Dibrugarh - Mancotta Tea Estate - Sivasagar - Gatoonga Tea Estate - Majuli
6D/5N
Available from April to October
Monsoon is when the state of Assam receives wholesome rainfall. Starting from June, the rain is more or less active for the next 3 to 4 months until October. It is the time of the year when the landscape of Assam, which consists of farms, tropical forests, grasslands, and tea plantations, changes its color to a very soothing and refreshing green, fresh from the rain brought by monsoon clouds. It is also the time of the year when the Brahmaputra River becomes a place of mighty sunsets and mesmerizing gigantic cloud formations can be seen across the skies.
The history of Assam Tea goes back more than a century ago. It was a certain Robert Bruce from Scotland, an adventurer, who first discovered it for the west in 1823. Locally, tea was being consumed by the Singpho Tribe, who provided samples to Bruce for his scientific research. However, it was only in the early 1830s when proper examination concluded the Assam variety to be different from the Chinese tea. Soon after in 1939, at the time when the west had just begun their love affair with tea, Britain allowed companies to rent lands for growing tea. More than a decade later, when the first batch of Assam-grown tea reached the markets in London, consumers were deeply impressed, and thus began the tea industry of Assam. The colonial days saw tea growers who were an adventurous breed. They introduced a laid-back lifestyle in the region, which involved staying in luxurious bungalows and engaging in social/sports events that occurred in clubhouses. Though today the laid-back lifestyle is disappearing due to the global competitive market, the tea plantations still have an aura of their colonial past. After all, the state of Assam is today the world's largest tea-growing region.
The highlight of this tour will be your stay in 2 boutique heritage bungalows spread across upper Assam, both with a rich history. Their colonial decor; set midst unending miles of fresh green tea plantations, will provide the perfect luxury and atmosphere to spend your days appreciating the monsoon season, while you sip on some of the finest variety of Assam tea. There are a lot of activities included to keep you busy at times when the rain is less or the sun is out, such as tea tasting and visits to the tea factories, tea auction centers, tea research centers, local markets, and villages. Depending on the river and weather conditions, you might also get a chance to go on a sunset boat ride in the Brahmaputra and visit the island of Majuli, a hotbed of ancient Assamese culture. The cuisine at many times will be exotic, consisting of tribal, Assamese, and Indian cuisine. There is also a chance for an informal cooking lesson with organic produce grown locally and a tea time elephant trek which will leave you thrilled.
To end with, to appreciate the monsoon weather without getting wet, we recommend you bring along a good raincoat for this journey. Also, being summertime, it will get quite hot on non-rainy days, for which light cotton clothes are perfect.
Day 1 | Dibrugarh - Mancotta T.E
Arrive at Dibrugarh, an important tea center in Upper Assam. Drive to Mancotta tea estate of the prestigious Jalan group on the outskirts of the town, and check-in at a beautiful tea bungalow surrounded by green plantations. The bungalow is a heritage structure that was built to serve as a residence for British managers. It is a fine example of colonial architecture. Indulge in the hospitality and luxury of the bygone British era in the estate. The afternoon will be free at leisure to get a feel of the plantations, which appear lush green during the rains. Your stay will be at Mancotta or Chowkidingee tea bungalows with luxurious amenities.
Day 2 | Mancotta T.E
Go for an early morning stroll into the tea gardens, the best time to experience the therapeutic aromas and the freshness of the plantations. Later after a leisurely breakfast, you will leave for a guided tour of the tea garden. Also visit the tea factory, where experts will explain the various processes involved in tea production. It is also a good opportunity for tea tasting and exploring the various blends of Assam tea, which is renowned all over the world. Afternoon and evening will be free to visit the local market or go on a stroll along the banks of the Brahmaputra at sunset.
Day 3 | Mancotta T.E - Sivasagar - Gatoonga T.E
After breakfast, travel to the historic town of Sivasagar (2 hours), the medieval capital of Assam. Explore the monuments built by the Tai Ahom dynasty such as the old temples of Shiva Doul, Vishnu Doul, and the Joy Sagar lake, the Rong Ghor pavilion, and the ruins of Tolatol Ghor palace. Continue the drive to Gatoonga Tea Estate near Jorhat (2 hours). Gatoonga is an old plantation that was started by the reputed tea planter Hemendra Barooah and is managed by the B&A Group. Check-in at the century-old heritage tea bungalow, which once served as the residence of the Factory Assistant Manager during the British era. The architecture of the place and the antiques displayed gives a feeling of the bygone colonial times. Your stay will be at Banyan Grove tea bungalow with luxurious amenities.
Day 4 | Gatoonga T.E
One may go for an early morning stroll in the plantations if desired. After breakfast, leave for a guided visit to the tea factory, followed by a tea tasting tour of the tea produced from their plantation. Later, visit the Tocklai Tea Research center in Jorhat, one of the oldest scientific centers on tea which was established by the British. Interact with the experts and learn about the trends in tea production as well as the history of tea in India. If time permits, visit the majestic Thengal Manor in Jorhat, the ancestral residence of the tea baron Barooah family. It is now a heritage mansion that still has an old-world charm. Return to the bungalow in the afternoon and relax by enjoying the view of the rain with a cup of premium tea from one of the finest plantations of Assam.
Day 5 | Gatoonga T.E - Majuli - Gatoonga T.E
Go on a day trip to Majuli, the largest inhabited river island in the world and a well-preserved spot for Assamese and tribal culture. Leave early to Nimati Ghat (2 hours) to catch the morning ferry across the Brahmaputra. The rest of the day will be free to explore the island and the countryside. Visit the old Kamalabari Sattra (Assamese monastery), built by the followers of the medieval saint Srimanta Sankerdev. Here, the monks learn a Neo-Vaishnavite philosophy and a unique form of art, drama, and music. Visit the mask-making center at Samuguri Sattra where extremely elaborate traditional masks are made by the monks for the Bhaona (dance dramas) which depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Also visit a village of the Mishing tribe, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. Relish their ethnic Mishing cuisine and also try the local brew, Apong. Catch the late afternoon ferry and return to the estate by evening.
Day 6 | Gatoonga T.E - Jorhat
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby Jorhat Airport or Dibrugarh Airport (4 hours) for departure. End of tour.
Surrounded midst lush sprawling tea gardens on the outskirts of Dibrugarh, Mancotta Bungalow is a boutique property with the classic old warm charm found in the luxury and comfort the early British tea growers lived in and their lifestyle in the estates. The stilt-raised bungalow displays fine colonial architecture. A peculiar feature is all nails used in building are made out of wood believed to have been handcrafted by traditional Chinese artisans. Rooms are large and luxurious with modern amenities. The open lawns and sit-outs are ideal for long conversations over a fine cup of tea or indulge in a book.
Built more than 100 years ago, Banyan Grove is a boutique bungalow which allows travelers to live the colonial life of early British tea growers and have a peek into their fine adventurous escapades. The property has spacious rooms with fire places, a classic hall-room, sit-outs and finely kept lawns, all surrounded by the pleasant greenery of the Gattonga tea estate in fertile middle Assam.
curated experiences
Our itineraries are one of a kind, curated from our own personal travel experiences, from choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.
native guides
Our tour guides are native to the region, and bring you an insider view into the life and culture of Northeast India, sharing with you authentic local experiences and fostering friendships.
experts in tours
When travelling with Greener Pastures, you can be assured that you are in the hands of experts who are knowledgeable and passionate about the region. Expect hassle-free, easy-going, and insightful travel.
By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and share a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures and environment.
Booking Procedure
Our tours can be confirmed with an advance deposit of 30% which can be transferred to our bank account.
Please go through the Terms and Services listed in our website.
Cancellation Policy
Greener Pastures must receive notification of cancellation in writing, email or phone call. At the time we receive the request, refund will be based as follows:
1. Cancellation more than 15 days prior to departure = 75% refund of deposited advance amount.
2. Cancellation less than 15 days prior to departure = 25% refund of deposited advance amount.
