Plan a Combined Tour to Kaziranga National Park & Hathikhuli Tea Estate
India’s long-standing love affair with tea dates back to the colonial era, when the British introduced tea cultivation across the subcontinent. Today, India proudly stands as the second-largest tea producer in the world, right after China. Over time, several tea varieties such as Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kangra, and Kashmiri Kahwa have gained immense popularity. But among them, Assam tea has remained a timeless favourite. The state of Assam, blessed with fertile soil and a favourable climate, is home to endless stretches of emerald-green tea gardens. Visitors often find themselves enchanted by the lush surroundings, the aroma of freshly brewed tea, and the warm hospitality of the locals. These gardens are not just tourist attractions – they are the heartbeat of Assam’s economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of workers who lovingly nurture every leaf that goes into making the world-famous Assam tea.
Explore and Enjoy Kaziranga Safari
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s finest wildlife destinations. It is best known for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros and offers a breathtaking view of Assam’s wilderness. Exploring Kaziranga through its Jeep and Elephant Safaris is an experience that stays with you forever. For a smooth and hassle-free wildlife experience, visitors can easily plan their Kaziranga online safari booking in advance. Online booking helps secure preferred time slots and zones for both Jeep and Elephant Safaris, ensuring you don’t miss the thrilling chance to witness the park’s wildlife up close.
The Elephant Safari lets you experience the park’s charm from an intimate perspective, while the Jeep Safari covers larger stretches of the grassland – ideal for spotting rhinos, deer, wild buffalo, and a variety of birds. The early morning mist, the chirping of birds, and the sight of animals moving freely across the plains make the safari a photographer’s delight. After enjoying your safaris in Kaziranga, extend your adventure beyond the forest trails. Just a short 13 km drive from Kaziranga, the Hathikhuli Tea Estate awaits with its lush green plantations. This short detour adds a refreshing twist to your trip, letting you experience Assam’s other treasure – its world-famous tea culture.
About Hathikhuli Tea Estate
If you are passionate about tea or simply curious about its origins, a visit to the Hathikhuli Tea Estate is a must during your Kaziranga trip. The estate was once owned by James Finlay & Company, a Scottish firm that played a key role in Assam’s tea history. Today, the plantation is known for producing organic teas, including orthodox tea, black pepper tea, and organic green tea – all cultivated in harmony with nature. The name Hathikhuli comes from the Assamese words “hathi” (elephant) and “khuli” (frequently), meaning “a place frequently visited by elephants.” True to its name, the area is often visited by wild elephants and birds due to its proximity to the park’s ecological zone. The estate stretches over 15 km along the NH37 highway and spans two districts – Golaghat and Karbi-Anglong.
A walk through the Hathikhuli Tea Estate offers an unforgettable sensory experience. You can witness the delicate process of plucking tea leaves, observe organic farming practices, and taste freshly brewed tea right where it’s made. The sight of women in colourful attire moving rhythmically through the tea bushes, combined with the soothing scent of tea leaves, paints a picture straight out of a postcard. For tourists seeking a serene escape, the Hathikhuli Tea Estate provides the perfect retreat. The panoramic views of rolling hills, misty mornings, and vast green stretches create a peaceful contrast to the thrilling wildlife encounters in Kaziranga. Together, they make an ideal combined tour that showcases the best of Assam – its wild heart and its aromatic soul.
