A Tea Lovers’ Escapade: Amey's Sikkim Review with Thrillophilia
As we sat together, the aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, wrapping us in a cosy embrace.
I took a sip, watching her eyes light up with delight. “Yaar chai toh acchi bani hai!” she exclaimed. I couldn’t help but smile,“ You know, the real tea, no, the best tea, it comes from Darjeeling. All these packed teas we have are nothing in front of that.”
“Accha?” she said, I would really really love to go there, even the northeast region, it's just... WOW”
And I added to her dramatic narration, “You really really want to go there?”
She chuckled with a funny nod.
And just like that, we decided to embark on a spontaneous trip, ready to explore the tea gardens and hills of Darjeeling together.
Our Festive Wonderland
Gangtok greeted us with a magical festive cheer and a crisp winter chill. Since our trip was in December, the whole city lit up with Christmas lights, and everywhere we looked, there was a touch of holiday magic.
One of the highlights was the grand Buddha Park in Ravangla. The huge Buddha statue, surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic mountain views, felt like a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz.
Another gem was Tashi Viewpoint; seeing Mount Kanchenjunga from there was an experience that words just can’t capture. She nudged me, pointing at the snow-capped peaks, “We need a view like this back home.”
Our favourite was the trip to Tsomgo Lake. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the lake was like something out of a postcard- serene, reflective, and breathtaking. We took a moment to soak it all in, feeling the cool mountain air and appreciating the stillness.
But honestly, the most fun part was just exploring the local markets. We spent hours looking through handloom stalls, trying on shawls, scarves, and quirky trinkets. Being a bargain pro, she ensured we got the best deals at every shop. Between shopping, we couldn’t resist stopping at charming cafes to sip on warm cups of tea and indulge in local snacks.
A Delightful Day in the Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
Darjeeling welcomed us with its rolling hills and breathtaking tea gardens, and as tea lovers, we couldn’t wait to dive into this experience.
We strolled through lush green tea estates, feeling like we had stepped into a painting. The sight of neatly lined tea bushes, with workers expertly plucking the tender leaves, was amazing. “Look at how they pick those leaves!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
We had the chance to join in, and while the cute bamboo baskets were surprisingly heavy, it was thrilling to be part of the process. “I didn’t realise picking tea would be such a workout!” I joked.
One of the highlights was donning traditional outfits provided by the estate. Clad in beautiful attire, we felt like we were part of that world, and we couldn’t resist taking plenty of pictures.
Next, we toured the factory, where we learned about the drying and segregation processes that turn those freshly picked leaves into our beloved brews. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit fancy. The highlight, of course, was the tea-tasting session. Sipping on different varieties felt like a luxurious experience, almost like a ‘Wah Taj!’ moment.
We also headed to Mall Road in Darjeeling, where we couldn’t resist doing a little shopping. With bags full of tea and other goodies, we felt like we had truly captured a piece of Darjeeling to take home.
A Serene Escape
Pelling was a breath of fresh air, a tranquil contrast to the sparkling hustle of Gangtok and Darjeeling. We set out early, excited for the day ahead. One of our first stops was the breathtaking Khecheopalri Lake.
Legend has it that Khecheopalri Lake is a wish-fulfilling lake, and we couldn’t resist the tradition. We both closed our eyes and made a wish. She was curious about mine, playfully bugging me to spill the secret. “What did you ask for?” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. When I hesitated, she proudly declared, “You have me already- what else can you ask for?”
The journey to the lake was quite an adventure in itself, with winding roads that tested our driver, Tilak Ji’s, skills. He was not just our driver; he became our guide and friend, sharing stories about the region while expertly navigating the challenging terrain. With his keen eye for beauty, he often stopped at scenic points for us to capture memorable photos. “Quick! This view deserves a picture!” he’d say, encouraging us to get those perfect shots.
We also visited Rimbi Waterfalls, where the sound of falling water created a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. “Let’s capture this moment!” I urged as we posed against the stunning natural beauty.
This day was filled with laughter and awe, especially when we stopped at the Rimbi Orange Garden. The sweet fragrance of oranges surrounded us, and we couldn’t resist picking a few for a quick snack.
What More Could We Ask For?
And just like that our trip for the best cup of tea ended. During our 8-day trip, we explored the stunning landscapes of East, South, and West Sikkim, along with the charming town of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. Each hotel we stayed at exceeded our expectations, and the planned itinerary was good too and allowed us the privacy and flexibility we wanted.
Our Thrillophilia contact manager was checking in with us daily to ensure everything went smoothly. Overall, I must say that this trip was an unforgettable experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable getaway.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sikkim Reviews