A Serendipitous Journey through WB n Assam's Tea Paradise

 

A Serendipitous Journey through WB n Assam's Tea Paradise (#Travel #India #Tea)

A train ride through a verdant wonderland



I still vividly remember the vibrant chaos of Sarhul festival in Ranchi back in April 2016. Determined to catch our train despite the festive roadblocks, my journalist friend Shaji and I sprinted towards the Hatia Alipur Dwar express, narrowly making it aboard.

The next morning, as the train weaved through seemingly endless tea estates, I was mesmerized. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, a calming balm to the urban chaos we'd left behind. The North Eastern region of India, particularly Assam, is renowned for its rich tea history, breathtaking landscapes, and of course, exceptional teas.

Assam's Tea Jewels (#AssamTea #TravelIndia)

Assam, a major tea producer in India, boasts stunning scenery and a distinct tea flavor profile. Here are some of the region's iconic tea estates:

  • Monabari Tea Estate: Asia's largest tea producer, renowned for its floral and earthy notes.
  • Halmari Tea Estate: One of Assam's oldest and largest estates, known for its strong, malty teas.
  • Mangalam Tea Estate: A haven for high-quality orthodox tea.

Beyond the Greenery (#TeaHistory #TravelTrivia)

The 19th century saw the British bring indentured laborers from Central and Eastern India to clear forests and work in the tea gardens. Interestingly, Assam tea gardens still use "Tea Garden Time" or "Sah Bagan Time," one hour ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST). This system, implemented by the British, aimed to optimize worker productivity.

A Legacy of Hospitality (#HeritageIndia)

Many tea planters built grand mansions amidst the verdant tea gardens. Today, many of these have been converted into heritage resorts, offering tourists a unique glimpse into the region's past.

The Assam tea industry, established in 1833 by the British in the erstwhile Lakhimpur district, has played a significant role in India's economic growth for over 170 years.

A Night amongst the Greenery (#Travel Memories)

Following a delicious dinner, we settled into our cozy home stay in Zaldapara in WB, nestled amidst the lush greenery and jungle sounds.

Text and Photos by Ashok Karan

Website: Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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