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About Makaibari Tea Estate
Makaibari Tea Estate, located in Kurseong, West Bengal, is one of the most iconic and historically significant tea plantations in Darjeeling. Established in 1859, it is renowned as the world’s first tea factory and the oldest organic tea estate, producing premium Darjeeling tea that is globally acclaimed. Spanning across lush hills, misty valleys, and dense forests, Makaibari is not just about tea production but also about sustainable living, biodiversity conservation, and community-driven development.
Unique Features
Makaibari Tea Estate stands out for its pioneering efforts in organic and biodynamic farming, which integrates natural cycles and avoids chemical fertilizers. The estate is also home to rich flora and fauna, including leopards, tigers, butterflies, and hundreds of bird species, making it a haven for eco-tourists. Visitors can explore the tea gardens, interact with tea pluckers, and witness the traditional tea-making process, from leaf plucking to processing. The estate is also famous for producing “Silver Tips Imperial Tea”, which is among the most expensive teas in the world and exported to international markets.
Cultural & Community Connection
What makes Makaibari truly unique is its community-run model. The estate emphasizes fair wages, women empowerment, and village-led initiatives. Many visitors also get to stay in homestays run by tea workers’ families, offering authentic experiences of local Nepali, Lepcha, and Gorkha culture. Traditional food, folk dances, and warm hospitality make the stay memorable.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Makaibari Tea Estate is from March to November, when the weather is pleasant and the tea gardens are lush. Tea plucking and factory visits are best experienced during the first and second flush seasons (spring and summer), when Darjeeling tea is at its finest.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (about 40 km), connected to major Indian cities.
By Rail: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP, 45 km), from where taxis and shared jeeps are available.
By Road: Kurseong is well connected by road to Darjeeling (30 km), Siliguri (47 km), and Kalimpong (55 km). Local taxis and shared jeeps regularly ply on the route.