The charm of having a cup of chai amid the chilly winds from the mountains is unmatched. But this little stall on the Indo-China Border in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has taken the experience notches higher for its visitors with its quirky name - ‘Hindustan Ki Antim Dukan’ (that translates to ‘India's last shop’). Whether or not you are a fan of the cuppa, a name like this is sure to tempt anyone to drop by and enjoy a sip of tea, as they soak in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.
The owner, Chander Singh Badwal, is said to be the first person to open a tea shop at Mana village, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, 3,118 metres above sea level. He’s been running the shop for about 25 years.
A quick search on social media will help you track the popularity of this chai ki dukan, which also serves everyone’s favourite Maggi noodles and other hill-station tidbits. Even industrialist Anand Mahindra had tweeted about the place once saying, “One of the best selfie spots in India? An unmatchable slogan: ‘Hindustan Ki Antim Dukan’. A cup of tea there is priceless.”
The Himalayan foothills are a treasure trove of different varieties of teas that gives out a distinct smell and taste every time you take a sip. We bring you bitesize facts about three lovingly crafted blends that have their origin in the Himalayas, but are now preferred globally.
Himalayan Green Tea Leaf And Wild Tulsi
A healthy herbal beverage that many swear by, this exquisite blend brings together the high-grown Himalayan long-leaf tea and the Himalayan tulsi. The ‘Himalayan Green Tea Leaf And Wild Tulsi’ blend by Palampore has a distinctive taste and is utterly rejuvenating. Cut to a bit of history, tea plantation was introduced in the Kangra Valley in 1852, with the Palampur area being home to a distinct line of flavoursome tea. This heritage of growing some very unique blends is still fiercely preserved.
Green Tea With Rhododendron And Himalayan Tulsi
Established in 2013, blends by Anandini Himalaya Tea can be traced back to the foothills of Dhauladhar Mountains in Himachal Pradesh. They specialise in black and green tea, alongside oolong, wellness and tisane tea. Their ‘Green Tea, Rhododendron, Himalayan Tulsi’ blend gives out an earthy aroma because of the tulsi, pepped by the delicate flavour of the tangy rhododendron flowers. Mixed with it is the taste of green tea that is said to lend the ‘happiness quotient’ to help you stay energised throughout the day. The blend also includes a tang of honey to make it even more delicious.
Pahadi Chai
Blended with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, elaichi, jaiphal and ashwagandha, this ‘Pahadi Chai’ by Thakorji is an Ayurvedic masala tea variety. To make this blend, premium CTC tea leaves are sourced from eastern Himalayas. Loaded with the warmth of a host of natural spices, this blend makes for a good cup of milk tea that you can enjoy at home with friends and family. Its ancient Ayurvedic qualities are said to boost your immune system and overall well-being.