Darjeeling is a Himalayan town located
in the northern tip of West Bengal, lying just below the state of Sikkim. With
an elevation of 2,042 meters above sea level, Darjeeling is considered to be
one of the top hill stations in India. A favorite among many tourists, the town
is known for its spectacular panoramic views. Darjeeling has been a popular spot
since the days of the British rule in India, when officials would visit here to
get a respite from the heat in other parts of this country.
Darjeeling offers a splendid view
of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. Vast expanses of tea plantations form a green
blanket over the hill slopes in this region. The world-famous blend of
Darjeeling Tea is exclusively grown in this part of the Himalayas. As such,
there is a high demand for tea tourism in Darjeeling.
It is one the largest tea-producing regions in the world.
Tea cultivation in Darjeeling
goes back to almost a hundred years. It was introduced by the British sometime
during the early 1800s. The high altitude and the optimum rainfall received by
the region were primary factors that made Darjeeling perfectly suited for tea
cultivation. Today, Darjeeling Tea has gained a reputation for being one of the
finest brews of tea in the world. It is widely regarded as the ‘Champagne of
Teas’ due to its strong muscatel flavor. This worldwide popularity of
Darjeeling Tea has made this hill station favorite for a tea tourism experience.
Guests can have a chance to enjoy a luxurious stay at a bungalow in a tea
estate, right in the lap of nature.
Teatourism in Darjeeling is still a very new concept. Similar to a trip to
the vineyards of Europe, guests have the chance to stay at a tea estate and can
witness the entire process of tea production, from cultivation of tea bushes to
picking tea leaves to manufacturing of the tea in a factory. India is a major
tea-producing country in the world. Some of the other regions where you can have
a tea tourism experience in India include Assam, Munnar, Nilgiris, Palampur,
and more.
Darjeeling and its surrounding
region are home to plenty of small and big tea estates. These sprawling
properties have cozy guest bungalows to offer accommodation to tourists. Guests
can enjoy breathtaking scenic views of snow-clad mountain peaks on one side,
and lush green tea gardens on the other side. The rooms boast of traditional
architecture with contemporary interiors, and are equipped with all the modern
amenities. Most of these tea estates have been in the tea production business
for many years now. Owing to the growing popularity of tea
tourism in Darjeeling, they have just recently opened their gates for the
tourists.
A
large number of tea estates in Darjeeling are typically located outside the
touristy areas of the town. Hence, guests can enjoy a quiet and peaceful stay
away from the rush of crowds. They can go for pleasant walks around the adjoining
tea gardens, get a chance to talk to the local tea workers and learn more about
the types of teas grown. Some estates also offer a complimentary tea tasting
session for their guests. Tea tourism in Darjeeling is a one-of-a-kind
memorable experience.