The Orient Tea Tour of East India

Namaste! Welcome to India!
You arrive in its bustling and historic capital, seat of empires. Experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi.

Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes ofChandni Chowk. New Delhi’s Gateway to India and the Presidential Palace showcase modern history, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb show that even this part of Delhi has an ancient past.

Today, your tour of India tea begins in earnest. You’ll fly to Bagdogra and drive to Glenburn Tea Estate, a heavenly plantation retreat that overlooks the banks of the River Rungeet. Situated in the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range, this historic plantation (started in 1859) it is run by the Prakashes, a pioneering tea planting family who have carried on the rich tradition of creating superb teas.

It is a rare experience: lounging on the lawns of a tea estate, and starting the day with a cup of fresh tea that was grown on these very grounds. Enjoy a delightful breakfast before getting a glimpse of tea-making at the factory. The day ends with a tea tasting session, where one can discover the differences in aroma, flavor and appearance of different teas.

From Glenburn, you’ll travel to Darjeeling. At an altitude of 7,000 feet, Darjeeling offers breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayas and especially Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. Tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow-gauge railway track add a fairy tale feel to this place, and its tea gardens are world famous.

Enjoy an early morning visit to Tiger Hill—during which you may see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise. It is truly a majestic sight. You’ll also ride the Darjeeling Hill Railway, go for a walk through the Lloyd Botanical Garden and step back in time at the Darjeeling Club, a sophisticated social club dating back to 1868.

After breakfast, continue your tour of East India, driving to Pelling, a serene mountain village in the western districts of Sikkim. En route, you’ll visit Tukvar Tea Estate, another beautiful estate producing exquisite teas. In the afternoon, visit Pemeyangste, the 17th-century monastery perched on a wooded hilltop.

Wake up to the brisk, fresh mountain air and savor an early morning walk to Sanga Choling, another important monastery built in the 17th century that offers jaw-dropping views. Later, drive to Gangtok, with a stop to enjoy tea at the only estate in Sikkim: Temi Tea Estate.

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, drive to Siliguri, where you’ll relax and rest, no doubt recalling the superb experiences you’ve had on your journey.

As your India tea tour comes to end, depart knowing that you have memories that will last a lifetime.