Guwahati: The 120-year-old Hathikuli Tea Estate has joined hands with Kaziranga National Park to introduce a unique tea trail experience for tourists - the initiative aims to promote tea tourism in the region, offering visitors an immersive journey into the heritage, nature, and tea culture of Assam.

Termed the 'tea trail,' Mitra Bhanu Das, the superintending manager at Hathikuli, said it combines tea, heritage, and nature. "The two-hour guided tour, priced at Rs 800 per head, includes an in-depth exploration of the entire tea manufacturing process, from plucking during the tea season along with a captivating documentary showcasing the journey of tea production during factory closures", Das told Business North East.

Commencing from 8th February 2024

Das highlighted that the tea season, spanning from October to March, offers the best opportunity for tourists to witness the manufacturing process in full swing. 

The estate will provide a 15 percent discount on their tea products, accompanied by a complimentary tea packet to every tourist at their outlet (The Tea Cove). "A tea-tasting session, an opportunity to participate in the plucking process, and a dedicated photo shoot will further enhance the visitor experience", Das added.

The Hathikuli Tea Estate, situated between the Karbi Anglong Hills and Kaziranga National Park, is part of the Amalgamated Plantations Private Limited, a TATA Enterprise. As India's largest integrated organic farm, it stands as a significant employer in the Kaziranga area.

Mitra Bhanu Das emphasized that tourists will also get an insight into pepper cultivation at their tea estate during the tea trail.

Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park stated that tea tourism expands the scope of tourism in Kaziranga, providing a holistic experience for visitors. "With activities ranging from safaris and cultural events to trekking, cycling, birding, and tea tasting, the region now offers a diverse range of experiences in a single location", she told Business North East.

Meanwhile, Dipanjol Deka, Secretary of the Tea Association of India, highlighted the pros and cons of tea tourism to Business North East. He emphasized the importance of real-time experiences during the tea season. 

Deka stressed the need for knowledgeable trained tour guides who can delve into the history, culture, and traditions of Assam's tea gardens. "Tourists should be able to stay in the heritage bungalows for the whole experience - tea, after all, is an experience."

Regarding accommodation, Das clarified that exclusive heritage bungalows are currently available through special pre-booking. However, he expressed willingness to explore options for constructing similar bungalows based on tourist demand.

"Tea being an experience can be added as an itinerary as well which can be done via the travel of our tour operators and agencies", Deka added.

In an earlier development, in 2022-23, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation allocated Rs 50 crore to promote tea tourism. The Tea Tourism Project, spanning from 2022 to 2024, involves the renovation and development of 50 tea gardens, each receiving Rs 2 crores for infrastructure enhancement, along with a Rs 200 crore subsidy from the state government to convert heritage bungalows into tourist-friendly attractions.

ALSO READ: How a Guwahati firm exported hill pepper from Arunachal to France