Chai And The World: An Introduction To Indian Tea

As the second largest producer of tea in the world, India is renowned for chai, that milk-infused, sweet-spicy drink that has gained immense global popularity over the years. While international café chains such as Starbucks and Costa offer fancy concoctions such as chai latte, chai frappuccino, and the unfortunately named dirty chai, most people in India swear by the humble roadside variety. Here’s a look at how this beloved beverage came to be, and the cultural hot spot it’s brewing up.

Origins

Like any great history, the origins of chai are steeped in legend and contradictory accounts. But the general consensus seems to be that this rejuvenating drink originated as a healing concoction, brewed with herbs and spices beneficial to the body. In fact, the early ‘chai’ did not contain any tea leaves, and recipes differed according to the seasons and available ingredients.

When the British came to India, they established tea plantations as an alternative to the expensive Chinese tea they were habituated to consuming. In order to tap into the local market, tea was initially dispensed free of cost to the Indian population, and soon, masala chai was born, a hybrid of Indian and British tradition.

Variations

While masala chai is the perhaps the most loved and widely consumed form of Indian tea, there’s no end to the variations available. In fact, different parts of the country are known for their unique brews, with some of the most popular options being Mumbai’s cutting chai, the rich Irani chai of Hyderabad, and the delicate pink Kashmiri chai.

Masala chai itself can contain different spices depending on the region and the season, with popular ingredients being cardamom, cloves, ginger, and fennel.

Then, of course, there is the method of preparation, which truly determines the quality of the brew. Roadside stalls are an excellent place to watch the art of thickening the chai to just the right consistency and boiling it long enough for the flavors to really steep.

Chai Culture

No matter where you are in India, you’re probably not very far from a chai stall, little roadside shacks that go by different names in different parts of the country. Tea sold at these humble outlets is often the cheapest and most delicious, the ideal refreshment in every kind of weather.

Even in homes, chai is the ultimate conversation starter, served to anyone who visits. Most people have at least two cups a day, once with breakfast and again in the late afternoon, much like the British.

Despite its link to a painful history of British imperialism, chai is the ubiquitous Indian drink, its consumption transcending all lines of class and status. It takes practice and patience to brew or even find the perfect cup, but when you do, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Source: http://theculturetrip.com/

Rishikesh

Rishikesh Is A Well Known Tourist Destination Of India Specially Visited By Adventure Lovers And Devotees. Scenic Beauty Of Rishikesh Is A Treat To Visit Which Attracts Devotees From All The Corners Of India. The Place Is Visited By Not Only Indians But Also By Several Foreign Tourists. Its Location On Ganga River Banks Supports The Authenticity And Sacredness Of This Place.

Yoga And Meditation Are Quite Popular In This Small Peaceful Town. Adventure Lovers Will Found This Place Most Exciting As There Will Be Fun, Adventure And Suitable Environment To Enjoy In.

You Are An Adventure Lover And You Will Not Return Empty Handed From Uttarakhand. More And More Joy And Excitement Is Waiting In Uttarakhand At Rishikesh Where You Can Enjoy Fun Activities Such As Rafting, Rock Climbing, Rappling And Kayaking Etc. So Be Unstoppable And Get All The Fun At Rishikesh In Uttarakhand.

As The Place Is Situated On Bank Of River Ganga, It Is The Most Suitable Location For Escapade Activities Such As Trekking, Rafting, Kayaking And Rock Climbing Etc. Situated At An Elevation Of 356 Meters Above Sea Level, Rishikesh Is Merely 25 Kilometers Away From Haridwar And Includes Three Variable Areas Namely Swargashram, Rishikesh & Muni-Ki-Reti.

Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh 

Rishikesh Is Primarily Known For Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Spa Therapies And Spirituality And Therefore It Is Considered As The Birthplace Of Yoga. In Ancient Time Several Saints Use To Visit This Place For Spirituality And Peace. This Place Is The Perfect Place For Practicing And Studying Yoga And Ayurveda And Therefore Referred As Itself As The "The World Capital Of Yoga". One Can Feel The Pleasure Of Attaining Peace And Wisdom By Doing Yoga And Having A Dip In Sacred Ganga River.

Climate in Rishikesh – when you can visit

Situated At The Himalayas Foothills, Rishikesh Has A Pleasant Weather And Continental Climate Which Makes This Place Suitable To Visit In Any Month Of The Year.

Rishikesh in Summers

Temperature In Rishikesh At The Time Of Summer Between March And June Is Approximately 35 Degree Celsius.

Rishikesh in winters

Temperature Observed In Winter Lies Between 19 To 33 Degree Celsius And You Can Enjoy Pleasant Weather Here From November To February.

Rishikesh in Monsoons

Average Rainfall Is Observed In Monsoon Season Between July And September. You Can Enjoy Visiting Rishikesh In Any Month Of The Year But You Can Avoid Visiting The Place In The Month Of May When Higher Temperature Can Be Observed. Rafting Lovers Can Visit The Place Between Mid Sep To April.