Decades of Tea Tradition

I come from a long lineage of tea planters, and for as far back as I can remember, my childhood was filled with endless acres of green bushes, visits to tea factories, and lively discussions about—and with—tea.

I grew up accustomed to the taste of chai, often drinking more cups of orthodox tea than water! Over time, my extended family has nurtured tea gardens across Darjeeling, Assam, Dooars, and, of course, Himachal Pradesh. But among them all, Wah Tea Estate—nestled in the breathtaking valley of Palampur—was always a special place for me.

Now, as a fourth-generation planter, I personally oversee the entire tea-making process. Living in Palampur allows me to be fully immersed in every stage, ensuring that every leaf we produce meets the highest standards—not managed from afar, but crafted with care, right at the source.

Many companies and brands have been built around tea, but I was disappointed to find that few were truly "garden to cup." While some eliminated middlemen, I wanted to go further—to ensure that the finest teas from our estate reach your home directly. As with many things in life, nothing compares to a single-estate tea, carefully tended by those who pour their heart into it. Alongside this, I am taking steps to make Wah Tea a truly sustainable brand, rooted in responsible practices and deep respect for the land.

To everyone who encouraged me to share my journey and passion for tea—thank you. And to those who are considering joining us on this adventure—welcome.

Good things are brewing!

-        Surya

 

 

From a Provisions Shop to a Tea Empire: The Chaiwala Legacy

In the early 1900s, my forefather, Sheo Parsad, ran a modest provisions shop in Dehra Dun, where he also sold tea sourced from Goodrich Tea Estate in Kaulagarh. Tea proved to be a profitable product, and with some hard work, Sheo Parsad and his brother Dharshanlal were able to expand the number of shops.

In 1917, fate presented them with a pivotal opportunity. The owner of Goodrich Tea Estate, Darbar Sahib, was on the verge of losing his estate to the British as collateral for unpaid dues. Seizing the moment, Sheo Parsad stepped in, covering the debt under the condition that the estate be leased to them. This marked the family’s first foray into tea cultivation—a decision that would shape generations to come.

Managing Goodrich Tea Estate provided invaluable experience in growing and manufacturing tea, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving tea empire. Fueled by the success of this venture, the family expanded its holdings, eventually earning the respected title of the ‘Chaiwalas.’ By 1960, the Chaiwala tea estates spanned across India, producing an impressive 10 million kilograms of tea annually.

 

 

Wah Tea Estate: A Story of Resilience and Charm

Wah Tea Estate was established in 1857 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, by the British. For decades, it thrived under continuous cultivation, even enduring the devastating 1905 earthquake that struck the region. The estate was later acquired by Sir Sikander Hayat-Khan, son of the Nawab of Wah in present-day Pakistan, who named it after his birthplace. Fittingly, ‘Wah’ means ‘wow,’ a sentiment we hope every visitor experiences when they step onto the estate.

In 1953, my family—known as the Chaiwala family—took over Wah Tea Estate. As our family grew, the plantations were divided among the younger generations, yet the renowned ‘Chaiwala’ legacy continues to unite us. Today, Wah Tea Estate is nurtured by the third and fourth generations, including my father, Deepak Prakash, and me.

As a child, I spent countless days wandering through the tea gardens, returning year after year to the tranquil beauty of Kangra. The crisp, pine-scented air—believed to have curative properties—left an indelible mark on me. My travels around the world only deepened my appreciation for this untouched paradise, inspiring me to share its magic with others. And so, The Lodge at Wah was born—a place where guests can stay to immerse themselves in the serenity and timeless charm of the estate.