Darjeeling tea is one of the world's finest black teas. The known history of Darjeeling tea dates back to about 150 years when a British civil surgeon, Dr. Campbell first planted the seeds in his garden on an experimental basis.The first commercial production of tea started by British planters in 1852. Takvar near Darjeeling,West Bengal was one of the first tea gardens set up around this time. Darjeeling then was a small town used by British and the affluent Jamindars as a summer respite. The manufacturing of Tea is a labour intensive process. The requirement of the gardens drew people from across the border of Nepal to come and settle down in Darjeeling. Till today people from Nepalese origin constitute the largest section of the locals in Darjeeling. At present there are close to 100 tea gardens producing the famous 'Darjeeling tea'. In the foothills a large number of gardens produce the 'Dooars tea' and the 'Terai tea'. But the taste and aroma of the Darjeeling variety remains unmatched throughout the world.The total area under cultivation of 'Darjeeling Tea' is about 19,000 hectares and annual production reaches 10 million kgs. The industry employs more than 50 thousand people directly. A large number of others are engaged in plucking the tea during the season.
 
 
Day 1: Depart for the airport to connect to a flight to Bagdogara in Darjeeling, West Bengal. After arrival drive to Glenburn Tea Estate. Over night stay.


Day 2 : After breakfast embark upon a Tea Tour. The tour starts with a presentation on the history of Glenburn, and a brief overview of how tea is grown, manufactured and tasted. Walk or drive through the tea fields with the Estate Manager, who will give you a comprehensive guided tour of how the tea bush is grown, looked after, plucked and finally manufactured. Visit the Tea Nursery where young tea plants are cultivated.
Break for Lunch, on the banks of the River Rung Dung. Relax on the riverfront as you enjoy your food. Drive back up the hill to the Tea Factory for a guided tour. The day ends with a Tea Tasting Session, where one can discover the variations in aroma, flavor and appearance of tea manufactured in different ways, and during different times of the year.
 
View of Tea Estate
Day 3 : Hike along River Rungit and Manjitar Village in Sikkim after breakfast. A jeep will take you down through the Simbong Forest to the River Rung Dung. Crossing the river over a small suspension bridge takes you into the Badamtam Forest. Walk along the forest path.

On the way, our naturalist will help you identify birds, butterflies, animals, and the rich plant life found in the woods. After about an hour’s walk, you will reach the Manjitar Suspension Footbridge, leading the way across River Rungit into the old royal kingdom of Sikkim.
Day 4 : Day excursion of Darjeeling town soaked in British colonial history. Take a ride on the famous Toy Train through the picturesque Batasia Loop and then to the neighboring towns of Ghoom 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, and stop for a cup of tea or coffee at Keventers or Glenary’s, two famous old cafeterias in the Mall.
Lunch can be taken at a number of places like Glenary’s, which has a nice cafeteria as well as a multi-cuisine restaurant, but you could also try a more typical local restaurant, for a traditional “momo and thugpa” meal. In the afternoon, drive a little out of the main town to the Lebong Cantonment area.

Visit the Zoo - famous for its snow leopards and pandas, the renowned Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Gymkhana Club, and then drive back to Glenburn. Overnight stay.
Temi Tea Estate
Day 5: Explore nature’s bounty towards the Glenburn Campsite. All walking is down hill, and the duration of walking can range from 1.5 hours to 4 hours, and difficulty from moderate to tough, depending on the route one takes. Guests may also drive the entire route, stopping along the way for short walks at various points of interest.

Explore the Bora Gaon Village and into the Simbong Tea Division, past the Sim Jhora (stream and waterfall), and finally into the Simbong Forest area. You can follow the main forest track, or break off at various points to take short cuts through the forest.
Enjoy the spectacular views of Sikkim, the hill station of Kalimpong, and the River Rungit. You will gradually descend from a height of around 3000 feet, down to the river, which lies at around 800 feet. The forests contain a rich diversity of birds, butterflies, flora and plant life, as well as animals typical to this habitat. Refreshments will be provided along the way, and a jeep would be close by if a guest feels tired and chooses to drive down the rest of the way. In the afternoon, drive back to the bungalow. Overnight stay.
Day 6 : Transfer to Back Home.