India is a country of tea lovers. From a quick sip before work to dedicated tea time in the evening, this beverage is an important part of daily life. Be it ‘chai breaks’ or ‘conversations over chai’, for Indians, tea is as an emotion, rather than just a beverage. 

Every year, International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, to celebrate the beverage and its culture. While classics like ginger tea and masala chai are widely recognised and loved, India is home to a wide variety of regional teas, which are important to local culture and find a place among must-explore culinary experiences for tourists. These are either grown or consumed in different regions of the country. Here are some tea varieties you should know about.