This was my first-ever visit to a tea estate in India. Though I had seen a tea estate earlier in Vietnam, visiting one in India felt very different and special. During a trip to Dharamshala in January 2025 with my husband, I learned about Wah Tea Estate in Palampur. Since I have always been curious about tea and its journey, we decided to visit it the very next day.
We took a local state bus from Dharamshala and reached Wah Tea Estate by changing two local buses. The journey itself was an experience. The views on the way were beautiful and scenic. Cold air, fresh mountain breeze, and the constant sound of music playing in the local buses made the ride enjoyable. The fast driving on the hilly roads felt adventurous and a little scary at the same time.
At one point, we even secretly connected to the bus Bluetooth and played our own song. No one really noticed, and it became a fun little moment for us. I was extremely excited throughout the journey, thinking about finally seeing a tea estate in India.
About Wah Tea Estate
Wah Tea Estate is located in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, and is known for its scenic views and calm surroundings. It is one of the well-known tea estates in the Kangra Valley region. The estate also offers a factory tour and tea tasting experience.
A factory tour at Wah Tea Estate generally costs around ₹200 per person. The experience usually lasts about 45 minutes and includes information about tea growing, processing, and a guided tea tasting session. Tours are typically conducted every hour between 10 am and 5 pm.
What We Experienced
We visited Wah Tea Estate during the off-season. The plantation had already been cut, and the estate was very quiet and calm. There were no tourists around, just the two of us. While the silence and peaceful atmosphere were nice, the factory was completely shut.
It was disappointing because the tea store lady in Dharamshala did not inform me that the factory would be closed during this time. We had traveled almost two hours by local bus, expecting to see the factory in action.
The tea tasting setup was there, with a table laid out, but there was no guidance at all. No one explained the teas or the process. We were simply left with a scoop and a cup to taste on our own. Since this was my first tea estate visit in India, I had much higher expectations, especially after hearing so much about tea factory tours and professional tea tastings.
Tea Tasting Experience at Wah Tea Estate
The tea tasting area was set inside a beautiful wooden room that felt warm and rustic. Long wooden tables were laid out neatly with rows of white cups, small jars filled with loose tea leaves, and name cards placed in front of each tea. The ambience was quiet and calm. Since we visited during the off-season, there were no other tourists around. It felt almost like we had the entire space to ourselves.
I could see a variety of teas kept for tasting. There were classic green teas and a few flavored blends as well. Some of the teas I tasted included Jasmine Green Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa, Moroccan Mint Tea, Orange Cinnamon, Chamomile Green Tea, and a Detox blend. Each tea had a different aroma and color, ranging from pale yellow to a slightly deeper golden shade.
The setup for tea tasting was done nicely, but there was no one to guide us through the process. No explanation was given about the tea leaves, brewing temperature, or tasting notes. We were simply left alone with the teas, a scoop, and cups. Since this was my first tea estate tasting experience in India, I was expecting at least a brief introduction or guidance.
I still took my time observing the dry leaves, smelling them, and tasting each tea slowly. The Jasmine Green Tea was floral and soothing. Kashmiri Kahwa felt warm and mildly spiced. Moroccan Mint Tea was refreshing, while the Orange Cinnamon blend had a comforting aroma. Even though the tasting lacked explanation, standing there quietly and sipping different teas felt peaceful.
Ambience and Overall Feel
The estate itself was very scenic. There was complete silence, broken only by the cold breeze and distant sounds of nature. The wooden interiors, soft lighting, and earthy tones added to the charm of the place.
While the tea tasting experience could have been more informative, the ambience of Wah Tea Estate was beautiful. It felt slow, quiet, and untouched. I just wish the experience matched the expectations set by the journey and the reputation of the estate.
This visit taught me that timing matters a lot when visiting tea estates. The place is stunning, but to truly enjoy the factory tour and tea tasting, visiting during the active season would make a huge difference.
Overall Experience
Wah Tea Estate is undoubtedly one of the most scenic tea estates I have seen. The views, the quiet surroundings, and the stay options within the estate are beautiful and worth experiencing. However, the tea tasting and factory tour experience could have been much better, especially for first-time visitors.
While I loved the journey and the landscape, the lack of communication and guidance during the tea tasting made the experience feel incomplete. It is a lovely place to visit, but planning your visit during the active season would make a big difference.
Despite the disappointment, the trip remains memorable for the journey, the adventure, and the calm beauty of Palampur.