14 Best Places In India Where Chai Toh Definitely Banta Hai

From the humble tea stalls behind your office to the tea vendors on the railway platform; from the beloved chai wallahs on cycles late at night to the‘chai pe charcha’ with your friends; tea is an irresistible indulgence! India’s national drink ‘Chai’ is a blessing to the zesty palate. So indulge, drink and repeat; for sipping your favourite cup amidst these 15 exhilarating places to have chai in India will change your experience evermore.

SANDAKPHU, DARJEELING
Chai is a refreshing indulgence, especially when you are standing atop the peak of Sandakphu. While witnessing four of the five highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse, rejoice a cup of revitalizing tea amidst a forest of orchids. Experience life like never before for the backdrops hold grandiose sights with its awe-inspiring perfection. Embracing a cup of enchanting chai while watching the sunrise is a priceless experience!
NUBRA VALLEY, LADAKH
Can you imagine how empowered you would feel grasping a cup of tea while exhaling the frosty air amidst the ‘Land of High Passes’? Well, take it from us, you will feel enchanted as your tranquillity-seeking soul witnesses the thrilling Nubra Valley that is wedged between Pakistan, Tibet, China and India. Head out to the Khardung La to cosy up with a “garam chai ki pyali”. The world’s highest motorable road that lies here will transmute you to experience a spell-binding journey. Far-flung with its austerely exquisite reserve that is cradled by rugged mountain peaks, this turf of land at the scalp of India, is exactly your cup of tea!
PANGONG LAKE, LADAKH
Fantastic palates of vivid blues coupled with a surreal taste of warm chai – now we’re talking! The mesmerising Pangong Lake will move you with their magical and colourful mineral swirls of starkly sere. This is one wonderful sight you should not be missing! Oh yes, you, your chai and the mystical walk across the magnificent almost – heavenly location. Stretch beyond the ogling lake-scapes and head out to enjoy serenity at the famous sandpit that is the shooting spot of the recognized Bollywood hit ‘Three Idiots’. Fly high with tea while you witness a vision of ducks and gulls touching down on the lake’s surface in these exciting places to have chai.
TSONMGO LAKE, SIKKIM
Meander on the winding roads through rugged mountain terrains and encountering sharp cliffs to reach this high altitude lake. You deserve a reward of rightfully earned tea at 12400 feet. The ethereally gorgeous Tsongmo Lake with its water from the melted snow of the surrounding mountains is spread out in front of you. A feeble food-stall sits by at the lakeside persuading your inner spirit to indulge in a cup of hot chai and chowmein. Better still, there are colourfully decorated yaks and mules waiting for you to take a serene ride along the shore.
ATHIRAPPILLY FALLS, KERALA
Out of the mountains and into the falls! Through snaking roads, lush green vegetation and petite hamlets; arrive at the crown of this magnificent waterfall. Make way through a paved path ridden with chunky bamboo clusters. The mighty Athirappilly falls will enchant you beyond conviction as you relish a glass of cutting chai amidst the background jingles of the garrulous water. Now that is one precious moment to cherish for it is one of the amazing places to have chai in India!
ZERO POINT, SIKKIM
How would it feel to stand atop the last outpost of civilization where the silence of the valleys is broken just by gushing winds? If you are looking for a peaceful place on earth to hear your own echoing thoughts while you sip a cup of warm tea, the mountains and the ice around will cheerfully put up with you. Experience moments of recluse, for life is here – and it’s just you and your chai. The snow here sticks to the ground for five months a year and is a welcoming sight. 17500 feet, freezing temperatures with icy winds and a sizzling chai to warm you up amidst the generous flocks of nature! The edge of the world could not feel any better for this is one of those exciting places to have chai.
DAL LAKE, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Love the mesmerising mountains and the fascinating waterfront? Wish to experience both while you cradle a mug of tea in an embracing houseboat? Dal Lake welcomes your tranquillity-seeking soul to witness Srinagar’s gemstone. It is a vast, mirror-flat expanse of water that echoes the peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountains. Hire a gaily painted shikhara and take in its colourful spectacles. The backdrops of this beautiful landscape will unite your soul to the wonders of nature. Experience harmony amidst the unruffled waters and spread your wings over the vivid hues of floating gardens. It’s time to mirror your emotions in the tranquil backdrops and savour the bustling energy of chai.
CHANDRATAL LAKE, HIMACHAL PRADESH
With crystal clear waters in grassy plains, the revered Chandratal Lake is a camper’s paradise and a photographer’s delight. This “Moon Lake” attracts trekking fanatics who intend to seek tranquillity. So enjoy a glorious cup of chai while relaxing beside the shoreline. Camp here with a bonfire with a delicate teapot dangling above it. With a visual treat of Gaddi shepherds, you are all set to enjoy your rejuvenating cup of love in these best places to have chai in India.
AMER FORT, JAIPUR
Embrace an imperial fortress built from yellow and pink sandstone and white marbles that adorn the royal interiors. Amer Fort is a palace that grows more alluring as you approach it. Trudge up the courtyard and encounter colonial ruins with their pristine beauty and sit down for an inviting cup of chai. Travel back in time to the days of the king’s rule with exquisite silver cutlery. The king’s courtyard with an ancient tea table is here for you to experience a royal tea-time like never before! Conquer the emperor in you for this is your opportunity to mirror the extravagant lifestyle of the Maharajas. Royal hallways, artistic sculptures, intricate chambers, decorative gateways with elegant frescoes and glittering mirror ceilings – need we say more?
GULMARG, JAMMU & KASHMIR
It’s time for you to pull out those ski boots hidden in your closet! Button up that fleece coat and head out to the country’s foremost skiing destination in the land of paradise, Jammu & Kashmir, one of the best places to have chai. This pine-fringed ‘Meadow of Flowers’ is a perfect place to enjoy that sizzling cup of chai before it freezes under the icy dipped temperatures. Stand at the top of a ski resort with a cup of warm life in your hands! That feeling of exhilarating joy coupled with harmony, a gust of pleasure admired by the dynamic liveliness and a scintillating view to take your breath away.
ROHTANG PASS, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Imagine starting your road trip from the smouldering heat of the plains one day and come morning, you are surrounded by snow on all sides! Mufflers and gloves on; enjoy the miracle of snow-capped winters in the summers. What better than a joyous cup of savouring tea in a thermos to accompany you as you drive through narrow roads with 7 feet high walls of snow? Head out on the ‘Highest Jeepable Road in the World’ and inhale a new-fangled life. Stop by a bend on the road to stand in total stillness and experience the majestic layers of snow-capped mountains in these places to have chai while clutching your flask to warm your senses. Drink to peace and breathe in paradise, for chai has a new meaning today.
ZANSKAR VALLEY, JAMMU & KASHMIR
The heart of the Himalayas in the notorious region of Kargil is calling out to you. Freezing sub-zero temperatures, the uncertainty of life and wavering prayer flags in the icy winds. Missing some warmth? Grab a gorgeous cup of kullad chai. Walk down a winding river, pull up your socks, stand beside the flowing icy streams and relish the gulp of warmth down your throat. Or engage in a spiritual journey as you experience a life-changing conversation over a cup of tea with the learned Buddhist monks at the tranquil Phugtal Monastery.
RANN OF KUTCH, GUJARAT
Festooned camels, vibrant turbans and comfortable tents; Rann of Kutch is riddled with a rich cultural extravaganza. This barren desert land is a mesmerizing symphony of salt and sand. Add some sweetness to this experience with your chai to witness its crescendo on a full moon night. When it is not submerged in the water for eight months in a year, the gargantuan stretch of white salt will lend the look of a white desert! A great way to experience life is here with these places to have chai.
ALLEPPEY, KERALA
With the exhilarating houseboats of Alleppey, float your way through to the home of Kerala’s backwaters. The extensive waterway holds numerous houseboats that provide a luxurious space to unwind. So gear up to experience this ‘Venice of the East’. Graceful and green-fringed, hook up with a grand cup of green tea as you wane into the watery world of hamlets. Punting canoes, green paddy fields and rice barges welcome you to enrich your soul in the greatness of God’s own country.
With these best places to have chai in India, your travel plans are sorted this month!

So where are you headed to have your favourite cup of tea?