Takdah is a beautiful village nestled in the hilly terrain of Darjeeling district. The region is surrounded by natural beauty including orchids, cedar forests, etc. Here you can witness the old British-era bungalows, valleys, and snow-capped mountain peaks. You can stay at Takdah Tea Estate homestay, to access the famous attractions and experience the local culture and history of the region. They also provide personalized experiences and unique connections with locals, making it an ideal base for exploring the tea culture of Darjeeling.
Takdah is an ideal base to start the exploration of Darjeeling’s tea culture because it is located in proximity to many tea gardens. The famous Takdah tea estate is located here which is known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling tea.
How to explore Darjeeling’s tea culture by staying at a homestay in Takdah:
Know the history of Darjeeling tea
Dr Archibald Campbell is known as the founding father of Darjeeling Tea. He was a civil surgeon and the first superintendent of Darjeeling during the British East India Company’s reign. In 1841, Dr. Campbell took an experimental step by planting seeds of tea plants in his Beachwood garden, which was brought from the Kumaon hills of North India. After a successful implantation later in 1847, the British officials decided to put tea nurseries across the region. In 1852, the Tukvar tea garden, Stenthal tea garden, and Aloobari tea garden became the first commercially producing tea gardens in Darjeeling.
Visit nearby tea estates
Takdah is surrounded by various tea estates which can be easily accessible by staying at a homestay. The Takdah tea estate covers an area of 288 hectares of cultivable land. This tea estate mainly produces first and second flush which is much in demand. Other famous tea gardens of Takdah include Runglee Rungliot, Gielle and Namring.
The homestays in this region are located in proximity to the tea estate making it easier for you to access. You can stay at the best homestay in Takdah which gives you a unique and intimate experience since you are living with the locals. The locals have inside knowledge about tea estates and they can suggest which tea estate to visit and the best time to go. By staying at a homestay it is more likely that you come in contact with people who are working in various tea industries. This provides you with an opportunity to witness their hard work and taste freshly made tea.
Explore the tea-making process
By visiting tea estates you can learn the tea-making process, taste various varieties, and witness beautiful scenery which allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of tea production. Here is the detailed process of how Darjeeling tea is processed.
Withering: This process results in a slight amount of oxidation. The leaves are spread on large selves which help to remove excess water from the tea leaves.
Rolling: The tea leaves are rolled either by hand or a machine which helps in releasing essential oils that enhance the flavour of tea.
Oxidation: During this process tea leaves are exposed to oxygen, causing them to darken in colour and develop their unique flavour.
Firing: After oxidation, heat is applied to the tea leaves to stop the oxidation process and reduce the moisture.
Sorting: At last the tea leaves are sorted by size, grade, and quality before packing.
Take part in tea-tasting sessions
The culture of Darjeeling tea extends beyond exploring tea estates. You can try other ways to experience its tea culture including tea tastings and witnessing tea workshops.
Tea Tastings: This is an ideal way to learn the tea culture of Darjeeling. You can try diverse seasonal flushes (flavours) including First Flush, Second Flush, Monsoon Flush, and Autumn Flush.
Tea workshops: This helps you to learn the art of making a perfect cup. To prepare the best Darjeeling tea you can learn about water temperature, preparation time, and other techniques through tea workshops.
Pair Darjeeling tea with local cuisines
To enhance the overall experience of the Darjeeling tea culture you can pair it with local cuisines. The homestays offer local delicacies including Momos, Sel roti, Shapta, and Thukpa reflecting the cultural diversity of Takdah village.
Conclusion
Takdah is an offbeat destination located in the hilly terrain of Darjeeling. To explore the famous attractions and unique culture of Takdah you can stay at a Takdah tea estate homestay. The homestay is an ideal place to stay if you are willing to explore the tea culture of Darjeeling. By staying at a homestay you can witness the tea-making process, take part in tea tasting sessions and pair Darjeeling tea with local cuisines. The locals have inside knowledge of tea estates and by taking their suggestions, you can explore the tea estates effectively.