Tea estates in Darjeeling Attracting lot of Tourists

Posted by Chamongchiabari on October 23rd, 2018

Darjeeling in West Bengal is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Lying amidst the lesser Himalayan ranges, the hill station is located on a height of 2,042 meters above sea level. Snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green tea plantations are common sights in this hilly region. Known for its amazing panoramic views, Darjeeling is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’ by locals here. The town is a starting point for many trekking tours in the region.

Tea and Toy Train – these are the two essential things to experience in Darjeeling. Commercial tea production in the region was started in the early 1800s during the British rule. Today, Darjeeling Tea is regarded as one of the finest brews of tea produced in the world. There are many tea estates in Darjeeling which date back to more than a 100 years. The Toy Train ride covers a distance of 88 kilometers, starting from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the train travels through the twists and turns of the mountain slopes, tourists get a chance to witness some breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Other sightseeing spots in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and the Darjeeling Zoo. The best time to visit Tiger Hill is during an early morning sunrise. Tourists get a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga as the sun rises from behind the mountain ranges. As the sky becomes a vivid palette of red and orange hues, it is an unforgettable experience for most tourists. Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. Darjeeling Zoo is the largest high altitude zoo in India.

Darjeeling enjoys a steady stream of tourists all around the year. The summer months see a lot of visitors who come to this hill station to escape the hot and humid conditions prevalent in the rest of the country. During the winters, temperatures fall down very low and may even witness snowfall. There are many hotels and resorts in Darjeeling to meet this growing demand of tourists. From high-end hotels to modest guest houses, luxurious accommodation is provided coupled with spectacular views in most of these staying options. All these rooms are equipped with 24 hours warm water supply and room heaters.

Since the tea gardens of Darjeeling generate a lot of interest among the visitors, tea tourism is a popular concept in the region. There are many tea estate resorts which offer accommodation facilities for their guests where they get the opportunity to witness the entire process of tea manufacturing. Tourists can participate in tea plucking activity, and get a chance to talk to the local tea farmers and learn more about the tea cultivation. As part of tea tourism, resorts also provide complimentary tea tasting sessions to their guests. A collection of unique blends is presented in the session. In some cases, guided tours to a tea factory are also arranged. The whole experience is still a new concept in India. Tea tourism is mostly targeted to luxury travelers.