A refreshing sea of green on the developing hill-slopes. Harmony universally cracked only by the chirping of birds and gurgling of streams. The vibrantly clad tea workers gently plucking the famous two leaves and a bud, droning many merry tunes. And finally, royal comfort in fabulous Bungalows with a hot cuppa – finest blend of aromatic… its Tea all about!!
Tea tourism in Dooars is a rapidly growing holiday concept in the Eastern Himalayas, mainly in the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars foothills. A retreat in tea gardens set amidst serene landscape is perhaps the most exotic and innovative way to enjoy nature.
The Dooars also known as “The Forest Trail”, has a fantastic and awe-inspiring landscape with rich flora and fauna and dense forests thronging with wildlife, trailing tea gardens and flowing rivers, melded with patches of quiet or busy settlements, making it an attractive tourist destination.
Numerous tea tourism destinations have come up in the Dooars with splendid accommodations in the tea estates.
All the Darjeeling estates are heritage gardens, more than 100 years old. They export to most of the major tea consuming countries in Europe as well as the UK, Japan, USA and the Middle East. Currently, they are the world’s largest producers of organic Assam and Darjeeling teas. Bed tea, cooked English or Indian breakfast, Lunch (packed lunch if on an excursion), Traditional Afternoon cream tea, 4-course dinner, House wines, Beer, juices and soft drinks, Tea & coffee, Laundry, Tea garden & factory tour, Bungalow amenities are available with booking.
Nature beyond has developed a few exclusive Tea Circuits in the Darjeeling-Dooars belt, and to this end, selected some of the best-located gardens in the area. The accommodation is in the original Managers’ Bungalows, which are, usually, well-preserved old colonial structures. Inside the traditional furniture keeps Glenburn Tea garden cottage the heritage illusion alive. Extensive rooms with attached bath and fireplace are ideally designed to give you the desired warmth and comfort with delicious local and oriental cuisines.
Each nature beyond tea tour has various flavours depending on the places and on your requirement. Given below some ideas:
- Lodging in Tea Bungalow with garden fresh bio-organic food
- Tea Garden Walk
- Tea Processing observation
- Tea Testing
- Picnic day out with Birding or fishing
- Interaction with the Garden workers
- Ethnic cultural program with a bonfire
- Nature tours, forest safaris and excursions
- Hill toy train ride (Darjeeling Himalayan Railways)
- Miscellaneous entertainment with golf, tennis and indoor game
Following are some of the best tea tourism options in the Darjeeling hills and adjacent Dooars area.
Cochrane Palace – Situated on a hilltop in the Himalayas at an altitude nearly that of Darjeeling. It is 50 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway station (NJP) and over an hour and a half drive. Darjeeling is also an hour drive from Kurseong. With spectacular views, this luxurious resort was converted from a colonial residence with huge rooms, unique designs and modern comforts. Surrounded by tea estates with a library and a playroom this is an Ideal location for leisure holidays. Tours to places like Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery and with ride option in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is nice. Early morning visit to Tiger Hills is also a great drive at around 0300 hours and the first ray of sun touching the Mount Kanchenjungha is refreshing. One can actually visit
Phaskowa Tea Estate – Phaskowa Tea Estate is situated near forests and one may witness a herd of elephants strolling. Lucky ones can come across a glimpse of the Leopard. One can have a safari arranged to Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jainti caves or visit Jaldapara wildlife or Gorumara reserve for viewing One-Horned Asian Rhino. One can visit the princely state of Cooch Behar for visit to the Royal Palace or visit the neighbouring country of Bhutan and the entry is through the quaint town of Phuentsholling with its beautiful monasteries. This is also a paradise for birdwatcher with the chirping and whistling of unknown birds can be heard at Rashikbill Bird Sanctuary. Rivers & streams, gushing and gurgling and diversified flora and the fauna are all reasons to visit these nice destinations. Virgin forests are also the settlements of small tribes like Toto, Mech, Rava, Oraon, Munda, etc.
Ambootia Tea Estate – This tea estate is one of the most beautiful tea estates with a century-old plantation. One can stay at Cochrane Palace with acres of tea bushes that appear like a lush green carpet along the slopes covered with the misty valley. We wish guest with a pleasant and memorable tour and will enhance your concept regarding tea. One will fall in love with tea. It is home to many of the Indian birds and a delight for people who like to get up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds. Tour Ambootia tea factory bio-organic tea estate. One can go shopping at the Tibetan carpet weaving workshop or trip to Darjeeling by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – a UNESCO World heritage project even go river rafting on the Teesta. The Tea estate is spread in lower Kurseong and is one of the best gardens in the area.
Glenburn Tea Estate – Glenburn tea estate offer tourists an exclusive boutique hotel. Guests can stay at Burra Bungalow, or the Glenburn Lodge on the banks of the River Rangit. It is high-end and overseas visitors are the biggest draws. Situated in the Glenburn Valley this tea estate is about 50 minutes drive from Darjeeling with amenities like four suites, each with a private sit out and 2 bedrooms in the simple Glenburn Lodge down by the River Rungeet. Mesmerizing view of the hills and the river will certainly please the visitors. One can go rafting from here or visit Kalimpong or even drive to Gangtok. Ideally located and is having approach road from all the major tourist destinations of the region.
Makaibari Tea Garden – This tea estate is of a different class. Visitors here have the choice to stay at the heritage Stone Lodge or they can stay in any of the 20-25 houses of tea-garden workers close to nature and the community. In Makaibari, all activities are managed by locals. Rivers & streams, gushing and gurgling and diversified flora and the fauna are all reasons to visit these nice destinations. The revenues from tourists go to the villagers. Options range from visiting the tea-factory, horse-riding and bird-watching. It is home to many of the Indian birds and a delight for people who like to get up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds. In addition, they can also get a feel of a restored Darjeeling Himalayan Railway engine. All these tea – estates are on motorable roads linking all the major tourist destinations of the region. Tea tourism or homestay both the options are available here.
Singtom Resort – A beautiful Tea Tourism site. Singtom Resort is one of the finest Tea Bungalow for Tea Tourism. It is steeped in the history of Darjeeling. The resort is ideally situated inside Singtom and Steinthal Tea Estates. Singtom is Darjeeling’s third oldest tea estate, while Steinthal, planted in 1852, is Darjeeling’s oldest tea estate. Located at an altitude of nearly 4500 feet makes the location cold throughout the year. The Tea Resort opened its doors for the guest in the year 2012. A heritage property raised in 1862 as the bungalow of the director of Singtom and Steinthal Tea Estates, the resort had to undergo renovation to reach state-of-the-art standards. Spread over several acres of land, Singtom Resort is a lovely property with nice hospitality and tries its level best to pamper its guests with its culinary offer. Age-old fireplaces, the Buddha-centric decor, the wooden flooring, the smell of the world’s best teas, the breathtaking views of surrounding tea estates makes this place a paradise for tourist. Himalayan peaks/range can be viewed from Singtom Resort. It is perfect for a relaxed family holiday or a spiritual experience. Four rooms are named as Victoria’s Peak, Steinthal Suite, Singtom Suite and Himalayan Suite. Spacious room with a cosy atmosphere, attached bath with modern sanitary amenities and the 150-year old wooden flooring adds to the colonial ambience of the rooms. The atmosphere is mesmerising. A drink, food served near the old fireplaces make it warm enough to just chill out. Be at home in Singtam Resort and enjoy Darjeeling stay.
Sourenee Tea Estate – Set in the quaint Mirik Valley of Darjeeling, Sourenee Tea Estate is a sight to behold. Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas at an elevation of 5000 feet offering a picturesque setting. The place itself is a company of solitude amongst nature’s pristine surrounds. It is nearly 50 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and is 01 hour’s drive. The journey to the garden is a comfortable one amidst breathtaking scenic beauty. After all the Sourenee Experience is all about … a tryst with luxury amongst nature’s splendour – One of the finest location for Tea Tourism and is perhaps the most luxurious retreat of the region – Safety, Security and service are the topmost priority and the motto is customer’s delight. Activities include factory visit with a tea tasting session and informative interaction with the Leaf pluckers. A trip to Mirik Lake and Town and Jorepokhori. Sightseeing of Buddhist Monastery, Swiss Cottages, Observation point, Pashupati Market in Nepal border, Mirik lake, etc. One can also enjoy a day trip to Darjeeling. Sightseeing of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museum, Zoological Park, Unesco World Heritage Toy Train ride. The expert guide at extra cost. A 02 night 03 days or 03 nights 04 days even 04 Nights 05 days tour stay is recommended. It is newly operational hence the setup will really mesmerize any traveller/ tourist.
Tukvar (Puttabong) Tea Estate – This tea estate is beautiful and the stay is nice and warm. Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate was first planted in 1852. This estate has plantation mainly of Clonal and Chinese bushes. This huge garden stretches over an area of about 22 kilometres ranging from 1500 feet to 6500 feet in altitude. Rivers & streams, gushing and gurgling and diversified flora and the fauna are all reasons to visit these nice destinations. The products are named Puttabong Supreme, Puttabong Clonal Queen. We provide accommodation ensuring proximity to tea gardens while at the same time giving you much required privacy and quiet time that you may need whilst on holiday. Ideally located and is having approach road from all the major tourist destinations of the region. The property is a haven for Indian bird and a delight for people who like to get up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds.
Zurrantee in Dooars – Latest addition to the many tea tourism destinations in northeast India. This is a heritage resort and is a nearly two-hour drive from Siliguri. The luxury resort is on one of the finest and newly promoted house. Though the house is over 100-year-old British Bungalow and has been renovated to host the guest. Discover miles of tea gardens rolling down with the majestic mountains in the backdrop. It has recently opened itself up as a heritage tea tourism destination. They provide accommodation ensuring privacy and quiet time that you may need whilst on holiday. Ideally located and is having approach road from all the major tourist destinations of the region. This property is a haven for Indian bird and a delight for people who like to get up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds. In short, it can be termed as nature’s paradise. Places like Suntaleykhola and Bindu are nearby. Drive to Gorumara reserve is also an option offered to tourist. The food is good and the people warm.
Chiabari (Tumsong) – It is located up in the Eastern Himalayas, a place called Tumsong, nestled next to the Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world, it is about more than a brand of tea or a holiday in a hill town, it’s an experience best savoured when the tea and holiday come together in a Tea Retreat. This unique region, located at the northern tip of the state of West Bengal in India, is famous throughout the world for the teas produced in the 80 odd gardens surrounding the area. Nearly 5000 feet and the landscape is magical. Fresh air, the crisp breeze, the soft, misting rain all come together in a wonderland where the tea grows with a finer flavour than anywhere else in the world. It is 100% bio-organic in their cultivation methods. Tumsong is open to the public, started out as a tea garden back in 1867. The estate is situated around a temple called Tamsa Devi, a local deity. The temple stands on a steep slope that rises sharply from 2700 feet to 5500 feet and offers fantastic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and the Golden Valley of Darjeeling. The tea plants here grow very slowly and flavour the entire estate with their aroma. The locals believe that the goddess Tamsa presides over this serene landscape and in fact, the locals refer it as Garden of Happy Hearts. Other tea houses are on the cards are Pussimbing – entirely bio-organic and a herbalist’s delight, Lingia – a heritage garden and one of the oldest in the region, Chamong – of our trademark tea fame & Marybong – the highest tea garden in the area are close to Ghoom
We arrange the experience of tea tourism in it’s totally for our valued guests.