Puttabong Tea Estate: A Premier Destination for Tea Tourism in Darjeeling

Puttabong Tea Estate, located in the lush Darjeeling hills, is one of the oldest and most renowned tea gardens in the world. Established in 1852, it covers over 22 kilometres of scenic slopes and valleys, offering visitors a tranquil retreat surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. This tea estate is famous for producing high-quality Darjeeling tea, often called the "Champagne of Teas." For tea enthusiasts and nature lovers, Puttabong is an ideal destination for exploring the art of tea-making and experiencing life in a working tea garden.

History of Puttabong Tea Estate

The history of Puttabong Tea Estate dates back to the mid-19th century when British settlers introduced tea plantations to the Darjeeling region. Originally known as Tukvar Tea Estate, it was renamed Puttabong, meaning "House of Green Leaves," in the local Lepcha language. The estate played a key role in shaping the tea industry in Darjeeling, becoming one of the first tea gardens to cultivate Chinese hybrid tea plants. Today, it remains an integral part of Darjeeling's tea heritage, producing some of the finest teas sought by connoisseurs worldwide.

Accommodation at Puttabong Tea Estate

Puttabong Tea Estate offers unique accommodations that blend colonial charm with modern comforts for tourists interested in tea tourism. The main bungalow of the garden has 6 rooms and the whole property can be booked together. As many as 14 guests in a group can share the property at a time. The accommodation provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the serene surroundings while learning about the estate's tea production processes. Rooms typically feature wooden interiors, fireplaces, and panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens and mountain ranges, including the iconic Kanchenjunga.

Nearby hotels and homestays in Darjeeling town also cater to visitors looking for a more budget-friendly stay. The estate’s proximity to Darjeeling allows tourists to explore the tea gardens by day and experience the vibrant town life in the evening. There are also several homestays in the nearby area.

Activities at Puttabong Tea Estate

Visitors to Puttabong Tea Estate can enjoy a wide range of activities, making it an exciting destination for tea tourism:

Tea Garden Tours: Explore the sprawling tea fields with guided tours that explain the history, cultivation techniques, and processing of Darjeeling tea. Learn how tea is plucked, sorted, and processed into the world-famous Darjeeling tea varieties like first flush, second flush, and autumn flush.

Tea Tasting Sessions: Experience the delicate flavours of Darjeeling tea with tea-tasting sessions hosted by experts. Taste different varieties of tea produced at Puttabong and gain insights into the nuances that make Darjeeling tea unique.

Tea Processing Factory Visits: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how freshly plucked tea leaves are processed. Visitors can observe the various stages of production, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying, before the final product is packed for sale.

Hiking and Nature Walks: Surrounded by the Himalayas, Puttabong Tea Estate offers numerous trails that are perfect for hiking and nature walks. Guests can explore the verdant tea fields, spot diverse bird species, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Visit to Ropeway: The Tukvar end of the popular Darjeeling ropeway is within walking distance from the accommodation.

Best Time to Visit and Weather at Puttabong Tea Estate

The climate of Puttabong Tea Estate is typical of the Darjeeling hills—cool and temperate throughout the year. The best time to visit the estate is between March and November, coinciding with the tea plucking seasons of first and second flush. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C during the day.

March to May (First Flush Season): Clear skies and pleasant weather with temperatures around 10°C to 20°C. Ideal for outdoor activities and tea garden tours.

June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rainfall makes the tea gardens lush but outdoor activities may be restricted.

October to November (Second Flush & Autumn Flush Season): Crisp weather with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, perfect for tea-tasting and cultural activities.

December to February (Winter): Cold temperatures and occasional fog. This is the off-season for tea production but still offers serene landscapes for those seeking solitude.

Distance and Accessibility

Puttabong Tea Estate is conveniently located near Darjeeling town and other major transport hubs:

• From Darjeeling: 8 km (approx. 20 minutes by car)

• From Bagdogra Airport: 75 km (approx. 3 hours by road)

• From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP): 75 km (approx. 3 hours by road)

• From Siliguri: 70 km (approx. 3 hours by road)

Regular taxi services and shared jeeps are available from Darjeeling to the tea estate. The drive offers stunning views of the Himalayas, tea gardens, and the surrounding valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can tourists purchase tea directly from Puttabong Tea Estate?
Yes, visitors can purchase freshly packed tea from the estate’s outlets. A range of premium Darjeeling teas is available for sale, including exclusive estate blends.

Q. Is Puttabong Tea Estate family-friendly?
Absolutely! The tea estate offers activities that are suitable for all ages, including garden walks, nature trails, and tea-tasting sessions.

Q. Can I stay at the estate overnight?
Yes, heritage bungalows at the estate provide a luxurious stay for tourists. However, it’s advisable to book in advance due to limited availability.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the tea estate, visitors can explore several nearby attractions:

Darjeeling Town: A short drive away, Darjeeling offers shopping, dining, and attractions like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tiger Hill, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Another iconic tea garden offering tea tours and tastings.