About Temi Tea Garden
Temi Tea Garden is Sikkim's only tea estate and the state's sole certified organic tea plantation — unique in being government-owned and run. Situated at 1,600m on a south-facing slope with Kanchenjunga as a direct backdrop, Temi produces a distinctive light, floral Sikkimese tea that is different in character from Darjeeling teas. The estate was established in 1969 and has been fully organic since 2000. Unlike the Darjeeling estates, Temi's terraces face south toward the valley, meaning the views from the tea rows are particularly dramatic — the snow peaks appear directly above the tea bushes on clear mornings.
Why go to Temi Tea Garden
Sikkim's only organic tea estate — unique terroir
The combination of Sikkimese altitude, specific soil chemistry and biodynamic cultivation produces a tea unlike any Darjeeling — lighter, greener and with a distinctive mineral note.
Kanchenjunga directly above the tea rows
On clear mornings, the snow peak is directly behind the tea terraces — one of the most unusual tea estate photographs in India.
Direct estate purchase — grades unavailable elsewhere
The Temi estate shop sells grades that never reach retail — the broken-grade and garden-blend teas available at the gate are at prices well below Gangtok or Kolkata market. For guests who care about what they are drinking, buying at source with the estate's own label is the point of the visit.
How to reach Temi Tea Garden from Ravangla
8 km from Ravangla town by road (20 min). Can be reached by vehicle or the Ravangla–Namchi local bus (ask driver to stop at Temi). The estate is visible from the main road.
Best time to visit Temi Tea Garden
March and April for first-flush season when the estate is plucking the year's most prized leaves — the factory is running at capacity, the fields are being actively harvested and the tea aroma across the estate is strongest. October and November for second-flush availability and post-monsoon harvest. The estate is beautiful year-round, but visiting outside flush season (December to February) means the factory may be idle and the visual impact of active plucking is absent. Morning visits (8–11am) coincide with plucking activity.
Time of dayMorning (8–11am) for factory activity and mountain views. The tea rows are photogenic at any time.
Things we always tell our guests about Temi Tea Garden
- The factory tour is informal — ask at the estate office. Most days a staff member will show you around at no charge.
- Buy Temi tea directly from the estate shop — it is sold at better prices than in Gangtok or Darjeeling tourist shops.
- The walk through the tea rows takes 45–60 minutes at a comfortable pace.
- Sikkim tea is not Darjeeling — different cultivar, different character. Try both before judging.
- The best Kanchenjunga photography angle from the estate is from the upper row path, facing north — the snow line appears above the tea bushes at approximately 8–10am before haze builds. Your factory guide can take you to this section.
Temi Tea Garden — your questions answered
More gardens in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Ravangla
- TempleMonasteryTrekValley