Today, India's lifeline, the chai', comes from its colonial past.

To balance China's tea industry hegemony, the British set up tea plantations in India. This was done by introducing tea to India for the first time. 

Britishers were the first who introduced tea to India in the 1800s. The three main tea varieties in India are grown in Niligirs, Assam, and Darjeeling. They have Geographical Indicator (GI) tags, but the British administration made their discovery and inception. Today India is the biggest exporter of tea in the world. 

International Tea Day is celebrated on 21 May 2022. However, India is the one that put this day globally, celebrating it for the first time in 2005. The first International Tea Day theme was 'harnessing benefits for all from field to cup. 

All the countries that cultivated tea and had legitimate jobs and incomes generating from it were brought together, and essential conversations about tea production and regional and cultural experiences occurred.

Here is the list of some unique Tea varieties

Masala Chai

Owing to the diverse cultural pantry of India, the locals created the tea drink that's now known as masala chai, black tea boiled with milk, sugar, and flavourful spices like ginger, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon. Every family in India has a personal recipe for it.

Kashmiri Kahwa

Originated in the valleys of Kashmir, the Kahwa makes up to be an exotic chai with rich flavours. Similar to other Kashmiri beverages. It looks complex but is simple to make. All that is required is boiling water, to which cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and dried rose petals need to be added. Towards the end, green tea leaves need to be added to this concoction to make it as strong as preferred. 

Assam Tea

As the name suggests, Assam tea is a form of black tea native to Assam. This type of Indian tea is known for its malty solid flavour and briskness, which is widely preferred in India and around the world. Assam tea increases mental alertness and prevents certain cancers like lung and ovarian.

Butter Tea

Butter tea, also known as Gur Gur Chai, is popular in Ladakh and Sikkim. It is traditionally made from tea leaves, yak milk butter, water, and salt. Himalayan nomads are known to drink more than 30 cups a day. Also available with cow butter, this tea comes in tiny cups that will leave you craving for more.

Noon Chai

Another popular Kashmiri tea preparation, Noon Chai, or Sheer Chai, is mainly known for being distinctly pink in colour. Made by brewing tea leaves and cardamom and baking soda until a bright pink colour is achieved, this tea is usually accompanied by milk and salt. You can also add almonds, pistachio, and cinnamon. One of its favourite types of Indian tea

Darjeeling Tea

It's rare to not know about Darjeeling tea. Almost all Indians and people from other parts of the world are well accustomed to this tea type. It includes many varieties such as white, black, green, and oolong. Typically, Darjeeling tea has a distinct aromatic smell and is thin-bodied, making it soothing and subtle. It helps to prevent gastric ulcers and obesity, as well.