The golf courses located inside Assam’s tea estates are likely to emerge as a unique niche tourism attraction, combining the state’s rich tea heritage with sports tourism.
The proposal gained momentum after renowned Indian golfer Arjun Atwal and representatives of J Thomas & Co. met Assam’s Chief Secretary Ravi Kota to discuss the potential of developing these golf courses as a specialised tourism circuit.
Assam currently has around 23 golf courses situated within tea gardens, most of which are natural nine-hole courses surrounded by lush greenery. These courses, often referred to as “Tea-Tees,” are unique as they blend the scenic beauty of tea plantations with the sport of golf.
Experts believe that with proper development and maintenance, these courses could attract both domestic and international golf enthusiasts. Many tea estates also have heritage bungalows that can be converted into accommodation facilities, offering visitors an immersive experience of staying amid tea gardens while enjoying golf.
Speaking about the initiative, Atwal highlighted the vast potential of these golf courses but noted that many of them require better maintenance and infrastructure to reach international standards. He suggested developing one course as a model project, which could later expand into a larger tourism initiative known as the “Assam Golf Trail.”
Officials said that promoting golf tourism within tea estates could significantly boost the state’s tourism sector while showcasing Assam’s tea culture and natural beauty to a global audience.
If implemented effectively, the initiative is expected to generate new opportunities for tourism, hospitality, and local employment, while positioning Assam as a distinctive destination for golf tourism in India.
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