“I arrived in the early evening by mountain train and instantly felt a sense of respite after the humidity of the lowlands. I had an excuse to unpack my recently acuuired pashmina. Watching the Himalaya turn orange as the sun set was amazing.

The plantation is beautiful: cooler air, a space to breathe and unwind after a pretty hectic week exploring. I wandered through neat manicured tea gardens and was shown how to pluck tea. Orange trees are dotted around and it’s here that afternoon tea is served. It’s delicious. Everything feels right. First flush darjeeling in white bone china, cucumber sandwiches and fresh scones served on a picnic rug under the branches, surrounded by clipped tea bushes. Nothing could have been more perfect. I lay back, enjoying the citrus scents, happy. I’m already planning my next adventure.”