Agriculture & Spice Plantations

Tea Tourism & Plantation

West Bengal, particularly Darjeeling and the Dooars region, is world-renowned for its tea estates and plantation stays. The rolling tea gardens, colonial-era bungalows, and refreshing mountain air offer a perfect retreat for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts. Visitors can experience tea tasting, guided factory tours, heritage stays, and scenic walks through lush plantations.

1. Darjeeling – The Tea Capital of India

 Best For: Tea tasting, plantation walks, colonial stays

 Why Visit?

• Home to the world-famous Darjeeling Tea, known for its floral aroma & muscatel flavor.
• Stay in century-old tea bungalows with a British colonial charm.
• Enjoy tea tasting sessions with experts & visit tea processing factories.

Top Tea Estates in Darjeeling:

✅ Happy Valley Tea Estate – Oldest tea garden (established in 1854) with guided tours.
✅ Makaibari Tea Estate – Famous for organic tea & luxury homestays.
✅ Glenburn Tea Estate – A heritage tea estate offering premium plantation stays.
✅ Tumsong Tea Retreat – Offers a luxurious stay with breathtaking mountain views.

 Best Experience:

• Guided tea plantation tours & tea-tasting sessions.
• Stay in a British-style tea bungalow with panoramic Himalayan views.
• Witness the traditional tea-plucking process & meet local tea workers.

2. Kurseong – The Land of White Orchids & Tea Gardens

 Best For: Tranquil tea estate stays, mountain views

 Why Visit?

• Less crowded than Darjeeling, offering a peaceful escape.
• Known for premium second-flush tea & stunning valley views.
• Enjoy heritage stays in tea bungalows surrounded by lush tea gardens.

Top Tea Estates in Kurseong:

✅ Castleton Tea Estate – Famous for its delicate floral tea varieties.
✅ Ambootia Tea Estate – Specializes in biodynamic & organic tea farming.
✅ Giddapahar Tea Estate – Offers small-batch handcrafted teas.
✅ Makaibari Tea Estate (near Kurseong) – A world-renowned organic tea farm.

 Best Experience:

• Stay at Cochrane Place, a heritage tea bungalow with vintage charm.
• Try rare White Tea & Silver Needle Tea varieties.
• Explore misty tea trails & enjoy fresh mountain air.

3. Mirik – A Hidden Gem for Tea Lovers

 Best For: Offbeat tea estate visits, serene lake views

 Why Visit?

• A less-explored hill town surrounded by lush tea gardens.
• Offers peaceful walks through tea estates with views of Sumendu Lake.
• Ideal for tea enthusiasts looking for a quiet getaway.

Top Tea Estates in Mirik:

✅ Thurbo Tea Estate – One of the largest tea plantations in Darjeeling.
✅ Okayti Tea Estate – Known for producing high-quality orthodox Darjeeling tea.

 Best Experience:

• Boating in Sumendu Lake followed by a tea tasting tour.
• Stay at a local tea estate homestay & interact with tea workers.

4. Dooars – The Gateway to Bengal’s Tea & Wildlife

 Best For: Tea & wildlife tours, adventure stays

 Why Visit?

• Known for vast tea gardens & proximity to national parks.
• Mild-flavored Dooars Tea is different from Darjeeling Tea.
• Stay in sprawling tea estates near Gorumara & Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Top Tea Estates in Dooars:

✅ Gorumara Tea Estate – Located near Gorumara National Park.
✅ Chalsa Tea Garden – Famous for lush greenery & scenic beauty.
✅ Diana Tea Estate – Offers homestays & factory tours.
✅ Hantapara & Rungamuttee Tea Estates – Near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

 Best Experience:

• Combine tea tourism with jungle safaris in Dooars.
• Stay in heritage tea bungalows surrounded by forests.
• Enjoy sunrise over endless tea fields with mist-covered hills.

5. Glenburn Tea Estate – The Ultimate Luxury Tea Retreat

 Location: Near Darjeeling
 Why Visit?

• One of India’s most luxurious plantation stays.
• Set on 1,600 acres of private tea gardens & forests.
• Overlooks Kanchenjunga & the Teesta Valley.

 Best Experience:
✅ Stay in a colonial tea planter’s bungalow.
✅ Indulge in gourmet dining with tea-infused dishes.
✅ Enjoy riverside picnics & mountain treks.

Best Time to Visit Tea Estates in West Bengal

✔ March to May (Spring) – Best for lush green tea gardens & mild weather.
✔ October to December (Autumn/Winter) – Best for clear mountain views & fresh harvest.
✔ June to September (Monsoon) – Best for watching tea plucking but with heavy rain.

West Bengal’s tea tourism offers a perfect blend of relaxation, heritage, and scenic beauty. Whether you want to explore world-famous Darjeeling tea estates, enjoy an offbeat plantation retreat in Dooars, or experience a luxury tea stay, there’s something for every tea lover!

 Best for Authentic Tea Experience: Darjeeling, Kurseong
 Best for Plantation Stays: Glenburn, Makaibari, Tumsong
 Best for Wildlife & Tea: Dooars (Gorumara, Chalsa)
 Best for Luxury & Heritage: Glenburn Tea Estate