December 27, 2010
The community of Mirik lies in the Darjeeling district of India’s West Bengal. Features such as Sumendu Lake and the nearby garden, called “Savitri Pushpaudyan,” are what make Mirik known for its natural beauty. The community is located at the center of several tea gardens that grow India’s famous Darjeeling tea. Although it is traditionally a black tea, Darjeeling tea can be produced in green, white or oolong varieties. Unlike many Indian teas made from the large leaves of the Assam plant, Darjeeling tea requires the small leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The district provides perfect growing conditions for this plant, with a temperate climate that sits between 33 and 80° Fahrenheit (0.56 and 27° C), at least 50 inches (127 cm) of rain per year and an average altitude of 4,900 feet (1494 m) above sea level. Darjeeling tea is exported throughout the world and is known for its distinctly floral scent and musky flavor.
