Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board

Uttarakhand government has launched Tea Tourism under the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board in 2026, inviting visitors to experience scenic tea gardens and factories across the state. The scheme generates an annual income of approximately ₹75 lakh and attracts 500-600 tourists daily during peak season.

Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board works under the Department of Horticulture to show the beauty of local tea estates. By attracting visitors to these serene gardens and operational factories, this scheme creates livelihoods for local residents while improving the overall appeal of the region.

Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board - Introduction

Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board promotes long-term tourism in the state by inviting visitors to experience scenic tea gardens and factories, which boosts local employment and generates revenue for infrastructure development.

The scheme operates at three main tea garden locations across Uttarakhand. At Ghorakhal in Nainital, a Tea Garden Tourism Development Autonomous Cooperative Society manages the tourism activities. Visitors pay Rs. 40 per tourist at Ghorakhal and Rs. 25 per tourist at the gardens in Champawat and Kausani (Bageshwar). The revenue collected is used to develop and maintain tea tourism facilities in the gardens.

At Ghorakhal, a tea cafe has been built in the garden premises and is operated by a private person on a fixed annual rent. Tourists get refreshments during the tour and get to taste the tea produced by the Board. Under Kausani Tea Garden, with the cooperation of District Administration Bageshwar and Tourism Department, work has started for trekking routes, path lighting, resting places, refreshment rooms, Sulabh toilets and parking. In Champawat, the Board has constructed tea huts, tea cafes, viewpoints, selfie points and foot paths with the cooperation of the district administration and tourism department.

The scheme provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to local residents, especially during the tourist season. The Board also plans to promote tea tourism in tea gardens established in other districts with the cooperation of the district administration and tourism department.

Key Information

Benefits

Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board offers these key benefits to visitors and the local community:

• Visitors enjoy unique access to tea gardens and production facilities, with guided plantation and factory tours.
• The Board collects a fee of Rs. 25 per tourist (Rs. 40 at Ghorakhal), which funds the upgrade and maintenance of tourism infrastructure.
• The scheme earns an annual income of approximately ₹75 lakh through organized tours and tea-tasting sessions.
• It creates direct and indirect jobs for local community members, especially during peak seasons when daily footfall reaches 500-600 tourists.

Eligibility

To participate in this scheme, you should fulfill the following conditions:

1. You should be an individual or a firm based in Uttarakhand.
2. You should possess at least three years of professional experience in the tourism sector.
3. You should successfully qualify through the official e-tendering process.

Application Process

The operation of tea tourism units, such as cafeterias and guest cottages, happens through a lease process. If you are an experienced service provider, you should participate in the e-tendering process whenever notifications are released for specific sites:

STEP 1 - The Board manages the selection of firms for properties like those in the Champawat garden. Keep your business registration, proof of residency in Uttarakhand, and documented evidence of three years of tourism experience ready.

STEP 2 - Local groups manage the tea cafeteria at the Ghorakhal garden through the Tea Garden Tourism Development Autonomous Cooperative Society. For new facilities, such as those in Bageshwar, the administration completes the construction and leads the e-tendering process to invite operators.

STEP 3 - Visit the official portal at utdb.uk.gov.in/tourism/ for the latest notifications and e-tendering updates. The Board follows a merit-based process to select qualified operators for a 5-year contract period.

Documents

You should keep your business registration, proof of residency in Uttarakhand, and documented evidence of your three years of tourism experience ready to submit during the e-tendering process, as per the guidelines of the Uttarakhand Tea Development Board.

References

Tea Tourism - Uttarakhand Tea Development Board Official Page

FAQ's

Where is tea tourism currently available?

You can enjoy these experiences at tea gardens located in Ghorakhal (Nainital), Champawat, and Kausani (Bageshwar).

What activities are included for tourists?

Visitors can explore tea gardens, tour production factories, participate in tea-tasting sessions, and stay in specialized tourist cottages.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, the Board collects Rs. 25 per tourist at most gardens and Rs. 40 per tourist at Ghorakhal to maintain the beauty and facilities of the tea plantations.

How does this create local jobs?

The scheme supports employment in hospitality, guiding, site maintenance, and various tourism services for residents.

Who manages the cottages and cafeterias?

The Ghorakhal cafe is operated by a private person on a fixed annual rent. Other facilities are managed by the Tea Garden Tourism Development Autonomous Cooperative Society or by firms selected via a formal e-tendering process.

What are the eligibility requirements?

You should be an individual or firm based in Uttarakhand with at least three years of prior experience in the tourism industry.

How are operators selected?

Uttarakhand Tea Development Board follows a merit-based, clear e-tendering process to select qualified operators.

What is the contract duration?

Once you are selected, you will enter a 5-year contract to operate the tourism unit.