Kangra Valley Tea Gardens

The Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, is renowned for its expansive and picturesque tea gardens, often called the “Tea Capital of Northern India”. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Dhauladhar mountains, the valley spans areas like Palampur, Dharamshala, Baijnath and Jogindernagar, with lush green plantations offering breath-taking views, serene walks, and a glimpse into traditional tea production.

Tea cultivation here dates back to the mid-19th century when British botanist Dr. Jameson introduced Chinese Camellia sinensis plants in 1849–1852. Kangra tea gained international acclaim in the late 1800s, winning gold and silver medals in London and Amsterdam for its superior quality. A devastating 1905 earthquake severely impacted the industry, but it has revived over time. Today, it holds Geographical Indication (GI) status (since 2005 in India, and even European PGI), known for its light, aromatic black and green teas with delicate floral, fruity, and musky notes—mostly orthodox production with minimal chemicals in many estates.

Palampur is a green hill station and a municipal council in the Kangra Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by tea gardens and pine forests before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special interest place. Abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed it with mild climate. The town has derived its name from the local word palum, meaning lots of water. There are numerous streams flowing from the mountains to the plains from Palampur. The combination of greenery and water gives Palampur a distinctive look. Palampur is at the confluence of the plains and the hills and so the scenery shows the contrast: plains on one side and the majestic snow-covered hills on the other side. In the backdrop of this beautiful town stands the Dhauladhar mountain range, which remains snow-covered for most part of the year.

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