Darjeeling- the town that is covered in green tea gardens
Darjeeling is one the oldest hill-stations in India with a combination of modern as well as ancient charm. The dazzling snow peaks of the Himalayas overpass the hill-town of Darjeeling. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the magnificent hillsides with lush green tea gardens definitely confound Darjeeling as the “Queen of Hills”. If you are planning for a vacation at Darjeeling then the best tour and travel agency in Siliguri will offer you the opportunities for a beautiful trip.
Darjeeling in December
Many of the readers must be wondering that why to visit Darjeeling in the freezing cold season. Not to worry as the answer is here. December is the onset of the winter season in Darjeeling. Even though the early mornings and late evenings are freezing cold but during the daytime, it is rather more pleasant and cozy. The sky stays clear and you can get a clear view of the hills. You can also have a little experience of snowfall in Darjeeling and it stays less crowded as compared to other seasons.
Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
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Besides its busy market lanes, hilltops and quaint eateries, there is also a wide range of charming tea estates or gardens in Darjeeling. Tea was first introduced in the mid-19th century in Darjeeling by the British which is still reminiscent of the culture. A trip to these tea gardens give you the views of vast tea plantations, endless walks various types of tea and its course, sipping your favorite brew. All these will be included in your Darjeeling tour package offered by a trusted travel agency in Siliguri for a sprawling tea garden visit.
5 famous tea estates to visit in Darjeeling
There are many tea gardens or tea estates to visit in Darjeeling. Among them, there are five famous tea estates which should surely be included in the list of things to do in Darjeeling trip.
1-Glenburg Tea Estate:
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Glenburg, a tea estate was established by Scottish Tea Planters in 1860. It spreads over 1600 acres of verdant forests, rolling hills, tea picker villages and a pair of river valleys. Address: Near Singritan, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Opening hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday Activities at Glenburg Tea Estate:
- Tea garden and Factory visits
- Hiking
- Fishing on river Ranjeet
- River Rafting
- Herbal massage and beauty treatments
2-Makaibari Tea Estate:
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Makaibari tea estate produces Darjeeling’s costliest tea. It was established in 1859 making it one of the oldest family-owned tea gardens in Darjeeling. This tea estate offers a peek into the daily life of plantation workers. With 70 percent of the area is still under forest cover, the eco-diversity in Makaibari is astonishing. Address: Pankhabari Rd, Kurseong, West Bengal 734203 Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and Sunday is closed Activities at Maikaibari Tea Estate:
- Tour of the tea gardens
- Nature’s walk through the lovely mountains
- Walking tour of the villages
- Bird watching and wildlife
3-Happy Valley Tea Estate:
Happy Valley Tea Estate is worth visiting especially during March through May. In these months the plucking and processing are in progress. An employee of the tea estate will guide you through the factory to give you the views of the tea making process. Walking through the tea gardens will give you a great experience. Address: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM Activities at Happy Valley Tea Estate:
- A guiding tour of the tea factory
4-Chamong Tea Estate:
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The Chamong Tea Estate stretches over an area of 900 acres of lush green tea land. This estate has a tea plantation, a tea factory and a village for the tea pickers. The incredible splendour of the hills, the verdant tea bushes, and the quiet village life makes this tea estate popular amongst the visitors. Address: Pokhribong Khasmahal, West Bengal 734216 Opening time: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday Activities at Chamong Tea Estate:
- Take a guided tour of the tea factory
- Go on long trails to view the hills and natural surroundings
5-Goomtee Tea Estate:
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Lesser known than the other tea gardens, Gomtee has 50 percent land area covered with tea plantations. Producing mainly black tea, the garden originally belonged to the British tea planter, Henry Lennox. The visitors can visit the tea garden during their Darjeeling holidays and taste freshly-brewed tea from the factory. Address: P.O. Mahanadi. Dt. Darjeeling West Bengal, 734223 Opening hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday Activities at Gomtee Tea Estate:
- Visit the tea gardens
- Go through a tea tasting session
- A guided hike to the nearby villages and surroundings
When you are in Darjeeling do visit these tea estates along with the other gardens for brewing the best cup of tea in the world.
The perfect town for brewing tea
Visit the famous hill-station, walk along the beaten path and enjoy Darjeeling for what it really is. The tea gardens, estates, the vintage tea manors, and aromatic tea factories offer just the right spots for spending time in leisure.