MAKAIBARI TEA ESTATE
Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the most renowned tea estates of entire Darjeeling district. Makaibari Tea Estate is located in Kurseong CD Block in the Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The word Makaibari literary translates into ‘Corn Field’. Makaibari Tea Estate is itself a sanctuary of its own, surrounded by lush green forests, rich in wildlife and lush green winding tea gardens. Makaibari Tea Estate was founded in 1852 by Captain, Samler and an agent of Darjeeling Tea Company. But in 1859 Makaibari was the first to be commissioned as a tea factory in Darjeeling district. Later Makaibari Tea Estate was sold to Girish Chandra Banerjee. Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling district. Makaibari Tea Estate is set at an altitude of 1500 meter (4900 feet) above sea level. Makaibari Tea Estate spans over six ridges of the hills. The total area of Makaibari Tea Estate covers total 1700 acres of area, out of which 300 acres are for tea plantations and the left 1400 acres are for forestry development. Three eminent rivers flow through Makaibari Tea Estate those meet Balason River. In the year 1988 Makaibari Tea Estate was certified as ‘Fare Trade’ the first garden with an award as the producer of fully organic tea. Makaibari Tea Estate has sustained the residents of 2000 Nepalese those split into seven villages located nearby according to their ethnic origins and cast and these are namely Kodobari, Fulbari, Koilpani, Cheptey, Makaibari, Thapathali and Chungey. Makaibari Tea Estate was among the first tea estate to introduce tea tourism in and around the region. Makaibari Tea Estate offers tourists with staying options in the villages around the tea estate. Homestays has been set up to cater tourists with staying option in Makaibari Tea Estate. Makaibari Tea Estate fetches the highest ever priced tea for any first flush in entire Darjeeling hills. Apart from that in the year 2014 a special lot of handcrafted second flush tea from Makaibari was sold as the most expensive tea produced in India. The uniqueness of Makaibari Tea Estate appears from its brew of ‘Moonlight Silver Tip’ tea leaves that are harvested between mid-night and 03.00 pm. The Silver Tips Imperial Tea which is regarded as the most prime produce of Makaibari is a world record holder as the most expensive tea that requires two decades of passionate devotion. As one enters the periphery of Makaibari Tea Estate the aroma of the tea around is invigorating. Makaibari Tea Estate developed to be one of the finest tea gardens of world commanding with highest priced tea productions. After run by four generations, the 90% stake of Makaibari Tea Estate was sold to Luxmi Group in 2014, although Raja Banerjee remained the Chairman of Makaibari Tea Estate till 2017.
Activities and attractions in and around Makaibari:
Apart from being only a tea estate and promotes tea tourism, Makaibari offers tourists with handful of activities and attractions to witness.
- The most prime attraction of visiting Makaibari Tea Estate is the tea factory tour where one will get to know the process of preparing the most expensive handcrafted teas of West Bengal more closely. Apart from this tourists can also opt to taste one of the best quality teas and can also buy some from the factory outlet.
- Makaibari Tea Estate also offers tourists with forest treks, trails and outdoor camping. The forest trails include Verneli Trail, Butterfly Trail and Bird watching. Apart from that one can also opt to meditate in the sanctuary nearby to Makaibari Tea Estate.
- At Makaibari tourists can opt for a leisure village trail and meet the local villagers to get close view of their daily lifestyle. One can also indulge with a local farmer for activities like animal husbandry, cow milking and biogas production.
- In a day trip from Makaibari Tea Estate tourists can opt for a local tour to Kurseong (04 km), Darjeeling (34 km), Mirik (33 km), Ghoom (31 km), Tiger Hill (30 km) and other places.
- Tourists can indulge themselves in tea plucking activities along with the local villagers of Makaibari Tea Estate.
- From Makaibari Tea Estate in a day trip tourists can visit another tea estate located around 06 km away known as Ambootia Tea Estate.
- At Makaibari Tea Estate tourists can indulge themselves in the local culture of both Indian and Nepali origin. One will also get to witness the different customs, rituals and heritages.
- In the evening at Makaibari Tea Estate tourists can get involved in the local cultural dance program performed by the local villagers which is worth enjoying.
- For landscape photographers Makaibari Tea Estate is an ideal location as the surrounding lush green tea gardens, forest cover with undulating hills offers landscape photographers with immense possibilities to capture some of the best clicks.
- As 70% of entire area of Makaibari Tea Estate is still under forest cover hence the eco-diversity of Makaibari Tea Estate is astonishing. Apart from that the forest cover of Makaibari Tea Estate sustains the life of wild animals like Leopard, Deer and reptiles along with wide species of birds which are often spotted around Makaibari Tea Estate.
- While at Makaibari Tea Estate, tourists can opt to taste some of the authentic local delicacies of the hilly regions. These cuisines are completely home-made and prepared from organic produce.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Makaibari located at a distance of 40 km away via Siliguri and Sukhna. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi by regular flight services. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get both reserved and shared vehicles to reach Makaibari Tea Estate.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Makaibari Tea Estate Located at a distance of 38 km away via Siliguri and Sukhna. NJP railway station is well connected with Kolkata and other major cities of Indian by good railway networks. From NJP railway station tourists will also get both reserved and shared vehicle services to reach Makaibari Tea Estate.
By Road: Makaibari Tea Estate is well connected by good motor-able roads with the gateway Siliguri (30 km) along with the other major tourist destination namely Darjeeling (34 km), Kurseong (04 km) and Mirik (33 km). Makaibari Tea Estate is also well connected with good motor-able roads with many other tourist destinations of Darjeeling hills. As Makaibari Tea Estate is midway between Bagdogra Airport/ NJP railway station and Darjeeling town, hence it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Makaibari Tea Estate from Bagdogra Airport/ NJP/ Siliguri and the same time from Darjeeling.
Best time to visit:
The two best seasons to visit Makaibari Tea Estate are March – April (the first flush period) and May – June (the second flush period). During both these two timing tourists can experience the harvesting of the most delicate and fresh tea leaves. The climate during these two times remains pleasant and moderate. Apart from these two seasons Makaibari Tea Estate can also be visited throughout the year. Monsoons are can also be visited as during this time the greenery becomes denser. Winter is also the best time to witness most of the bird’s activity in and around Makaibari Tea Estate.
SHALOM HOMESTAY
Shalom Homestay at Makaibari Tea Estate is a budget category and cozy homestay offers tourists with all sorts of modern amenities. On a clear day Shalom Homestay offers breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges along with the view of Makaibari Tea Estate. Shalom Homestay is a perfect gateway for those seeking for a tranquil and serene escape from the madding crowd of city life. Shalom Homestay is set amidst lush green ambience and breath-taking scenario. From Shalom Homestay tourists can enjoy wide range of activities like trekking, nature walks, bird watching, star gazing and tea factory tour. While at Shalom Homestay one can also enjoy the local and authentic traditional dishes which are home-cooked and prepared from organic produce grown in the backyard of their home. Apart from that Shalom Homestay also offers a range of wellness services such as Yoga and meditation classes. From Shalom Homestay tourists can also opt for a car or jeep safari and visit the nearby markets or go for a village walk. From Shalom Homestay tourists can also opt for a local tour to the nearby places like Eagle Crag, Netaji Park, Hanuman Temple, Chimney, Dowhill and Forest tour of Makaibari Tea Estate. Shalom Homestay also offers tourists with the option of fishing in Balason River. All the staffs along with the host of Shalom Homestay are very co-operative towards each guest and are always ready to serve them with a smile. From Shalom Homestay tourists can opt for entire tour of the tea factory. Tourists will also get the opportunity to spend some time with the local villagers and the tea planters.
Amenities available:
Well furnished rooms with attached washrooms.
Western type toilets and geyser facilities.
24 hours running hot and cold water.
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable).
Arrangement of car for local sightseeing (chargeable)
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue facility available (chargeable)
In house dinning facility available
Tea factory tour and guide available
Rooms offer clear view of the tea gardens
Wi-Fi facility available for tourists
Tariff:
INR @ 1300/- per day per person (both food and lodging included).
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)
