This heavenly tea plantation adorned by a boutique hotel, is situated above the banks of River Rungeet in Darjeeling, Sikkim.
India as a beautiful country full of natural wonders, offers many heavens to its visitors who come here seeking recreation and rejuvenation. For the Indian nationals too, some of the locations are synonymous to paradise, especially those in the foothills of Himalayas.
But there are few heavens those are not to be missed in a lifetime, if you are a nature wanderer.
One of such serene getaways is Glenburn Tea Estate.
This heavenly tea plantation adorned by a boutique hotel, is situated above the banks of River Rungeet in Darjeeling, Sikkim. Looked after by the mighty Kanchanjunga Mountain Range, this vast tea estate offers a peaceful canvas for a luxury holiday full of relaxation!
Glenburn is flourishing everyday under the skilled management of Chaiwala Family, who apparently is one of the India’s pioneering tea planting families, formerly known as Prakashes.
Though started by a Scottish tea company in 1859, now the estate exudes a complete Indian flavor.
The “tea estate” experience was inspired by the vineyards of Europe and other parts of the world, where visitors observe the wine-making process, taste the wine and shop for wine, local crafts and produce. Prakashes found the whole experience educational and very interesting, and were inspired to open their own tea estate for tourists who may be interested in knowing about how a tea leaf makes it to their tea cup. On her very first visit to Glenburn, Husna-Tara Prakash decided this was the place for such an experience. Mesmerized by the heavenly feel of the surroundings, they decided to turn it into a memorable place for the holiday makers from all across the globe.
In addition to the “tea experience”, Glenburn also offers its treasured guests a “walking” experience, and this heaven on earth remains the only destination in India where you can walk all day and return to luxury at night.
What all to do while at Glenburn
This soothing retreat is situated amid an assorted landscape adorned by a wide variety of flora and fauna. Glenburn Tea Estate management can arrange walks and hikes for everyone with their expert guides. Day trips to Darjeeling Town and Kalimpong are very popular among the visitors. Picnics, fishing trips, river rafting, visits to a local school, cookery courses, a relaxing beauty treatment or massage using Darjeeling Green Tea Oil, are some of the usual happenings around Glenburn. Tea lovers can actually see the journey of a tea leaf from the plant to the tea cup during a tour of the estate.
The estate is also rich in bird life. One can have an enriching bird-watching experience while walking the tea gardens. Many resident and migrant birds catch the eye and leave a beautiful sight for the visitors. Some stray and local migrants also make it to the list of beautiful creatures at Glenburn. The attentive and friendly staff includes a bird expert who knows a lot about the flora and fauna of the region.
Fresh Food at its best at Glenburn
Food at Glenburn is a tale in itself. Voice out your preference and there you are! With everything tailored as per the demand of your taste-buds, every meal becomes a treat in self. Glenburn serves South-East Asian and some European dishes garnished with herbs plucked from their own kitchen garden. Crunchy salads and fresh fruits are other tempting offerings of the kitchen garden. One cannot miss the traditional recipes of the Chaiwala family, which reads somewhat like “tea-leaf pakoras, Burmese khow suey and mouth watering chocolate brownies”
Breakfasts at Glenburn are most relish-able and make a hearty meal to enjoy the rest of the day with revived energy. A choice of cereals & muesli, a full English breakfast with bacon, sausages and eggs-to-order, fresh seasonal fruit, homemade bread and marmalades, freshly squeezed juice, coffee and of course, lots of tea! Too tempting! Lunches and dinners are no less with everything prepared fresh to order.
How to Reach Glenburn
By Air:There are daily Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Spice Jet flights from Kolkata (45 mins), Guwahati (30 mins) and New Delhi (2 hours) to Bagdogra Airport which is the nearest. Glenburn is a three hour drive from the airport. The flight from Delhi stops at Guwahati on alternate days and tourists are advised to take the direct route (Delhi-Bagdogra-Delhi) which considerably shortens the flying time. Taxi from Airport to the estate is the best option which lets the visitors soak in the scenery on the way.
By Rail: From Kolkata there are daily overnight trains to New Jalpaiguri Station which id nearest railway station to Glenburn (The Darjeeling Mail operates daily and The Kanchenkanya and Uttar Banga Express operate on alternate days). Both trains take approximately 12 hours. From Delhi there is a daily Rajdhani service that takes about 22 hours. Glenburn is a three hours’ drive from the Jalpaiguri Station. Cabs and taxis are easily available on reasonable prices.
A nature-lovers perfect heaven, Glenburn Tea Estate is a great retreat for couples, families and friends who love to meander for miles and return to complete luxury at the end of a beautiful day.
