Tea Tourism Archives - Tea Journey

Issue: Tea Tourism

Tea Tourism

Journeying on the Darjeeling Train

by Anirban Dutta on May 9, 2024 0 comments

In 1881 when it was completed, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the only option to commute. Anyone who missed the train boarded a bullock cart on a much longer journey. There was no concept of a “Toy Train” back then. In the decades since it was constructed the commuter railway with its 55 miles of zig-zags and loops has established itself as a tourist attraction. It was a welcome change for those who prefer a closer look at the Hills instead of just check-boxing! Among those who came were authors, filmmakers, poets, scholars, and artists. When the Buddhist monks traveled on regular passenger trains, they also had opportunities to interact with residents, which brought them closer to the realities of daily life at the hills.

Arkasa Tea Room

by Diana Jendoubi on March 4, 2024 0 comments

With every delicious sip and satisfying bite, the Araksa Tea Room in Bangkok is revolutionizing Thai tea culture. Araksa means “to preserve” and both the tea garden and restaurant promote Thai traditions while simultaneously elevating the way tea and food are produced and consumed.

Anything for Tea: Budget Backpacking in Nilgiris

by Anesce Dremen on January 23, 2024 0 comments

Travelling through the Nilgiris on a comfortable budget, Anesce Dremen finds that it costs little to make real connections, have real conversations. As she allows her journey through the Nilgiris to unfold at will, she finds herself immersed in memorable encounters and experiences. Told with honesty, written vividly, it’s a view of the Nilgiris not often seen. (Itinerary and costs included)

Uncategorized

Beyond the Brew: Immersive Tea Tours

by Ritu Rajbanshi on November 20, 2023 0 comments

Immersive tours are a remarkable equalizer, bridging the gap between seasoned tea connoisseurs and novices. Through shared experiences of plucking tea leaves alongside local farmers, crafting their blends, and witnessing the alchemy of leaf to cup, they forge bonds that go beyond language and cultural barriers.

Tea Tourism

Destinations: India

by Aravinda Anantharaman on November 21, 2023 Comments are Disabled

India’s remarkably diverse tea lands are the perfect destination for holiday vacationers. The cool hill stations in the Nilgiris in South India, the gentle slopes of Assam, and the rugged, picturesque gardens of North India each offer a unique tea culture and cuisine.

Tea Tourism

Sinna Dorais Bungalows Balance Comfort and Old World Charm

by Aravinda Anantharaman on October 29, 2023 0 comments

If you drive 250 kilometers west of Bangalore, India, you reach Sakleshpur, where the coffee country begins. And sitting here amongst the coffee estates is a tea garden called Kadamane. And that itself seemed reason enough to book a stay.

Culinary Tea

Who’s Cooking Badaga Food?

by Nina Varghese on October 25, 2023 2 comments

Badaga food from the tea-growing Nilgiri mountains is distinctive from all other Indian tea-inspired cuisines. Tourists drawn to South India are fascinated by the stories of this indigenous tribe that has lived in the Blue Mountains for centuries.

On a Chai Trail – The Parsi Choi

by Kurush Dalal on December 1, 2023 0 comments

Parsis call tea choi, not chai, cha, or tea, but choi. Choi was never, ever consumed on its own. There were always Bhakras, the soft cookies made with dough fermented using palm toddy, or chaapat, a flat, mildly sweet pancake. For special occasions, ghaari – thick dough discs filled with a mixture of bananas cooked in ghee, dates cooked till gooey, or a sweet dal paste were served.

Tea Tourism

Cocooned in Darjeeling: The Mayfair Manor, Jungpana

by S.B. Veda on October 13, 2023 0 comments

Stay in a restored bungalow originally built in 1910 and once the residence of the Nepali royal family. It offers 12 exquisitely decorated and spacious suites, each named for an historical figure attached to the estate.

Tea Tourism

The Indulgence of Tea Bungalows

by S.B. Veda on October 10, 2023 0 comments

Experience a holiday in the tea gardens and hotels near Darjeeling where lodging is an indulgence, with old-world charm and gorgeous vistas.

Tea Tourism

Authentic and Sustainable Tea Tourism

by Anesce Dremen on March 3, 2023 0 comments

Consumers who experience the origin, terroir, and processing of the leaves in the cup can engage more deeply by visiting tea-growing regions to learn about tea. Visiting origin forever alters one’s relationship to tea. But before delving into the myriad tour options it is important to reflect on how our actions may impact others. Namely, while simultaneously seeking an authentic, hands-on tea tour, one must also consider which programs are sustainable and respectfully engage the host culture(s).