A Cup of Assam ‘Chai’
Savor the hearty flavors of a refreshing cup of Assam ‘chai’ at this tea tasting session for in-house guests. The Assam brew is noted for its strong body, bright color, and malty flavor. Famous for the robust variety of black tea grown in the valley since the colonial era, get an insight into the factors that go towards determining the quality of tea from an in-house expert. Your introduction to the subtle art of tea tasting will begin at the dining pavilion where nearly 60 different varieties and grades of tea are showcased from around the globe. Begin by evaluating the visual appeal of the dried tea leaf, followed by studying the appearance of the tea infusion, and then tasting a perfectly brewed cup for determining the final quality. Take a sip of your fragrant cup of tea, while soaking in tranquil views of the rolling tea gardens all around you. (Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 1 hr, 1530 –1630 hrs; Shared activity; Fitness level: Easy).
Day Out at Nameri National Park
Experience the natural beauty of Nameri National Park, situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in India. Amid dawn chorus and jungle thrum, follow your guide on sun-speckled trails through tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Home to over 300 species of birds and butterflies, the region is a birders’ paradise! Expect to spot hornbills, bazas, flowerpeckers, babblers, ibises, mountain imperial-pigeons, and white-cheeked partridges among others. You might also encounter endangered creatures such as white-winged wood ducks, dholes, Himalayan black bears, and Indian giant squirrels, apart from clouded leopards, bison, and sambars. Break for lunch and refreshments at an eco-camp nearby, and share wildlife anecdotes. Shortly after, experience a leisurely rafting cruise navigating the gentle rapids of Jia Bhoroli that passes through the forest, and hopefully sight herds of elephants hanging out along the banks. Finally, visit the Pygmy Hog Foundation to witness the brilliant conservation breeding efforts of the critically endangered pygmy hogs, before calling it a day. (Full Day; Time: 0800 – 1700 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: The park is open for safaris only between November and April)
