In India, no mention of fabled tea brands is complete without the mention of the iconic Makaibari Tea. Located at Kurseong, Makaibari Tea Estate, the producer of Darjeeling’s costliest tea, was established in 1859, making it one of the oldest family-owned tea gardens in Darjeeling (now owned by the Calcutta-based Luxmi Group). When in Kurseong, you must visit this tea estate for its cozy homestays, misty mornings, picturesque landscapes, and of course for a good cup of tea.
You will be amazed at how Makaibari still retains 70 percent of its entire area under forest cover. Here’s an interesting fact - Makaibari is in a temperate climate, while Sandakphu (few hours uphill at 5000 mts) is alpine-arctic. This creates a unique biotrope with a diversity of flora and fauna that is unparalled, making Makaibari a dream for naturalists, botanists and ornithologists.
At Makaibari, you will find over twenty varieties of bamboos! It’s also home to a plethora of endangered species both in the plant and animal kingdom including Bengal tigers, leopards, panthers, deer, boar, monkeys, reptiles, and over 300 species of birds with the Pied Hornbill ruling the roost.
Makaibari tea estate is around an hour and a half from the main town of Darjeeling. Call in advance for a tour of estate. Explore the estate through activities like tea plucking, tea tasting or go for a hike, discovering various types of tea and of course, sipping your favourite brew. It’s the best way to get a sense of the glorious terrain that is Makaibari. Spend the night at a homestay on the estate with a tea-worker’s family, who will be more than happy to host you, warming your hearts with their hospitality and your bodies with a steaming cup of chai.
If you are looking for something more than just a basic accommodation then book rooms at the Sunnyside Eco Homestay. It’s located in proximity to the Makaibari Estate and offers guided tours and tea-tasting sessions.