Factory visit and buying Temi tea at source

Temi makes about 100 tonnes of tea a year, most of it black tea, with smaller amounts of other styles. Wikipedia notes that the estate is being promoted for tourism, with visitors getting the chance to see the production facility. In practice, access depends on the day, the season and the manager's permission, so ask politely at the factory office when you arrive. Mornings on working days are your best chance.

If you get in, you will see the main steps of orthodox tea making: withering the leaf, rolling it, letting it oxidise and drying it, before sorting by grade. The smell of drying leaf is the thing most visitors remember. Do not touch machines, keep children close and follow any rules on photos. In the off months, or on Sundays and holidays, the floor may be quiet or closed. A short visit of 20–30 minutes is usual, and a thank-you to the staff who show you round is always welcome.

Packets of Temi tea are usually sold near the factory, under brand names such as Sikkim Solja, Mystique and Kanchanjunga Tea. Buying here supports the estate and guarantees what you get. Ask which flush each packet comes from: spring first flush is light and floral, monsoon fuller, autumn rounded. Prices vary by grade and change often, so check current status before you travel. Tea keeps best in a sealed tin away from light, so pack it carefully for the journey home and drink the first flush within a few months.