- Where
- Temi, Namchi district, on the slopes of the Tendong range
- Altitude
- About 1,500 m
- Distance
- About 20–22 km from Ravangla and Namchi; 55 km from Gangtok
- Timings
- Daylight; factory visits on working days
- Entry fee
- Free to walk the roadside rows
- Permit
- Not needed for Indian citizens
- Best time
- March–May and October–November
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
Temi Tea Garden covers a long, gently sloping hillside below the Tendong range in South Sikkim. It was set up in 1969 by Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, on land that had been a Sherpa village and forest nursery, and for decades it was the state's only tea estate. The estate has around 177 hectares under tea and has moved to organic cultivation; its tea is sold as "Temi Tea" in India and abroad.
Things to do at Temi
- Walk the tea rows along the road that winds through the estate.
- Visit the tea factory to see withering, rolling and drying, when it's open to visitors.
- Buy tea at the estate outlet.
- Stay at Cherry Resort, the hotel in the middle of the estate.
How to reach Temi
Temi lies on the road between Ravangla and Namchi, so it fits easily into a South Sikkim day with Buddha Park. Our things to do in Ravangla guide has the full circuit.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Ravangla | about 20 km | 45 min |
| Namchi | about 20 km | 45 min |
| Gangtok | about 55 km | 2–2.5 hrs |
| NJP station | about 115 km | 3.5–4 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Weather and best time
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 3°C | Dry |
| Feb | 14°C | 5°C | Light |
| Mar | 17°C | 8°C | Light |
| Apr | 20°C | 11°C | Light |
| May | 22°C | 14°C | Wet |
| Jun | 23°C | 17°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 23°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 23°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 23°C | 17°C | Very wet |
| Oct | 21°C | 13°C | Light |
| Nov | 17°C | 9°C | Dry |
| Dec | 14°C | 5°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1542 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- March–May: first-flush picking, flowers and clear mornings.
- October–November: clear skies and views of Kanchenjunga.
- June–September: green but very wet; plucking continues.
Where to stay
Cherry Resort inside the estate, or hotels and homestays in Ravangla and Namchi.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Plucking happens in the morning. Arrive by 9–10am to see it.
- Stay on the paths. Don't walk between the bushes or pick leaves.
- Factory access depends on the season and the day; ask at the gate.
Nearby
- Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) at Ravangla.
- Rabdentse Ruins and Pelling Skywalk further west.
Temi Tea Garden: questions travellers ask
When was Temi Tea Garden established?
In 1969, by Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last Chogyal of Sikkim.
Where is Temi Tea Garden?
At Temi, between Ravangla and Namchi in South Sikkim.
How far is Temi Tea Garden from Gangtok?
About 55 km, 2–2.5 hours by road.
Can I visit the tea factory at Temi?
Often, yes; visits depend on the season and the day. Ask at the gate.
Is Temi tea organic?
The estate follows organic cultivation.
What is the best time to visit Temi Tea Garden?
March–May and October–November.
Is there a hotel in Temi Tea Garden?
Yes, Cherry Resort is inside the estate.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Temi Tea Garden
- Ministry of Tourism: Temi Tea Garden
- Travel Triangle: Temi Tea Garden guide
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
