Temi blooms for Cherry Tea Fest

GANGTOK, 13 Nov: With the view to promote the natural beauty of cherry blossoms and organic tea fields of Temi, the first Cherry Tea Festival is being organized by the Temi Tarku Tourism Development Committee [TTTDC] in association with Tourism Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
A press release from TTTDC informs that the festival is proposed to be an annual event to be held from 15 to 17 November every year. The aim of the festival is to attract local, national and international tourists showcasing the world famous Temi Tea and the natural beauty of the area.
Members of tourism stakeholders have also extended their support and Travel Agents Association of Sikkim has offered to impart a one-day guide training to local youth of the area, the release mentions.
The organizing committee has invited all the people of Sikkim and outside to make the festival a grand success. The committee also requests all the tour operators, TAAS, SATO members, Hoteliers to disseminate information about the festival to tourists and make the necessary arrangements.
Temi, located in South Sikkim is about 51 Km away from the State Capital of Gangtok. Temi has always been popular for the only Tea Garden in Sikkim and Cherry Blossoms which are in full bloom in November against the backdrop of Khangchendzonga.
The activities planned during the festival include:
01. Darshan of Temi Durga-Shiva Mandir for the inauguration
02. Traditional food stalls
03. Exhibition cum Sale of local handicrafts & floriculture products
04. Exhibition cum Sale of Temi Teas at concessional rate (Taste of organic world class tea)
05. Paragliding and declaration of paragliding destinations of the area.
06. Helicopter Joy rides for Temi Tea Garden, Cherry View, Char Dham, Buddha Park
07. Mountain Biking
08. Cherry Tea Garden walks
09. Inauguration of photo points for Natural beauty for photographers (cherry view point)
10. Open landscape/ canvas painting competition
11. Photography competitions
12. Marathon race [Temi to Cherry View Point]
13. Visit to areas with Cherry Blossoms and organic tea fields and processing units.
14. Cultural program by different communities, students and self-help groups
15. Visit to Cherry Guraas Sarvajanic Gumpa
16. Local singing competition
17. Traditional folk musical instrumental performances
18. Musical presentation by Genesis Music Academy and Dance Sensation Academy and local artists.