Let’s start with the picture postcard perfect town of Darjeeling in West Bengal.
Its nearest Airport is 90km away at Bagdogra. A road trip almost the canvas of the Himalayas clad with snow peaks and subtropical vegetation on a rather mystical backdrop on sharp roads that take you through the mountainside with rows of teas and crystal clear streams.
Darjeeling means THE ABODE OF THUNDERBOLT as per Hindu Mythology
Here are the top 5 Tea Estates one can visit and or stay in Darjeeling:-
1. Makaibari Tea Estate
Located 33km from Darjeeling.
A fourth-generation Tea planter Rajah Bannerjee is a unique person with a vision that surpassed time.
Visit the Makaibari Tea Estate in KURSEONG for a true adventure to the beginning of tea plantations in India. This tea plantation is located in the Darjeeling district and was one of the first estates to pop up during British colonialism. It's a great budget choice for travelers looking to learn about tea without spending big bucks.
The estate is situated among lush hills and experiences weather similar to the sub-tropical rainforest. Three rivers flow through Makaibari and will eventually provide the plant's entire power supply once a hydroelectric project is completed. The tea factory is built entirely out of wood, bamboo, and cast iron, lending a truly magical feel to a visit here.
The estate has a well-appointed bungalow STONE LODGE for accommodation along with this….
The tea garden workers here provide Homestays to their visitors which is quite interesting in the sense it gets as authentic as it can.
This tea estate produces high-quality black teas, green teas, white teas, and oolong teas. They currently produce six types of organically certified leaf-grade teas that are exclusive to the plantation.
A visit to the tea estate isn't complete without trying the Silver Tips Imperial, Springtime Bloom, or Bai-Mu-Dan aspired by many tea connoisseurs.
A night's stay here can cost you around 1,500/- with breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner.
Quite budget-friendly!
2. Glenburn Tea Estate
The Glenburn Tea Estate is heaven for explorers and a delightful upscale option for exploring tea culture. Known for producing orthodox Darjeeling tea, this plantation offers delightful flavors set amongst a stunning backdrop of snow-peaked Kanchenjunga.
Nestled among towering peaks and the lush green Darjeeling hills, this estate is the perfect place for relaxation and enjoying tea. Stay in the boutique hotel includes heritage bungalows (BURRA OR WATER LILY) or suites and spend your days hiking, fishing, cooking classes, and strolling through nearby orchards or taking a day trip to nearby Darjeeling town.
At the estate, you can choose a part-day or full-day tour of the onsite facilities. Guests can choose to walk or drive through the estate while learning about the history of Glenburn and the basics of the production of tea. The tour takes you through the factory where you'll learn how the leaves are processed, dried, and sorted. Wrap up your tea adventure with a tasting session of black, green, white, and oolong teas.
A whooping 32,000/-* per night.
Indulge yourself in the abode of nature and luxury fit sure.
3. Happy Valley Tea estate by Ambootia tea group.
Ideal for visit from March to May.
3km away from Darjeeling and 150 years old. This estate delights its visitors by offering tea picking which can be a unique experience. A tour of the Tea factory is given. Further up the tour. Cute scenic tea shops can be seen propped around and one can enjoy a cup of Tea with a view!
4. Goomtee and Jungapana Tea estate
Also in Kurseong is a tea estate bejeweled with colorful flora.
Goomtee tea estate has a hospitality Retreat and salary from selling some Nutty Muscatel tea. They excel in hospitality too. With a delightful Plantation bungalow. The valley is surrounded by 6 waterfalls and a warbling river bed.
Do check availability before wanting to stay here.
5. Tumong and Chamong Chaibari mountain retreat
Situated in the Ghoom district of Darjeeling.
This is a bungalow resurrected from ruins. So beautiful and serene,
Situated in the Himalayan ranges. Has a mountain retreat and spa and is a luxury resort overlooking the twinkling lights of the city
6. Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa in Darjeeling
A name as grand as its essence.
This bespoke resort in Darjeeling is a haven of breathtaking views, nestled within the historic Makaibari Tea Estate. Founded in 1859 in Kurseong, Darjeeling, it holds the distinction of being the world's very first permaculture tea estate. Here, sophistication meets the sublime. Perched in the embrace of the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling stands at a formidable 2,042.2 meters, offering a truly elevated experience. The architecture at the resort seamlessly weaves together bamboo, timber, stones, and terracotta, capturing the spirit of Makaibari in a modern, sophisticated design.
A luxurious abode with spas and glass bars.
A farm-to-plate concept.
Priced also at the top end at around 30000/- plus a night.
7. Elgin Hotel and ITC Welcomheritage
A colonial style slightly pricey stays in the Chowrasta area. If u want to experience that sort of vibe. Give it a night stay.
However, the rooms don’t have much of a view but do have a Heritage feel to them.
The hotels range from 1000/- in the Mall Road region to 30000/- and above in luxurious estates.
8. Mayfair tea estate
Worth a mention.
Situated in Siliguri is a beautifully made old-style tea resort and retreat surrounded by tea and jungles.
A good spa and delicious fresh food options. Can halt a night before heading back to the Bagdogra airport.
Things to do in Darjeeling!
1. Get on the TOY TRAIN (the steam is better than the diesel)
This Toy train was made in 1881 for the connivance of the British and their family now a World heritage site by UNESCO.
Book ur ticket at the IRCT WEBSITE and go to New Jalpaiguri station this beautiful mountain ride or joyride takes you to the HIGHEST STATION in the world at GHUM and starts going down to BATASIA LOOP a beautiful Garden, war memorial, and the view of the Himalayas with a cup of tea.
2. Tiger viewpoint ( in the mornings is a must-visit if ur a nature lover to catch the sunset with some Tea and a scintillating view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga
3. Japanese Peace Pagoda (very beautiful peaceful resembling monasteries in Southeast Asian countries)
4. Visit the Yiga Choling
5. Ghoom monastery
6. St. Andrew’s church made in 1843 for Scottish soldiers and planters
In the evenings go
7. Mall Road or the famous Chowrasta:-
- Visit Glenary’s Victorian bakery near CLOCK TOWER
- Enjoy Keventers softy
- Enjoy Egg rolls
- Momos
- Chow Mein
And lots of delicious street food unique to the mixed Tibet, Nepalese, and Bengal cultures all blended.
Vegetarian food options are pretty less.
So Visit Darjeeling and give India Tea gardens and tourism a chance to wow you!