Exploring Sikkim's lone tea estate, post Teesta floods.

Image credit-India Today

Two months have passed since the devastating Teesta floods swept through Sikkim and North Bengal, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The aftermath reveals a landscape scarred by nature's fury. Homes bear the remnants of sediment, roads are undergoing repair for the upcoming tourist season, and the Teesta Bazar, once a bustling market, now stands silent.

The Teesta River, a vital artery in the Himalayas, witnessed the September flood's impact, leading to broken bridges and altered landscapes. Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the region is evident as roads are prepared for the influx of tourists. The Teesta, which lent its name to the market, now flows calmly, concealing the excesses of its previous surge.

A journey along National Highway 710 from Teesta Bazar to Temi, Sikkim's only tea estate, provides a contrasting scene. The highway, spared from the river's wrath, traverses picturesque landscapes crisscrossed by the Teesta and its tributary, Rangit. Rangit, with its crystal-blue waters, adds to the natural beauty until it merges with the Teesta. The road passes through the Kitam Bird Sanctuary, a haven for Sikkim's diverse bird species.

Namchi, a quaint mountain town adorned in holiday splendor, lies on the way to Temi, located 30 kilometers away. The tea estate, nestled on the slopes of the Tendong hills, offers a tranquil retreat. On clear days, the panoramic view includes the majestic Kangchenjunga range with its five peaks. The road from Pelling to Temi, passing through Pelling's famous skywalk, showcases the awe-inspiring presence of Kangchenjunga.

The drive towards Temi unveils manicured tea gardens, a refreshing contrast to urban pollution. Arriving at Cherry Resort, a government-owned structure, silence greets visitors amidst acres of tea bushes. Winter sets in, accompanied by the crisp night air and a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. The starlit sky forms a backdrop as visitors savor the renowned Temi tea.

Dawn breaks in the cold morning, revealing the enchanting beauty of the Kangchenjunga bathed in the winter sun's first rays. The hills and mountains, akin to a Ruskin Bond tale, create a magical scene. Temi, established in 1969, spans 440 acres and stands out for its organic tea production. Cherry trees, breaking the green monotony, name the resort within the tea estate.

Temi's charm extends beyond the tea gardens; it's a unique experience amidst nature's purity. The estate, producing some of the world's finest tea, emphasizes its 'organic' label, with only 25% retained locally. The absence of shade trees, replaced by cherry trees, adds to the estate's allure.

As the hills transition from pink and green fairyland in November to dark green in December, the allure of Temi persists. A mental note is made for the return next November, envisioning repaired roads and a serene Teesta. Temi beckons as a refuge from the urban hustle, a place to stay and immerse in the tranquility of nature.

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