India is today the world leader in Tea production accounting for almost 32 % of global production.
The cultivation and brewing of tea in India has a long history of application in the traditional systems of medicine. Tea consumption was first recorded as early as 500 BC. However commercial production of tea did not begin until the arrival of the British East India Company at which point large tracts of land were converted for mass tea production in the North East using tea seed imported from China,
In 1841 Dr. Campbell raised his first tea bushes at his home in Darjeeling. Soon the government set up tea nurseries, whose bushes were planted in India’s first commercial tea gardens in 1852. By the 1870s there were 113 tea gardens and tea had joined other cash crops from India such as cotton, sugar, jute and coffee which the British were producing in India for International trading.
More than 70% of its production today is consumed within India itself although tea exports are now growing.
Since the Independence of India tea production has grown over 250% whereas the area under cultivation has grown only by 40%. This labor intensive industry directly employs over a million people and generates income for another 10 million. Over half the work-force is women !
India boasts of three major tea-growing regions - Assam, Darjeeling and the Nilgiris. Darjeeling, beautifully nestled in the foothills of the snow-covered Himalayas and located at an altitude of roughly 2000 mtrs, is home to the world-renowned Darjeeling Tea which is unrivalled in the world. Aided by its cool, moist climate and sloping terrain, its tea estates produce a fine and delicately flavoured tea that is referred to as the “Champagne of teas”. The beautiful tea estates of Darjeeling are spread over 20000 hectares.
Day 01 - Arrival Delhi
Met on arrival followed by transfer to Homestay.
DELHI: The capital city of modern India has behind it centuries of history, which has enriched its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in Delhi - age-old monuments stand check by jowl with ultra modern hi-rise buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries. Today old and new city combine to present a harmonious whole offering the traveler, elegant shops, broad laburnum lined avenues, sun warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colorful bazaars.
Transfer to hotel Bungalow-7 by private car & chauffeur.
Bunglow No 7 -is nestled in the quiet and green colony of Gulmohar Park in South Delhi. It is a 8 room homestay, each room with a luxurious, modern en suite bathroom. Each room is elegantly decorated with color and light to create both a sense of space and intimacy, the ultimate experience for comfort.
There are two separate sitting areas with warm rugs, Indian artifacts, and comfortable seating as well as a large breakfast table and separate computer desk. You can choose to curl up with a book, watch television on our 52” large screen TV, or surf the internet. Or you could just sit back with a cup of tea on the sofa or balcony and allow yourself to feel at home. If you have been out all day seeing the sights, the comforts of our accommodation will gently engulf you on your return to remind you that you are not just a visitor but a royal guest in our home.
The owners -Atul and Sheetal Bhalla have always loved hosting people and consider it their opportunity to extend their hospitality to those visiting their city. They look forward to personally sharing their life long association with the city they love.
Overnight: HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 - DELHI
Day 02 - In Delhi
Morning: sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India. Visit the magnificent Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Drive past Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi). ( RED FORT IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS )
Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi. Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan temple. Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president's residence - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.
Overnight: HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 – DELHI
Day 03 – Delhi – Bagdogra ( by flight ) – Lankapara Tea Estate (3.5 hr)
Morning flight to Bagdogra
On arrival meet, greet and drive to Lankapara.
Lankapara Tea Garden is one of the premium tea gardens of the Duncans group that had started its plantation business as early as early 19th Century.
These 122-year-old tea gardens are owned by Duncans Industries Limited. The tea gardens encompass over 7500 hectares of land spread over the Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling regions of North Bengal.
The Company has in-house research and development cell. Planting is done with high yielding clones which have been propagated in the Company’s own nurseries.
Located in Eastern Dooars -foothills of the Himalayas, the garden has a wonderful setting. The area is cris-crossed by many snow-fed rivers and rivulets and is surrounded by mountains of Bhutan, the famous Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve.
The landscape is a mix-match of sub-Himalayan riverine forest, tropical forest, mixed-deciduous forest and grasslands.
A 3.5 hours smooth and interesting drive from Bagdogra airport the garden is a visual delight with its undulating landscape with its bungalow overlooking the hills and river.
Check-in at hotel followed by lunch at the Bungalow.
Take a tea appreciation tour of the garden and factory.
O/N Bungalow – Lankapara Tea Garden
Day 04 - At Lankapara
After a steaming cup of fresh tea set out for a game drive to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (Thursday closed).
Return to Lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast a guided tea garden trek followed by short visit to the Tribal villages near garden.
Optional excursion to Coach Behar heritage town or Leave for Dam Dim.
O/N Bungalow – Lankapara Tea Garden
Day 05 - Lankapara – Dam Dim Tea Estate (3 hr)
Early morning after breakfast drive to Dam Dim tea estate –owned by the famed Tata Tea's, the guests are shown the fascinating process of tea making. From the bushes to the factory and into the teacup, guests find out what goes into making the perfect blend for the perfect cuppa.
The oldest section of the tea estate was planted in 1927.
O/N Bungalow – Dam Dim Tea Estate
Day 06 – Dam Dim Tea Estate - Glenburg Tea Estate (3.5 hr)
After breakfast check out and drive to Glenburn tea Estate - acres of rolling tea bush and forest….A house on a hill, a Himalayan sunrise and a tea garden that still marches to a century-old beat. Explore the beautiful estate with its acres of tea fields and private forests either on foot or by jeep. Glenburn is one of the few destinations in India where you can hike all day through unspoilt countryside and then return to comfort and luxury at night.
The most popular activity is of course the Tea Tour around the estate and tea factory, and the guests are left marveling at the intricate details that go into producing that morning cup of tea ! You will be shown the technique of plucking the “two leaves and a bud” which is later manufactured into a tealeaf.
You will also be shown the nursery where you will learn about different varieties of tea plants and how young tea plants are cultivated and then transplanted into the fields. If the visit is in winter, you will be shown different types of pruning to increase the yield. You will get the opportunity to interact with Glenburg workers as you move from part of the Estate to another.
Drive back to the factory and learn about the entire process of weighing, withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and finally sorting !
End the day with a tea tasting session. Discover the differences in aroma, flavour and appearance of tea manufactured in different ways and at different times of the year.
In the evening, you will be invited to join the estate manager for cocktails and dinner at his bungalow. Enjoy the evening hearing interesting anecdotes tea planters and the story of Tea !
O/N : The Glenburn Lodge
Day 07 – At Glenburn Tea Estate
Morning at leisure.
Optional tour in the afternoon to the Shikari Dura village - walking is mostly downhill, along a well-defined path, the last portion is slightly uphill.
This hike is best done in the afternoon, when the Shikari Dura Village comes alive after the day’s work in the field.
Set out from The Burra Bungalow, past the factory and some tea fields, before one descends down into the village. Stop to browse in the village shop and taste some of the locally made pickles and preserves. Watch a game of carom, or whatever else the villagers are undertaking for the evening entertainment. Interact with the villagers, and then walk back up to the bungalow, through yet more tea fields!
O/N : The Glenburn Lodge
Day 08 – At Glenburn Tea Estate
Morning after breakfast set out on a drive cum hike to the Lamha Haata Rochard and Clooney Sisters Church and School.
Drive 10 minutes to the start of the track and then climb to the church (20 mins) and visit the school which is run by Irish Cluny nuns. Thereon climb to the Orchard (10 mins) for spectacular views of the surrounding hillside and Darjeeling town across the opposite hilltop.
Glenburg’s Fine Cut Orange Marmalade comes from the oranges of the Lamha Haata Orange Orchard.
Enjoy a cup of tea with the resident caretaker and then make your way back down to the main track where your jeep awaits you.
On the drive back, an opportunity to stop by the Glenburn Hospital to see the welfare activities of a tea estate.
O/N : The Glenburn Lodge
Day 9 – Glenburn Tea Estate to Darjeeling (1.5 hr)
Morning: after leisurely breakfast drive to Darjeeling – a beautiful hill-station at an altitude of 6000ft with the Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest mountain as a backdrop.
Check into hotel
Afternoon: Explore Darjeeling town, the markets, the Tibetan refugee camp and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
O/N: Hotel Windamere - Darjeeling
Day 10 – In Darjeeling
Early morning drive to Tiger Hill (9000 ft) to see the spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range. On a clear day, even Mt Everest and Lohtse are visible.
Visit the Ghoom Monastery and Kurseong.
Wander through the Mall, shop for local crafts and antiques along the way, drop into the famous Das Studios for a peek at their collection of old black and white photographs from the area, and stop for a cup of tea of coffee at Keventers or Glenary’s, two famous old cafeterias on the Mall. Visit the grand old Planters’ Club, once the Palace of a local Maharaja, and enjoy the views of the surrounding hillside from Chowrasta, where the bandstand still conjures up old colonial memories of days gone by.
Later taken the optional ride on famous Darjeeling Himlayan Rail (Toy Train) upto Batasia Loop –passing through some breath-taking scenery as well as stretches of flat alongside the road crossing local trucks & buses and passing within inches of roadside shops, monasteries and houses.
The DHR is has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
O/N : Hotel Windamere – Darjeeling
Day 11 – Darjeeling - Bagdogra for flight to Delhi (4 hr)
Drive to Bagdogra airport for the flight to Delhi
Day free for shopping, museums, art galleries
Overnight: HOMESTAY - BUNGALOW 7 – DELHI
Day 12 – Depart Delhi
Transfer to the international airport for flight home.
Price : from 1800.00pp excluding domestic and international flights.
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