Assam: India's 'Chai Capital' and the Birthplace of Masala Tea

• Assam is considered India's 'Chai Capital', producing over half of the country's total tea due to its ideal climate and soil.
• Tea cultivation in Assam began in the 19th century after the British discovered wild tea plants.
• Masala Chai originated when street vendors added milk, sugar, ginger, and cardamom to black tea to appeal to Indians.
• Jorhat, home to the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, is called the 'Tea Capital of the World', and Dibrugarh is known for high-quality orthodox tea.
• Assam offers tea tourism, allowing visitors to experience tea gardens, stay in heritage bungalows, and taste various tea flavors.

Why It Matters: Assam is India's primary tea producer and the origin of Masala Chai, offering rich history and tea tourism.