Indian Tea Tour
Darjeeling and Dooars
The purpose of this tour is for tea professionals to deepen their understanding of tea processing and tea tasting. You will have the opportunity to visit tea plantations and experience the whole process of tea making, from plucking to withering, and even firing and sorting your own picked tea. This tea tour will take place in the Darjeeling and Dooars regions, and will last 10 days.
For each step of the tea making process you will be given a class, which will allow you to appreciate the finer aspects involved in tea making. You will also be given the opportunity to fine-tune your tasting skills by differentiating teas that have had too harsh of a wither vs. teas that has been fired or oxidized too long.
In Dooars, you will see an in-depth look at CTC processing. There will also be a day to experience the charming city of Darjeeling where you can take the toy train, visit Tibetan monasteries, and shop at any of the quaint markets.
Jungpana and Ghatia Tea Plantations
jungpana
Nestled in the verdant slopes of the mighty Himalayas, the tiny, south facing tea estate of Jungpana has been enchanting tea lovers for over a century with its famous, muscatel flavor. Its unique flavor is due to its location and altitude; the tea bushes are of the China variety, and of course to the consistent standards of excellence maintained through out the entire manufacturing process. Jungpana rests in Darjeeling and its elevation ranges from 3000 ft to 5000 ft. It has consistently been fetching the highest prices at the auctions and are also retailed from such reputed and famous gourmet outlets like Harrods and Fortnum and Mason in London and Mariage and Fauchon in Paris. Its legend:Jungpana: The Legend
Legend has it that many years ago a British hunter was roaming the Himalayas with his faithful Gurkha Jung Bahadur by his side where they were attacked by a leopard. In trying to save his master Jung Bahadur was severely mauled before his master dispensed with the beast. Jung Bahadur was weak and thirsty and asked his master for ‘pana’ or water. He was carried to a nearby stream and given water to drink but died in his master’s arms soon thereafter. Ever since that moment, the area has been known as Jungpana or where Jung Bahadur had his last drink of water. The tea estate, planted later, carries the name today.
Ghatia
Ghatia is a beautiful estate that lies on the border of the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan. A beautiful, bright, golden color and a rich, creamy body characterizes the teas it produces. Ghatia too, has established a consistent standard of excellence and regularly tops the Siliguri auction average. It has a devoted and loyal following in the domestic Indian market. Ghatia is at a height of 1000 ft. to 1200 ft. The garden has sections dating back to 110 years. The British planted it and the Kejriwals bought this estate from Dooars Tea Co., in 1975. Dooars Tea Co. was a sterling tea co. meaning it was registered in the UK. It was initially a leg cut estate meaning the estate produced leg cut teas while presently the teas produced are CTC.
Harsh Kerjiwal
Tea appreciation, as Harsh says, can only happen when you’re living, breathing, walking and sleeping tea at all times—an experience that you will embrace when you come to one of our plantation destinations for this personalized appreciation course. While a “classroom” session might have piqued your interest in this wonderful beverage, Harsh extends you an invitation to come and complete this journey by experiencing tea the way the planters do.
Harsh Kejriwal, owner and managing director of Rungamattee Tea, took over the reigns of the family tea company in 1970. Over the past 35 years, Harsh has spent countless hours mastering the science and art of manufacturing the world’s finest cup of tea.
Harsh has drawn extensively on his engineering background from the University of Michigan in creating robust quality control processes that ensure only the highest quality in every cup produced by Rungamattee.
With the aid of managers who adhere to the strict standards he has set, Harsh personally oversees the management of Jungpana, Ghillidary, Ghatia and Chandighat—the four estates that constitute the Rungamattee boutique. This personal attention is evident in these brands consistently commanding the highest prices in the open auction system.
Harsh’s passion for producing the best tea is driven by his desire to drink the best tea. Harsh is excited at the opportunity to share his passion of tea with you and welcomes you to come and learn what goes into creating the world’s finest cup of tea!
For itinerary, more information, and to sign up, please download this printable flyer.