Savour a Tea Tasting Tour in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a quaint town nestled in the cradle of the Himalayas. It is a must-visit place if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life. The aromatic teas and the clean air of Darjeeling will help you relax and unwind. The snow-capped mountain peaks, the aroma of fresh tea leaves, the lush-green valleys, and the fun toy train rides in this town are the reason why there couldn’t be a better destination for a hill station vacation than Darjeeling. The top attractions in Darjeeling include visiting monasteries, shopping in the local markets, and participating in adventure activities.

Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of other things to do when you visit Darjeeling. The list of adventurous things to do here is quite long. However, if there are a few things you can’t miss out on that list, those have to be river rafting and trekking.

But the most important thing! Do you know what Darjeeling is most famous for? It’s the world-famous Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling has been synonymous with tea gardens for over a decade, as there are numerous tea estates in the hill station. Travelling to the town’s outskirts, you will find tea gardens everywhere. Read on to know how you can have a fulfilling experience while on a tea-tasting tour in Darjeeling.

Planning a Darjeeling Trip

If you plan to go to Darjeeling by air, you will arrive at Bagdogra airport. Then you can take a cab for a scenic drive across hills and gardens to reach Darjeeling, following which you will transfer to the hotel. There are plenty of comfortable family hotels in Darjeeling, such as OYO 49990 Hill Grand Himalaya, OYO 35738 Aps Homestay, Flagship 28229 Samfelma Lodge, and POP 87678 Hotel Gayatri Residency. It is a good idea to spend your first evening relaxing in the cool weather. You can take a brief walk around the hotel and then have dinner. You can begin your tea-tasting journey in Darjeeling early the next day.

Tumsong Tea Estate

Tumsong Tea Estate is a famous tea garden around 28 km from the city. Established in 1867, the estate was planted keeping in mind the sentiments of the state’s indigenous people. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful scenery once you reach there. Surrounded by the Kanchenjunga mountain range- the third-highest mountain peak in the world, the tea estate is a treat for the eyes. It is also known as “The Garden of Happy Hearts’ as it houses many deities to which the locals have been given easy access.

The Tumsong Tea Estate is flanked by the Mim Tea Garden in the west, Lingua Tea Garden in the north, and Marybong Tea Estate in the east. Apart from touring around the tea garden, you can also visit the nearby tea factory and then have lunch at Tumsong Main Bungalow. And after more sightseeing, you can finally have a tea-tasting session at Nathmulls Sunset Lounge. Tumsong, Tea Estate tea, is known to be one of the most sought-after teas in the world as the tea leaves undergo certain changes that make it the best.

Puttabong Tea Estate

Also known as Tukvar Tea Estate, this tea estate is known to be one of the oldest ones in Darjeeling. Located at about 1500-1600 ft altitude, the picturesque tea garden overlooks the mighty and snow-laden Kanchenjunga Peak. Thousands of tourists flock to the tea garden every year to enjoy the thrilling experience of tea tourism. Among its many fascinating features are the fantastic sunrise and sunset views, the lush and green expanse of nature’s carpet of green, the abundant wildlife with diverse flora and fauna, and the marvellous rivers and streams.

Moreover, the estate employs sustainable techniques and products such as cattle farming, vermicompost, and liquid fertilisers. As a result, the tea produced in the estate is of very high quality and tastes divine. There are tea-tasting provisions in and around the tea garden that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

Glenburn Tea Estate

Established by the Scotts in 1859, Glenburn Tea Estate is picturesque, with the River Run Geet flowing beneath it. You can taste aromatic tea here and enjoy a comprehensive tour with calming nature walks and delicious snacks. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness the entire tea processing process in the factory.

Makaibari Tea Estate

This tea estate was developed in 1859 by Captain Samler, who later sold it to Girish Chandra Banerjee. Since then, it has been owned and run by the Banerjee family. It is known to be the first-ever tea factory in Darjeeling and has been passed on to four generations. Organic methods are employed by the producers and owners of the tea garden to produce premium-quality tea. So inhale the beautiful aroma of the tea while tasting it and take back some with you when you leave to relish a little piece of Darjeeling in the humdrum of life back home.

Conclusion

Having peaceful nature walks while enjoying top sightseeing in the splendid tea gardens is one of the most anticipated activities in Darjeeling. In addition, you can visit the adjoining tea factories, engage with the workers, help them pluck the tea leaves, and taste the distinct and aromatic teas in these gardens. So, which one of these tea gardens got you the most excited, and when are you planning to visit Darjeeling? Whenever you do, remember to pre-book your hotel via OYO to have a comfortable and hassle-free stay.