Joy in a Tea Cup

Nestled in prime tea country at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Balipara in Assam invites you to experience the laid-black plantation life and unique conservation efforts.

- SATARUPA PAUL

IT FEELS LIKE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE,”Maa said with a smile, as she sipped on a piping hot cup of freshly brewed tea, while looking out at endless tea gardens. Beside her, my octogenarian grandma nodded in agreement and dunked a cookie in her tea. My father, on the other hand, had gulped his beverage down in no time and was now roaming about, clicking photos. Being able to step out for a few days after months of lockdown and self-confinement was reason enough for my family to feel elated. As for me, I was content just pulling off this family trip in the midst of a raging pandemic.

Travelling with family isn’t easy, especially if it involves elderly members with chronic ailments. Add pandemic-induced travel restrictions and safety hazards to the mix and you’re in for quite a ride. However, with some foresight and planning, you can end up having a great time. Just as we did in the town of Balipara, which is nestled in the prime tea-growing belt of the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, and bordered by the Eastern Himalayas to the north.