Tea has been around for a very long time. It originated from China, and the locals believe that it was first used in 2737 B.C.E. for its medicinal properties. It was only introduced to the west when Portuguese priests visited China in the 16th century. It arrived in England by 1660, but only became popular in the 18th century. Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, typically grown in plantations. While most people might not associate tea with any particular natural beauty, it is, in fact, the opposite! Tea plantations are remarkable; their green, endless beauty can make the mind soar, and the heart sing.
Located in Western India, Munnar is one of the largest tea plantations in the world
Greek women working in a local tea plantation, circa 1905-1915
Schoolchildren walking home along tea fields in Darjeeling, India. In the background, you can see Kangchendzonga, the world’s 3rd tallest mountain
The Mulanje tea fields in Malawi
Considered the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is also one of the most beautiful places on the island-state
Tea pickers in Kerala, India pick an average of 8Kg (17.5lb) of tea every day
The Camellia plants benefit greatly from the generous rain showers in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia
A typical tea plantation in Sri Lanka
The sun sets on a plantation in Taipei, Taiwan
A hillside tea estate in Coonoor, India
Another tea estate in India
Trees are often planted in the tea fields to help protect the plants from too much sun and heat. (Common shade trees are Erythrina, Gliricidia, and Silver Oak)
Tea Plantation on the way to Knuckles Mountain Range Reserve in Sri Lanka
The tea plantations in Munnar often enjoy such incredible backdrops
An old steam engine, chugging along the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya
Indian tea pickers in Kalasa
The tea plantations span miles along the hills of Mangalore, India
A wild Indian elephant that came across a tea field
In case you missed it, this is our guide to growing & brewing your own teaat home.
