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The charm of having a cup of chai amid the chilly winds from the mountains is unmatched. But this little stall on the Indo-China Border in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has taken the experience notches higher for its visitors with its quirky name - ‘Hindustan Ki Antim Dukan’ (that translates to ‘India's last shop’). Whether or not you are a fan of the cuppa, a name like this is sure to tempt anyone to drop by and enjoy a sip of tea, as they soak in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.
The owner, Chander Singh Badwal, is said to be the first person to open a tea shop at Mana village, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, 3,118 metres above sea level. He’s been running the shop for about 25 years.
A quick search on social media will help you track the popularity of this chai ki dukan, which also serves everyone’s favourite Maggi noodles and other hill-station tidbits. Even industrialist Anand Mahindra had tweeted about the place once saying, “One of the best selfie spots in India? An unmatchable slogan: ‘Hindustan Ki Antim Dukan’. A cup of tea there is priceless.”
The Himalayan foothills are a treasure trove of different varieties of teas that gives out a distinct smell and taste every time you take a sip. We bring you bitesize facts about three lovingly crafted blends that have their origin in the Himalayas, but are now preferred globally.
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Blended with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, elaichi, jaiphal and ashwagandha, this ‘Pahadi Chai’ by Thakorji is an Ayurvedic masala tea variety. To make this blend, premium CTC tea leaves are sourced from eastern Himalayas. Loaded with the warmth of a host of natural spices, this blend makes for a good cup of milk tea that you can enjoy at home with friends and family. Its ancient Ayurvedic qualities are said to boost your immune system and overall well-being.
