Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kurseong,Darjeeling, lies the picturesque Makaibari Tea Estate. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling and is renowned for producing some of the finest Darjeeling tea in the world. The estate covers an area of 670 hectares and is home to over 1,600 workers and their families.
The Makaibari Tea Estate follows sustainable and organic
farming practices, which have earned it several certifications, including the
Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications. The estate also has its own
unique system of tea production, which involves using natural compost and
cultivating a diverse range of flora and fauna to maintain the health of the
soil and the ecosystem.
The tea produced at Makaibari is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, which is a result of the estate's unique terroir, the soil and climatic conditions of the region. The tea bushes at Makaibari are grown at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,800 meters, which gives the tea its characteristic musky and floral notes.
Makaibari produces a wide range of teas, including black,
green, white, and oolong teas. The estate is also famous for its signature tea,
the Makaibari Muscatel, which is a black tea that is highly prized by tea
connoisseurs for its complex and nuanced flavor.
- Black Tea: Makaibari's black tea is the estate's most popular and widely consumed tea. The tea leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, and then fired to produce a rich, full-bodied tea with a bold, robust flavor and a deep reddish-brown color. The black tea is available in different grades, including the Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe (FBOP), and Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP).
- Green Tea: Makaibari also produces high-quality green tea, which is made from the same tea leaves as black tea but undergoes minimal processing. The tea leaves are withered and then quickly fired to halt the oxidation process, resulting in a light, refreshing tea with a delicate flavor and a pale green color. Makaibari's green tea is available in different grades, including Gunpowder, Chun Mee, and Jade Dragon.
- Oolong Tea: Makaibari's Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea that falls between black and green tea in terms of oxidation. The tea leaves are withered, rolled, and then partially oxidized before being fired, resulting in a tea with a smooth, balanced flavor and a golden-yellow color. Makaibari's Oolong tea is available in different grades, including Amber, Jade, and Golden.
- White Tea: Makaibari's White tea is a rare and exclusive tea made from only the youngest and most delicate tea buds. The tea buds are handpicked in the early morning when the dew is still on the leaves, and then carefully dried and rolled by hand to preserve their delicate flavor and aroma. The tea has a light golden color and a delicate, floral aroma, with notes of honeysuckle and jasmine.
- Moonlight Tea: Makaibari's Moonlight tea is a unique and exclusive tea made from tea leaves that are harvested under the light of the full moon. The tea leaves are withered, rolled, and then oxidized before being fired, resulting in a tea with a complex, layered flavor and a pale golden color. The tea has a rich, honey-like sweetness and a subtle, floral aroma.
Visitors to the Makaibari Tea Estate can take a guided tour
of the tea gardens, the factory, and the worker's quarters, where they can
witness the tea-making process firsthand and learn about the history and
culture of tea in Darjeeling. The estate also offers homestay accommodation,
where visitors can experience the daily life of a tea worker and enjoy the
tranquility and natural beauty of the region.
In addition to its tea production, the Makaibari Tea Estate
is also committed to social and environmental sustainability. The estate has
set up several initiatives to support the local community, including a health
clinic, a school, and a micro-credit program. The estate also runs several
programs to promote biodiversity and conservation, including planting trees and
supporting wildlife habitats.
How to reach Makaibari Tea estate ?
- By Air: The nearest airport to Makaibari Tea Estate is Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Kurseong, which is about a 2-hour drive away from the airport. From Kurseong, Makaibari Tea Estate is just a short drive away.
- By Train: Kurseong has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Makaibari Tea Estate, which is about 3 kilometers away.
- By Road: Kurseong is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal by road. You can take a private taxi or a shared jeep from Siliguri or Darjeeling to reach Kurseong. From Kurseong, Makaibari Tea Estate is just a short drive away.
Once you reach Kurseong, you can easily hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Makaibari Tea Estate. The estate is located on the outskirts of Kurseong and is easily accessible by road.
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| Kurseong Town |
What's the best time to visit Makaibari Tea estate?
The best time to visit Makaibari Tea Estate is during the spring and autumn months, which are from March to May and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is mild, and the tea gardens are at their best. The tea bushes are flush with new growth, and the entire estate is covered in a lush, green carpet of tea plants. The spring and autumn months are also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature walks.
Visiting Makaibari Tea Estate during the monsoon months, which are from June to August, is not recommended as the heavy rains can make the roads and pathways difficult to navigate. The tea gardens are also prone to landslides and flooding during this time, which can affect your travel plans.
The winter months, which are from December to February, can be quite cold in Kurseong, with temperatures dropping to as low as 4°C. However, if you don't mind the cold weather, visiting Makaibari Tea Estate during the winter months can be a unique experience as the tea gardens are covered in a blanket of mist, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
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