About Raipur Tea Estate

In 1890, Raipur Tea Estate passed into Indian ownership when it was acquired by the Sud family, under whose stewardship the estate has remained ever since. Over generations, the family witnessed the rise and gradual decline of the Kangra tea industry, a period during which many neighbouring estates were abandoned or diverted to non-tea use. Despite these challenges, Raipur Tea Estate continued to remain connected to its identity as a working tea garden rooted in tradition.

A renewed chapter began in the modern era under Rajiv Kumar Sud, a member of the Sud family and founder of Himalayan Brew. Having grown up at Raipur Tea Estate, Rajiv Sud returned to the Kangra Valley with the vision of restoring relevance and respect to Kangra tea. In 2006, the estate formed a brand called Himalayan Brew under Himalayan Enterprises, creating a platform through which teas from Raipur Tea Estate could be thoughtfully presented and reintroduced to contemporary audiences.

Teas from Raipur Tea Estate are shaped by the unique conditions of the Kangra Valley—cool mountain air, fertile Himalayan soil, and careful cultivation. Grown and crafted at the estate, these teas are known for their gentle aromatics and distinctive regional character, reflecting a tradition that values balance, clarity, and a close connection to the land. Presented under the brand Himalayan Brew, each tea carries the quiet expression of its origin rather than overpowering intensity.

Today, Raipur Tea Estate stands as a living link between heritage and revival. Rooted in family stewardship, shaped by the Himalayan environment, and guided by a renewed sense of purpose, the estate continues to carry forward the legacy of Kangra tea—preserving its past while quietly shaping its future.

Beyond Tea: Estate Experiences at Raipur Tea Estate

Beyond cultivating and selling estate-grown teas, Raipur Tea Estate opens its doors to visitors through immersive tea experiences presented under its brand Himalayan Brew. Set in the heart of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the estate offers guided tea tours that bring guests closer to the land, the craft, and the culture behind Kangra tea.
Designed for tea enthusiasts, curious travellers, and those seeking a meaningful cultural encounter, these experiences reveal the careful balance of science, artistry, and precision involved in tea making. Traditional methods are showcased alongside selective use of modern techniques, offering an authentic view of how tea is crafted at the estate.
The tours are led by knowledgeable guides with a deep understanding of the estate’s history, landscape, and tea culture. Visitors walk through the tea gardens, observe the production process, and taste a selection of handcrafted teas that deepen appreciation for estate-grown Kangra tea.

Tea Trail: Guests explore the estate’s most scenic tea gardens while learning about the varieties grown here. The walk also highlights the rich biodiversity of the estate, including birdlife, butterflies, and native flora.

Tea Plucking Experience: Visitors interact with tea pickers and learn the traditional “two leaves and a bud” plucking method essential to producing a fine cup of tea.

Tea Factory Visit: A guided visit to the factory explains how different styles of tea—green, black, and white—are produced, from harvest and withering or steaming to fermentation, sorting, and grading.

Tea Tasting Session: An intimate tasting introduces guests to the art of tea evaluation, featuring estate-grown teas alongside iced teas, kombucha, and tea-based gelatos.

Tea Shop: The on-site tea shop offers a curated range of estate teas in thoughtfully designed packaging, ideal as souvenirs or gifts.

Tea Café: The tea café serves tea-inspired beverages and gelatos, allowing visitors to unwind and enjoy the estate experience at a relaxed pace.