Dorje Mail
Our blog
Treat this as a Dispatch from Darjeeling. Here you will find tales about your teas, fables about the tea estate, legends about its birds, trees, and animals, and stories about the people who work so hard to prepare it.
Soundscape of Selim Hill
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Let us not forget about the most famous sound of the mountains – The Echo. It is the sound of my own thoughts. Do I have the courage to shout it out loud enough? All that I throw at the Darjeeling Hills will come right back to me!
The sounds of the Darjeeling Hills cater to the philosophy of ‘rest and digest’ rather than ‘fight or flight’. This is also the thought behind Dorje Teas – Sit back a while and enjoy your cup.
Star Struck
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Night descends early on the hills of Darjeeling; the day ends when the sun decides. The trees loom large and their shadows larger as they direct you onwards on your course. The winding road, as it climbs upwards takes you “Far from the Madding Crowd” and into a world of Solitude. At that point, in arrogance, you tend to feel like you own the world or the Darjeeling Hill Cart road at the very least.
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The Blush of the First Flush
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In the mad rush of the machine age where wires have become an integral part of the human anatomy, Selim Hill Tea Estate has taught me to slow down and savour the ever changing flavour of life and nature.
The Hoopoe – Selim Hill Tea Estate’s Israel Connection
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The Hoopoe is often symbolised as a messenger. The message could be good or bad but a good messenger brings together two sets of people because of the way in which the message is delivered. The wise ambassador tells the Dorje Team to continue on the rocky path, joyous streams are just around the next corner.
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The House of Winds at Second Chance House
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Interestingly, the angle of the Hawa Ghar gives you a clear view of the sunrise and the sunset. It makes me wonder that the sun does the same thing every day - rises and sets. Yet, unfailingly, it puts up an unforgettable show every time. It wants no audience, needs no audience, because its journey is its own.
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The Land of the Rainbow
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The Darjeeling Hills are rolling with all these coloured flowers - so vibrant and vivid. The indigo Morning Glory, violet Hydrangea, red Rhododendron, orange Trumpet Flowers, blue Goat Weed Flower, yellow Golden Shower Flowers and of course the green of the Selim Hill Tea Bushes are the stuff that rainbows are made of.
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The Romance of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
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The DHR image was the most obvious and natural choice for the Dorje Teas Packet. It is about continuing with tradition yet connecting to the modern world. Most importantly it transports the essence of Darjeeling in the form of Darjeeling Tea to other parts of India.
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The Swan Song of the Cicadas
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My first meeting with this creature was its loud, noisy greeting at Second Chance House which caught me off guard. Unaccustomed to the ways of nature, my senses had no way of finding out what was making the noise. It seemed like someone had put up multiple, invisible speakers. It was my curiosity that introduced me to the age old and permanent residents of Selim Hill Tea Estate – the Cicadas.
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The Sweetest Wood in the World
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Next to the cinnamon tree, we have a small hawaghar (gazebo). It is here that most of our business meetings are held with new, unknown people. Call me a dreamer, but I get the feeling that the tree somehow influences us, guides us and helps to better evaluate risks and benefits.
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Tourist Attractions on the Hill Cart Road from Sukna to Selim Hill Tea Estate
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If you are tired of the hustle – bustle of the city and need a getaway, the Darjeeling Hills are the perfect place. The ride up the NH55 or the old Hill Cart Road has hidden gems that are a pleasure to visit. We have put together some of these places which one must see.
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Under the Elm Tree
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These are the majestic Chinese Elm Trees. Standing as sentinels, against the harsh winds, rowdy intruders and indeed time itself, the trees have done their duty well. Over 200 years old, the trees have seen many people come and go. They have seen Selim Hill Tea Estate when it was just planted, they saw it prosper and flourish and then the decline.
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Vande Mataram
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Dwelling in a city, amidst skyscrapers, expensive malls and movie theatres, it is easy to overlook the fact that the majority of India still lives in villages. I almost forgot that the green in our flag refers to the fertility that feeds the entire nation. On 1st June, 2020, just as the Covid Lockdown was lifted, we travelled through the countryside for 16 hours from Calcutta to Darjeeling and made a ‘tryst with destiny’. Since then, we have made 80 such trips. Every trip has made me realise how limited my knowledge and information is.
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Wear your attitude
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The colour pink of the tree calms and excites you at the same time. The message is strong – you can love others only if you love yourself. In the present circumstances when giant companies are handing out pink slips in large numbers, the tree is a reminder that tomorrow is another day and flowers will bloom again for those who conserve and adapt.
Drink a cup of Dorje Teas and be in the pink of health!
Where there is a Will, there is a Way
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At last, we arrive at the Dorje Junction or our Karmabhoomi. The path in front leads to Second Chance House – A place for rest, rejuvenation, thought and new ideas. The path on our right leads to the Gitanjali Section – As you climb up, you see the tea bushes in their glory, this is the place where leopards and King Cobras are spotted. Nature and her abundance urge you to take responsibility. The road on the left leads to the Selim Hill Heritage Tea Factory where idealism meets practicality and Dorje Teas is produced.
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Where to go, what to do in Darjeeling
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Are you visiting the ‘Queen of the Hills’, ‘The Land of the Thuderbolt’ – Darjeeling? The beauty of this Hill Station is unparalleled. As you cool down, unwind and relax, you may want to get a little more familiar with Dorje Ling. Of course, there are some traditional activities that you probably will enjoy.
However, if you are looking for some hidden gems that people normally don’t go to, try these.
Where to? Where from?
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Does anyone ever really know the answers to the questions – “Where to? Where from?” The only journey that matters is the one that takes you deeper and deeper into yourself. I am reminded yet again to drink deeply into my cup of Dorje Teas.
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Who gives a Hoot?
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In my 2 years at Selim Hill, the bird that evaded me was the owl. I heard it every night but could not see it. Obviously, the reason being I follow the cycle of the sun and it follows the cycle of the moon. However, Selim Hill is a friend of patience and the Darjeeling Hills reveal themselves to you layer by layer.
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The Secret of Kukicha
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No, it is not Kookies and Tea, Kukicha is a Japanese tea made from the twigs and stems of the same plant that black tea and green tea come from. Twigs are pruned from the shrub, steamed, dried, aged, and then roasted to create an incredibly healthy tea.
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40 Different types of Subscriptions for different people, different tastes and different requirements. The Choice is yours!
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Dorje Teas believes that tea is a way of life. However, different people have different requirements and we have tried to cater to them all.
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Why should I buy the Dorje Autumn Flush Green Tea Subscription?
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If you like falling leaves, the calm after the monsoon storm, the feeling of festivities in the air, this subscription is perfect for you. It will last you through winter.
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Why should I buy the Dorje Monsoon Flush Green Tea Subscription?
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This Subscription model is for those who are in love with the rains, the smell of the wet earth and the bounty that it brings. Buttery texture, and a light greenish color, our Green Teas have fresh-cut field aromas and a light vegetal flavour. The sweet after-taste will dispel all your notions about the bitterness of green teas.
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Why should I buy the Dorje Second Flush Green Tea Subscription?
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Summer and Second Flush Green Tea are well suited together. It has no sugar, almost no caffeine and great for flushing out toxins. The health conscious, scrupulous tea drinker will love this Subscription model.
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What is the Dorje First Flush Green Tea Subscription? Not bitter, Delivered to your Doorstep
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For the new age, healthy, Darjeeling Green Tea drinker, this Subscription model is a perfect. You need not waste time on where to buy, how to buy. Just brew and drink.
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Why should I buy the Dorje Autumn Flush Black Tea Subscription?
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If you like a toasty fragrance which reminds you of dried leaves and the feel of festivities in the air, you have found the perfectly matched subscription - The Dorje Autumn Flush Black Tea Subscription
Why should I buy the Dorje Roasted Flush Black Tea Subscription?
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If you like Darjeeling Tea with a little milk, this subscription is the best for you. The bold flavour allows milk to be added.
Why should I buy the Dorje Second Flush Black Tea Subscription?
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This Subscription model is for those who like a strong cup of Darjeeling Tea with a muscatel flavour. It is smooth with a rich colour and strong aroma. While you have many things in life to juggle, we take on the responsibility of making sure you are never out of Tea.
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What is the Dorje First Flush Black Teas Subscription? Attractive Discounts, Delivered to your Doorstep
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For the traditional, knowledgeable, discerning Darjeeling tea drinker, this model is a like a wish fulfilled. Whether the weather be hot, cold, rainy or sunny, we know you cannot do without your cup of First Flush Darjeeling Tea.
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Fresh, Affordable, Not bitter, Authentic Darjeeling Green Tea, delivered at your Doorstep. What is the Dorje Green Tea Subscription Plan?
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An excellent choice for the those looking at health and weight loss benefits. You will get Dorje Green Teas consistently and need not break your routine.
Fresh, Affordable, Authentic Darjeeling Tea, delivered at your Doorstep What is the Dorje Black Tea Subscription Plan?
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This is a highly recommended plan for the true lover of Darjeeling and a connoisseur of Darjeeling Teas. As the seasons of Darjeeling change, you get to experience Darjeeling in all her moods. It is unique, because for the first time, the Champagne of Teas has been made Available and Affordable for Indian Customers.
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