The tea of Assam is often considered the most robust, and the region’s landscapes—lush, wild, and untamed—reflect the intensity of the flavor.
3. Nilgiris: Tea Amidst Blue Mountains Down south, the Nilgiri Hills offer a stark contrast with its cooler climate and the surrounding Western Ghats. The tea here is known for its smooth, aromatic flavors, often used in blends across the globe. As you traverse the scenic hills, Saam Mehta takes you into the heart of Nilgiri’s estates, where the air is thick with the scent of tea. The region, with its misty mornings and quiet, rolling hills, offers a peaceful, almost mystical experience, inviting travelers to relax and sip tea in a serene setting.
4. Kangra: A Hidden Gem Perhaps lesser known to international tea enthusiasts, Kangra in Himachal Pradesh offers some of India’s most unique teas. Grown in small batches, the tea here has an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that sets it apart from other Indian teas. Saam Mehta uncovers the charm of Kangra’s tea plantations, where age-old traditions meet a more modern approach to cultivation. Visitors to Kangra are not only treated to exquisite tea but also the beauty of the landscape, where tea bushes stretch across terraced hillsides.
Hot Tea Across India is more than just a book about tea—it is an exploration of India itself, from its cultural landscapes to its daily rituals. Through Saam Mehta’s captivating storytelling, readers are introduced to the diverse regions of India where tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a cornerstone of life, an integral part of history, and a symbol of hospitality.
For those looking to immerse themselves in India’s rich tea culture, this book is a perfect introduction. It opens up a journey that goes beyond the famous tea estates, into the heart of India’s vibrant, varied landscapes. Whether you’re sipping a cup of Darjeeling at dawn or enjoying a robust Assam brew in a local chai shop, India’s tea culture offers an experience that is both rich and multifaceted. And for those who seek to experience this world first-hand, Greaves Tours offers expertly crafted journeys that take you through these tea regions, offering a unique opportunity to explore the world of Indian tea in an unforgettable way.
