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Agricultural · Himachal Pradesh

Kangra Tea

GI Registered Himachal Pradesh Agricultural
GI numberGI-60
Typical price₹300 - ₹1,500 per kg
Verified cooperativesKangra Small Tea Growers Cooperative
StateHimachal Pradesh

About Kangra Tea

Kangra Tea is tea grown in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range around Palampur. It is available as green tea and black tea. The black variety has a light, aromatic cup with mild woody notes, and the green tea is delicate and slightly sweet. Kangra tea is a small-scale, high-elevation speciality compared with the tea of Assam or Darjeeling.

Heritage and place

Tea planting in Kangra began in the mid-nineteenth century, and the valley was once known for its high-quality tea, exported as far as Europe. The industry shrank in the twentieth century because of land fragmentation and competition. The GI, granted in the 2000s, helps revive the name and supports growers against mislabelled blends. Kangra tea gets its character from the cool climate and rain-fed slopes.

How it is made

Two leaves and a bud are plucked and processed, either as green tea by steaming or pan-firing to stop oxidation, or as black tea by withering, rolling, oxidising and drying. Much of the production is orthodox, with small factories operating near the gardens. Since output is limited, the tea is often sold through local shops and specialty sellers rather than in large volumes.

Registry record

Kangra Tea is listed in this catalogue as GI-60, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Himachal Pradesh in the agricultural category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Kangra Tea

What to check

Buy from registered Kangra estates or reputable tea retailers, and look for the origin on the package, ideally with harvest year and flush. Whole, even leaves with a clean aroma are a good sign, while dust-like leaf or a stale smell suggests older stock. Store in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Compare prices, since a low price for single-origin Kangra may indicate blending.

  • Delivers an elegant greenish-liquor body with woody aroma tones. Certified with a specialized European Union tracking standard code.

Price to expect

Genuine Kangra Tea typically sells in the range of ₹300 - ₹1,500 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Kangra Small Tea Growers Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Himachal Pradesh.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-60 · Himachal Pradesh · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Kangra Tea?

This catalogue lists Kangra Tea as GI-60. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Kangra Tea made?

Kangra Tea is produced in Himachal Pradesh, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Kangra Tea legally be made outside Himachal Pradesh?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Himachal Pradesh may legally sell goods under the name “Kangra Tea”.

What does genuine Kangra Tea cost?

Genuine Kangra Tea typically sells in the range of ₹300 - ₹1,500 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Kangra Tea?

Delivers an elegant greenish-liquor body with woody aroma tones. Certified with a specialized European Union tracking standard code.

Where should I buy genuine Kangra Tea?

Look for authorised sellers such as Kangra Small Tea Growers Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Himachal Pradesh.