International Tea Day: 6 of India’s most expensive teas; one costs up to Rs 1 lakh per kg

India is home to some of the world’s most prized teas—rare brews that are far removed from everyday consumption. Cultivated in limited quantities, harvested by hand, and often auctioned to global collectors, these teas are valued as much for their craftsmanship and provenance as for their flavour.

Unlike mass-produced blends, these luxury teas are sought by connoisseurs who treat tea the way others treat fine wine. For them, each cup reflects terroir, climate, heritage, and meticulous processing. On International Tea Day, here’s a closer look at six of India’s most expensive teas and what makes them worth their extraordinary price tags.

Six most expensive teas produced in India

1. Darjeeling First Flush (Premium Estates)

First flush Darjeeling teas are harvested in early spring and are known for their light colour, floral aroma, and delicate, complex taste. Their availability lasts only a few weeks each year, and flavour profiles vary sharply from estate to estate, making the best batches highly collectible.

Price: ₹800 to ₹8,000 per 100g for premium estate teas; rare auction lots can go much higher.

2. Manohari Gold (Assam)

One of India’s most celebrated auction teas, Manohari Gold is made entirely from hand-plucked golden buds. Its limited production, distinctive golden appearance, and malty sweetness have helped it achieve record-breaking prices at Guwahati tea auctions.

Price: Around ₹99,999 per kg at auction, sometimes exceeding this figure in private sales.

3. Silver Tips Imperial (Makaibari, Darjeeling)

This rare white tea from the iconic Makaibari estate is plucked only on full-moon nights, adding ritual and exclusivity to its appeal. Produced in extremely small quantities, Silver Tips Imperial has become a cult favourite among global tea collectors.

Price: Around ₹1,950 for 50g, depending on the harvest and release.

4. Golden Needle (North-eastern estates)

Golden Needle teas are produced only during exceptional harvests and use exclusively young, unopened buds. The painstaking selection process and minimal yields make these teas rare and highly sought-after at auctions.

Price: Rare lots have fetched approximately ₹40,000 per kg.

5. Makaibari Vintage and Estate Specials (Darjeeling)

Makaibari’s vintage teas reflect the estate’s biodynamic farming practices, legacy bushes, and multi-generational craftsmanship. These limited-edition releases are prized not only for flavour but also for their historical and ecological significance.

Price: Varies widely; often several thousand rupees per 100g for special editions.

6. Assam Orthodox Golden Tips and Nilgiri Frost Tea

Assam orthodox golden-tip teas have consistently set auction benchmarks due to their richness and artisan processing. Nilgiri frost teas, on the other hand, are harvested only after rare cold snaps, making them an infrequent and prized offering.

Price: Assam golden tips have crossed ₹70,000 per kg at auction; Nilgiri frost teas typically start at ₹520 per 100g and rise based on scarcity.

Why do these teas cost a fortune?

The high prices of these teas are driven by scarcity, labour-intensive harvesting, precise timing, estate heritage, and auction demand. Many are produced in micro-batches, often just a few kilograms per year, and sold to collectors worldwide. In each cup, buyers aren’t just paying for flavour—they’re investing in craftsmanship, history, and an experience that cannot be mass-produced.