Mim Tea Garden, nestled at an elevation of about 5000 feet, dates back to the mid-1800s. It is situated in Jorebunglow, Sukhiapokhari, in the District of Darjeeling. The tea garden is just 21 kilometers from Darjeeling town and 75 kilometers from Siliguri.
This tea garden mostly comprises China cultivars with an ongoing effort the transition to organic practices. It is the only tea garden in the Darjeeling region that is managed by the Government of India under the Andrew Yule Company. The Estate produces Oolong, first flush, and rare white teas.
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The garden is simply a gem for all Tea enthusiasts. It is an incredible place with such vibrant beauty. The garden imparts a whole different type of experience and fulfills the wish of being amidst nature. If you are the one who enjoys being in a distinctive world away from the crowd, then you must visit this place once.
A lot is there to experience. In this article, you will get to know the following points about Mim Tea Garden,
- How to reach
- History
- Natural beauty
- Things to do
- Best time to visit
- Places to stay
- Nearby attractions
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
How to reach Mim Tea Garden
From Darjeeling:
To reach Mim Tea Garden from Darjeeling town, head towards Ghoom Railway Station and take the left turn towards Sukhiyapokhari. Look for the signboard of Mim Tea Estate just before the Sukhiyapokhari BPCL petrol pump and turn right from there.
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From Siliguri/NJP:
The best way to reach Mim Tea Garden from Siliguri or NJP is to take the route via Mirik. After reaching Sukhiyapokhari, follow the signboards to Mim Tea Garden.
There are cabs available from Siliguri Bus Stand, NJP railway station, and Bagdogra Airport that will take you directly to Mim Tea Estate.
History of Mim Tea Garden
The garden’s name ‘Mim’ is taken from the local term ‘Mem’ which was used to refers to a ‘British Lady’ or ‘Mem Sahab.’
At one point the garden was managed by a British lady and the locals would affectionately call it ‘Mem ko Kaman.’ This means the British Lady’s Garden or the garden run by the British lady. Over the course of time the name ‘Mem’ evolved into ‘Mim.’ Historical facts are always interesting, isn’t it?
Another fascinating thing about this garden is that this is the only tea garden in Darjeeling that is run by the Government of India; the Andrew Yule Company manages it as a company. If you ever consider staying at the hills amidst rich history, this could be one of the places.
The natural beauty of Mim Tea Garden
The ambiance and views of Mim Tea Garden are quite spectacular. With an enchanting atmosphere, the garden immediately allures the tourists towards itself. The vista of the breathtaking Kanchenjunga ranges becomes the show-stopper amidst everything.
Nestled in the middle of the rolling hills, the setting of the place is arresting. The distant mountains and the lofty ranges with the snowcapped peaks look like a canvas-painted picture. Stepping into the garden, a mild aromatic fragrance hits you making you mesmerized. The pruned tea bushes are meticulously arranged in rows, thereby creating a soft carpet-like illusion.
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Vibrant greens stretch as far as the eyes can see. In the midst of this are the wildflowers and ferns. The entire environment is absolutely rousing and inspiring. Clear sky, mist-touched mornings, and golden-hued evenings with the mountainous balm, every element tote up to create miracles. Singing Aves along with the crickets dominates the environment with their melody.
Things to do at Mim Tea Garden
Mim Tea Garden will allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest for how many ever days you spend there. Let us see what we can do being at this haven:
- Scenic walks are a must. Stroll through the gorgeous tea gardens and look at the outstanding views of the layers of hills.
- While there, cherish the fresh mountain air. Breathe in and clear the soul and mind.
- Escapade through the rich tea plantations and take a tea-tasting tour. Know about the tea-making process.
- Drop by the tea factory and get an insider’s view of the production. Learn the process of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying.
- Sit silently in nature’s lap while looking at the pine, cedar, spruce, and other coniferous varieties.
- If you like bird watching, you can do that here as well. Spot the colorful aves amidst the dense shade of green.
- Wake up at dawn and witness the appealing sunrise from the hills.
- Snap as many pictures as possible, of the place as well as yours.
- Stay at the forest homestay to feel the vibes of being in the middle of a vast tea garden.
- Gobble the delicious local food.
- Purchase the high-quality tea from the shops there as souvenirs to bring back home.
The best time to visit Mim Tea Garden
The ideal time to travel to Mim Tea Garden depends on the preferences and the experiences you want to chase.
February to April is the spring season. During this time, you will be able to witness tea picking. The weather remains pleasant and the place is dotted with all different kinds of spring flowers.
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From the end of April till June, is the summer season. This is the time when it becomes a great escape from the heat. The plain swelter under the growling heat, while the tea garden will give you a pleasing experience. The surroundings remain fresh and clear with a cool breeze wrapping around them.
Monsoon is very different from all the other seasons. The sound of rain, the stirring petrichor, and the luxurious green environment, everything blends just perfectly. Misty mornings are welcomed with a chilly breeze. Romance fills the air creating a paradisical atmosphere.
After the rejuvenating rain, autumn rolls in and then the winter. The season starts in October and lasts till the middle of February. Stunning vistas await with different hues of autumn. Days are soothingly warm while the nights are chilly. When the winter approaches, the chills increase, and the thrill exceeds expectations. Ventures are possible in every season except monsoon. Although the rains bring relaxation, a sigh of relief, and revitalization.
Places to stay at Mim Tea Garden
There are several homestays and bungalows to stay at the Mim Tea Estate. Some of them include,
- Yule Tea Retreat
- Little Forest Homestay
- Mim Tea Garden Homestay
- Takto Homestay
Other attractions near Mim Tea Garden
Attractions | Distance from Mim Tea Garden |
---|---|
Lepchajagat | 10 kilometers |
Jorepokhri | 10 kilometers |
Simana View Point | 13 kilometers |
Ghoom Monastery | 18 kilometers |
Batasia Loop | 20 kilometers |
Did this make you plan a trip already? Yes, right? So, book the tickets and the places to stay. Mim Tea Garden is such a place that has an appeal to it. Prior planning is always fascinating and has its own perks.
Decide what to do, what to eat, and what to explore while you set your feet there. Invite your friends or family and start with packing the bags. Cameras are a must. Venture through every nook that pleases the heart. Bon Voyage!
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- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
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