Yes! Kangra tea shares similarities with Chinese teas due to its Chinese hybrid bushes and gentle processing style, offering a softer taste than many Indian teas.

British planters introduced tea to Kangra in the mid-1800s. It flourished until a devastating earthquake in 1905 disrupted the industry. Today, the region is rediscovering its colonial-era tea roots.

While best known for black and green teas, a few Kangra estates are now crafting small batches of oolong and white teas, catering to niche global demand.

Kangra’s unique combination of mountain air, misty mornings, and diffused sunlight helps slow leaf growth, enhancing the tea’s aroma and complexity without overpowering bitterness.

Absolutely. Several tea gardens in the region now welcome visitors, offering immersive experiences like guided plucking tours, tea-tasting sessions, and local homestays.

Yes, Kangra Tea received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India in 2005, recognizing its unique flavor, aroma, and origin in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. In March 2023, it gained further prestige when the European Union granted it Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. This recognition not only protects Kangra Tea from imitation in EU markets but also boosts its global reputation, making it one of the few Indian teas to receive such international acknowledgment..