One cannot talk about Darjeeling without referring to its iconic tea estates. Some of the best and top-selling teas in the world are produced on these verdant plantations. The tea estates provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the process of tea making. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Nature lovers or tea addicts will be delighted by the stunning views of Darjeeling’s tea estates. Are you ready to explore this tea haven? Then continue reading to know about the best tea estate in Darjeeling and the specialties.
The Charm of Darjeeling Tea Gardens
Darjeeling, also known as the “Champagne of Teas,” is well-known for its beautiful tea gardens, which produce its widely acknowledged tea. The chai/tea’s unique flavor, identified by its musky-sweet taste and flowery aroma, comes as a result of the region’s chilly environment, high elevation, and rich soil.
Best Tea Gardens in Darjeeling
Here are some of the best and most famous tea gardens in Darjeeling that are sure to fascinate you with their scenic beauty and exceptional tea:
1. Happy Valley Tea Garden Darjeeling
Happy Valley Tea Garden is one of the oldest and best tea gardens in Darjeeling. It is situated just a few kilometers from the town center. It was founded in 1854. This tea garden provides tourists with guided tours and educates them about the tea-making process. Starting from picking leaves to processing and packaging. The opportunity to sample freshly brewed tea and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills make this a well-liked place.
2. Glenburn Tea Estate
Glenburn Tea Estate is a large plantation with a long legacy that dates back to the mid-19th century. It is roughly an hour’s drive from Darjeeling. This famous tea garden lets visitors experience living on a tea plantation by providing lavish accommodations and engaging tea tours. Because of the verdant surroundings, which include views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, the estate ranks as one of the best tea estates in Darjeeling.
3. Makaibari Tea Estate
Farming methods at Makaibari Tea Estate are well-known for being organic and sustainable. This was founded in 1859 and it is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling. The estate offers tea-tasting sessions, factory visits, and walks through the tea gardens as part of its tour packages. Makaibari Tea Estate has become well-known all over the world for producing high-quality tea and paying attention to sustainable practices.
4. Singell Tea Estate
A hidden gem in Darjeeling, Singell Tea Estate has become famous for its panoramic views and aromatic tea. Visitors are mesmerized by the estate’s serene atmosphere and the sight of tea bushes splaying across the slopes.
5. Margaret’s Hope Tea Garden
In the Kurseong Valley, Margaret’s Hope Tea Garden is another famous tea garden in Darjeeling. Some of the best Darjeeling teas are produced there. It was founded in 1864. The garden is named after the previous owner’s daughter, who fell in love with the estate but tragically died before returning. The estate is a favorite among visitors because of its beautiful surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.
6. Risheehat Tea Estate
The Risheehat Tea Estate is famed for both its organic tea production and its magnificent Himalayan vistas. The estate hosts tea-tasting sessions and guided tours where guests can discover organic cultivation methods.
7. Puttabong Tea Estate
Among the biggest and most established tea gardens in Darjeeling is Puttabong Tea Estate, which was once known as Tukvar Tea Estate. The plantation is well known for both its fine tea and its amazing views of the valleys and mountains it surrounds.
How to Reach Darjeeling?
Kolkata is the nearest major airport to Darjeeling. From Kolkata, take a connecting flight to Bagdogra Airport, the nearest airport to Darjeeling. It takes almost 3 hours to get to Darjeeling from Bagdogra over scenic mountain routes. So, book your flights to Kolkata and start your adventure to beautiful tea estates in Darjeeling.
Exploring the Tea Gardens
It’s an amazing experience to visit the tea gardens in Darjeeling. The majority of tea plantations have guided tours where you may witness every step of the production process, from picking delicate leaves to packing and processing them. As you wander through the lush tea gardens, you can watch workers carefully plucking tea leaves and even give it a try. There are also tea-tasting sessions offered by many estates were you may sample unique flavors.
Things to Do in Darjeeling
Besides exploring the tea gardens, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Darjeeling:
- Toy Train Ride: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a nostalgic ride through the hills.
- Tiger Hill: Visit Tiger Hill early in the morning to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range.
- Batasia Loop: A scenic railway loop with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Darjeeling Zoo: Home to rare Himalayan species like the red panda and snow leopard.
The tea gardens in Darjeeling provide a unique fusion of stunning scenery, a deep historical background, and a cultural legacy. The experience is going to make an impression, whether you are sipping a cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea, exploring the verdant tea estates, or simply enjoying the aroma of the tea. For an affordable and convenient flight booking experience, check out Indian Eagle cheap flights. So, plan your trip to Darjeeling and experience the fascinating world of tea gardens by going out on an exciting journey.
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