Tea has a worldwide appeal and cultural depth that few other beverages can match. Tea has the ability to unite people and tell its own story, whether it is consumed as a cozy cup on a wet day or as part of a lavish tea ceremony steeped in history.
For those who enjoy tea, visiting locations where tea is consumed is more than just a trip; it's an exploration of the local way of life, culture, and cuisine. Here are some of the top places you should put on your list if you want to indulge your passion for tea while traveling the world!
Located in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is known for its high-quality tea. Darjeeling tea, sometimes referred to as the "Champagne of Teas," is valued for its subtle flavor and fragrant scent. Tea leaves are hand-picked and processed in expansive tea estates like Happy Valley and Makaibari, which are open to visitors. Don't pass up the chance to have a fresh beer while taking in the view of the foggy mountains.
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China has a rich and varied tea culture, and for those who enjoy tea, Hangzhou is a must-see location. Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, a green tea prized for its smooth finish and nutty flavor, is grown in the city. You can gain firsthand knowledge of traditional tea-picking and roasting techniques by visiting the Longjing Tea Plantation.
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Shizuoka, which produces about half of Japan's tea, is the place where the country's passion for tea is most apparent. This area is ideal for a peaceful getaway because it features verdant tea farms that span across undulating hills. With numerous seminars that allow guests to make and consume their own matcha tea, Shizuoka is also a starting point for learning about Japanese matcha culture.
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Some of the best black teas in the world are produced in Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. Visitors can discover the complex process of tea manufacturing at the tea plantations scattered around the hill country areas of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Ella. Numerous estates provide tastings and guided tours, including Dilmah and Lipton's Seat.
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London has mastered the art of drinking tea, even though the country doesn't grow its own – Now that’s iconic! With finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a variety of pastries, afternoon tea is a classic British treat. World-class afternoon tea experiences may be found at famous locations like Fortnum & Mason, Claridge's, and The Ritz.
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Tea is an essential element of daily life in Turkey, where per capita consumption is among the highest in the world. Turkish tea is strong, black, and typically served with sugar cubes in tulip-shaped glasses. For a genuine experience, go to a traditional tea house or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Try apple tea, a delicious and sweet variety that is well-liked by tourists, for something unusual.
Known for its strong black teas, Kenya is one of the world's biggest tea producers. Kenyan tea estates provide an opportunity to taste single-origin teas, even though the nation's teas are frequently utilized in blends, such as English Breakfast. The high-altitude area of Kericho is especially well-known for its breathtaking scenery and tea gardens.
There are countless places to visit and flavors to enjoy throughout the world for tea aficionados. Every taste reveals a different tale, whether it's the earthy richness of matcha, the floral notes of Darjeeling, or the lively hospitality of Moroccan mint tea.
So get your favorite teacup, pack your bags, and set forth on a journey that will be as flavourful as it is enlightening. The world is your tea garden, after all!
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