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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Makaibari is a mystic tea garden adorned by nature’s bliss. It is ranked amongst the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling. Its factory was first established in 1859. This is the first luxuriant tea garden to be certified by the ‘Fair Trade’ in the world. It is also the first tea garden which has appointed a woman as a supervisor. Amongst 700 locals who are working in this tea garden daily, 70% of them are women as well.
Altitude
1,500 meters
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
4°C
Max temp
27°C to 30°C
Makaibari is a distinguished tea estate present in Darjeeling, offering a relaxing getaway amidst luxuriant tea gardens, fresh mountain air and meandering hills. It is renowned around the world for producing large-scale organic tea. You will get an immersive experience on your visit to this tea estate by interacting with the tea pluckers and taking part in the tea-making session, along with an exclusive tea tasting session.
You can expect immersive tea-tasting sessions, lush tea gardens and serene village life from Makaibari. I visited Makaibari a few days back, where I spent my days witnessing the serene mist roll over the Makaibari hills, sipping freshly brewed tea and chatting with the tea garden workers, along with walking around the emerald green tea bushes.
Makaibari is known for its natural beauty and its geographical influence. It is a high-altitude tea estate perched at an altitude of 1500 meters, situated in Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The temperate climate of this region, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, nourishes the land, making it perfect for tea plantations. This region is characterised by lush valleys, piping hills and steep slopes. This tea estate is rich in biodiversity, housing a plethora of vibrant butterflies, exotic animals and birds. Lush forest covers about 70% of this tea estate, where you can find some exotic species of flora, including orchids, ferns and bamboo groves.
Makaibari has a sub-tropical climate with cool summers and mild winters. Here is a weather and temperature breakdown of Makaibari
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 12°C – 22°C | blooming and pleasant | photography, tea garden walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15°C – 25°C | breezy and warm | tea factory visits, nature trails |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 12°C – 20°C | fresh air, clear sky | cultural festivals, tea plucking |
| Winter (December to February) | 5°C – 15°C | foggy mornings and cold | misty views, cosy stays, birdwatching |
If you are a tea lover, then the ideal time to visit the Makaibari tea estate is between March and November, and October to early December when the tea garden appears the most lush. The plucking session of First Flush starts between March to April, and the Second Flush plucking takes place between April to May. You can enjoy day tours and witness the tea plucking and processing sessions while interacting with the tea garden workers.
I witnessed shimmering tea bushes under the sunlight during my trip in the spring. The air was filled with the fresh aroma of tea leaves, and the earthy smell made my trip more joyous and unforgettable.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming and pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | photography, tea garden walks |
| Monsoon (June-August) | heavy rainfall, humid | Low | Off-Season | misty landscapes, quiet retreats |
| Autumn (September-November) | cool and clear | High | Peak-season | festivals, tea plucking |
| Winter (December-February) | crisp and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | birdwatching, foggy morning, cosy stays |
The attractions in Makaibari mainly revolve around tours of the Makaibari tea estate, soaking in the panoramic views, birdwatching and nature walks. I felt peaceful and alive while I witnessed the hardworking tea pluckers in the garden and took serene walks around the tea estate. There are many attractions to explore and activities to try out in Makaibar, some of such are mentioned below
Makaibari tea estate
It was established in the year 1859 and ranks amongst the oldest tea estates in the world. A wide variety of rare, dynamic and organic teas are being produced here, such as Silver Tips Imperial.
Bamboo Groves and forest trails
You can witness several bamboo groves and virgin forests in the adjacent areas of the Makaibari tea estate. You can enjoy some short treks and nature walks on these trails. These spots are ideal for spotting butterflies, exotic wildlife species and vibrant birds.
Panoramic Viewpoints
There are numerous scenic viewpoints present in the region which offer stunning Kanchenjunga views amidst the pipping hills, especially during the time of sunset and sunrise.
Local Villages
The villages surrounding this tea estate are very eco-friendly and are inhabited by the Indigenous groups of the Lepcha and Nepali communities.
Kurseong
This mystic hill station, situated at a distance of 3 km from Makaibar, is also known as the “Land of White Orchids”. It is the best place to explore colonial architecture and enjoy some nature walks. You can visit the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum and Crag Viewpoint in Kurseong.
Darjeeling
This hill station, also known as “ Queen of the Hills”, is situated at a distance of 30 km from Makaibari and is famous worldwide for its exclusive tea plantation, Kanchenjunga view and toy train ride. You can shop for souvenirs from the Chowrasta Mall Road and visit some of the top tourist attractions such as Batasia Loo, Darjeeling Zoo and Tiger Hill.
Dow Hill Forest
This mystic place is surrounded by eerie folklore and lush pine forests. You can also visit the infamous Dow Hill Boys’ School, which is surrounded by some interesting spine-chilling ghost stories.
Bagora Village
This quaint hamlet is situated approximately at a distance of 10 km from Makaibari and is renowned for its exclusive bird life, crisp mountain air and vibrant orchids. This is the best place to try out short treks and picnics.
Balason River Valley
This offbeat gem, situated at a distance of 20 km from Makaibari, is the ideal spot for some relaxing time by the riverbank, picnics and angling. This scenic gem is surrounded by lush tea gardens and breathtaking forests.
Tinchuley
You will get to witness some stunning viewpoints from this eco-village, which is situated at a distance of 40 km from Makaibari, and enjoy some time through forest walks. This tranquil village is known as a bird’s heaven and for its organic farming.
A short detour off NH55 along the scenic route from Kurseong will take you to Makaibari. I enjoyed the winding uphill drive to Makaibari surrounded by peaceful scenery and glimpses of the toy train and lush valleys at each turn.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) situated at a distance of 50 km. You take a cab from the airport and reach Mkaibari via Kurseong, which will take you approximately 1.5-2 hours.
By Train
Located at a distance of 45 km, the NJP station is the nearest to Makaibari. You reach Makiabari from here in a shared/private cab via Kurseong, which will take you about 1.5-2 hours, or you can enjoy a scenic joy ride on a toy train.
From Siliguri
The distance between Makaibari and Siliguri is 45 km, and the journey will take about 1.5 hours. The route includes Siliguri- Sukna- Tindharia-Makaibari. You can take a jeep from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand of Siliguri and reach Kurseong, and from here you can continue your journey up to Makaibari in a local cab.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Makaibari and Darjeeling is 30 km, and the journey will take you about 1.5 hours. The route includes Darjeeling-Sonada-Ghoom-Kurseong-Makaibari. You can take a jeep from Darjeeling and reach Kurseong, and then, in a local cab, you can reach Makaibari.
You will get to enjoy a delectable blend of Gorkha, Himalayan, Lepcha and Nepali flavours in Makaibari. The locals here mostly prepare their food by collecting ingredients from the adjacent forest areas or their backyard garden, giving the food a fresh and earthy taste. Some of the recommended dishes that you can try out here include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Aloo Dum, Momo, Thukpa, Sel Roti, Gundruk, Sinki and Tingba. You can try out the following activities here
Homestay experience
You can get a hands-on experience in the warm hospitality of the Lepcha, Rai and Gorkha communities by staying at the rustic homestays situated inside the Makaibari tea estate. You will get to enjoy their traditional flavourful Himalayan cuisines and learn their daily way of life and their traditional way of farming.
Traditional Dance and Music
You can witness traditional dances such as Maruni and Tamang Selo performed by the locals residing here at the time of their community gatherings. The villagers also arrange cultural programs here for the guests, where you can listen to their soulful tunes performed using different types of instruments such as bansuri and madal.
Local Festivals
You can be a part of their vibrant festivals, which they celebrate with colourful decorations, soulful prayers, hearty feasts and cheerful dances. Their important festivals include Tihar, Losar and Maghe Sankranti.
Authentic Tea Experience
You can take a walk around the lush tea garden and interact with the hardworking tea pluckers to learn more about their traditional techniques of tea leaf plucking. You can also ask them about the age-old technique of tea processing to quench your curiosity related to tea processing. You will also get to listen to their stories, which have been passed down between them for generations.
Makaibari has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from stunning hillside retreats and pastoral homestays. The homestays here are run mostly by the tea garden workers and are ideal for budget travellers who are interested in cultural immersion. These homestays are situated in the villages inside this tea estate, such as Ghoomti, Pussimbing and Thapathali. You will also get an option of luxury bungalows and heritage retreats, and can enjoy features such as vintage interiors, private verandas and exclusive tea-tasting sessions.
It felt like living inside a postcard during my stay at a beautiful tea estate homestay in Makaibari with colonial-era charm and warm hosts who offered warm hospitality to me, along with lip-smacking meals. I woke up to misty tea garden scenery every day and enjoyed having warm and hearty chats with the hosts, along with a hot cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Stay | Makaibari Tea Estate Homestay | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 | tea estate views, colonial charm | heritage seekers, tea lovers |
| Budget Homestay | Homestays in nearby Kurseong village | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | simple rooms, local food | solo travellers |
| Eco-Stay | Makaibari Eco-Village | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | tea tours, nature walks, sustainable stays | eco-travellers, nature lovers |
| Mid-range Lodge | Cochrane Place Hotel (nearby) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | mountain views, heritage decor, comfortable rooms | families |
| Luxury Retreat | Nearby tea bungalow retreats | ₹5,500+ | gourmet meals, privacy, tea experience | luxury seekers |
Homestays
You can enjoy a cosy, tea-estate experience in the homestays of Makaibari. Some of the popular homestays of Makaibari are mentioned below-
Hotels
Although you can find mostly homestays in Makaibari as it is a working tea estae, you can find some hotel options nearby such as-
Makaibari is an ideal destination to experience world-class tea in a tranquil ambience. It is an ideal blend of heritage, relaxation and nature where you can sip fresh Darjeeling tea and walk around the lush tea plantation while immersing in the stunning view of the Himalayas.
Where is Makaibari located?
Makaibari is situated in Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
What is Makaibari known for?
Makaibari is known for premium quality Darjeeling tea, as it is the home to one of the oldest organic tea gardens in the world.
Is it allowed to visit the tea estate?
Yes, you can enjoy guided tours in Makaibari and taste fresh brews along with witnessing the processing and plucking of the tea leaves.
Can I find good accomodations near Makaibari?
Yes, you can find some decent stay options in and around Makaibari, such as local homestays or heritage bungalows.
When is the best time for a trip to Makaibari?
March to June and September to November are the best times for clear views and pleasant weather.
How can I reach Makaibari?
You can easily reach Makaibari from Kurseiong, which is at a distance of 3 km or from Siliguri or Darjeeling.
Is it possible to directly buy tea from the tea estate?
Yes, you can buy fresh tea from the outlet of estate
Can I enjoy family trips in Makaibari?
Yes, Makaibari is safe for people of all ages, along with being scenic and peaceful.