Makaibari Tea Estate Tourism
Type of destination: Tea Estate
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
Closed in: Sundays; major national holidays
Makaibari Tea Estate, situated in the hilly town of Kurseong in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India, is a renowned garden known for producing high-quality Darjeeling tea since 1859. It is the world's first tea factory and one of the oldest and most prestigious tea estates in Darjeeling. The estate stands at an elevation of 1,500 metres above sea level and covers approximately 670 hectares, with 270 hectares dedicated to tea. The Makaibari Tea Estate follows biodynamic, organic farming practices, sustaining a diverse ecosystem. It earned the first organic certification for a tea garden and sustains a unique model of 7-tiered mixed agroforestry where tea grows in harmony with the native rainforest. The estate also runs a homestay program allowing visitors to experience the life of a tea garden community firsthand. The estate's factory and lush green plantations attract tourists, and its tea is cherished worldwide for its unique muscatel flavour.
Opening and Closing time of Makaibari Tea Estate
| Monday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Tuesday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Wednesday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Thursday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Friday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Saturday |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Sunday |
Closed |
Disclaimer: It's important to check the most current information before planning your visit, as opening hours can vary and might be subject to change due to special events, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances. A reliable way to confirm the opening hours is to contact the local tourism board, check the official website (if available)
Entry Ticket Pricing for Makaibari Tea Estate
| Adult |
INR 100 |
| Child |
INR 50 |
Disclaimer: Please note that prices are subject to change, cross check required .
Tips when you are visiting to Makaibari Tea Estate
Tip1
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the estate tour.
Tip2
Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as Darjeeling weather can be unpredictable.
Tip3
Try to book a guided tour to learn more about tea processing.
Top 5 Reviews on Makaibari Tea Estate
Basketweaver88
Wrote on 2nd Jan, 2023
Worth a brief stopover to visit this historic tea plantation
Definitely worth a brief stop over, even in December when no tea production is taking place. The guy in the shop is excellent in talking through the background to this plantation and the range of tea..
kalpesha
Wrote on 12th May, 2022
Don't go
There is nothing here. If you want to see the tea estate or the tea making process, reach at some odd time in the morning, but not sure if that still works.
SuchiB
Wrote on 30th Mar, 2021
All you want to know about tea
On the way up to or down from Kurseong, it is a must-visit place. The aroma of tea around is invigorating. The factory tour is quite informative with the guide explaining the complex process of tea ma..
ChandraniN13
Wrote on 5th Nov, 2019
Premium quality Darjeeling tea
If you are looking for taking home some great quality Darjeeling tea from your Darjeeling trip, Makaibari tea estate is a good place. It offers quality teas ranging from ₹99.
ajapetrus
Wrote on 30th Sep, 2019
A living industrial archaeology in tea trade
Quite a number of reviews have appeared earlier and my thanks to those member friends. As frequently referred, it’s the world's first biodynamic estate - the oldest tea plantation - that is more tha..
