Glenburn Tea Estate

Set high in the Himalayan foothills above the banks of the River Rungeet, Glenburn Tea Estate is one of India’s most charming plantation stays, where life moves to the quiet rhythm of tea gardens, mountain air, and old-world hospitality. Spread across 1,600 acres, including 600 acres of working tea plantations and 1,000 acres of forest, Glenburn feels more like an elegant private estate than a conventional hotel. With views stretching towards the Kanchenjunga range, the property offers a slower, gentler side of Darjeeling rooted in nature, heritage, and community.

Originally established by a Scottish tea company in 1859 and later taken over by the Prakash family, Glenburn remains deeply connected to its tea-growing legacy. The estate features just eight suites spread across two colonial-style bungalows — The Burra Bungalow and The Water Lily Bungalow — both filled with antique furniture, fireplaces, verandahs, libraries, and personal touches that make the stay feel warm and intimate rather than formal.

The Burra Bungalow, once home to generations of tea planters, remains the heart of the estate with its sweeping verandahs, cosy living room, and candlelit dining spaces. The Water Lily Bungalow sits dramatically on the edge of the Glenburn spur, offering uninterrupted mountain views, private balconies, antique bathtubs, and bay windows overlooking the hills. Every suite carries its own personality and charm, blending colonial-era elegance with the comfort of a lived-in family home.

Here, there are no fixed menus or buffets. Meals are thoughtfully curated according to guest preferences and what is fresh from the kitchen gardens. From local Himalayan flavours and traditional Indian dishes to Burmese Khow Suey, Tibetan momos, homemade marmalades, breads, cakes, and teas, every meal feels slow, comforting, and made with care. Picnics by the river, tea served in the middle of tea fields, barbecues under the stars, and candlelit dinners bring an intimate charm to the experience.

Experiences at Glenburn revolve around tea, nature, and the surrounding mountains. Guests can take tea estate tours, tea tasting sessions, guided hikes through forests and villages, cycling trails, fishing excursions, cookery classes, and day trips to Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Even simple moments — sitting with a book on the verandah, watching the mist roll over the hills, or sipping tea beside the gardens — become part of the experience here.

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Address:

Near Singritan, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, India

Price Range Per Night:

Starting from approximately ₹35,000 per night for two guests, all inclusive.

Closest Airport & How To Reach:

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station are both approximately 75 km away, around a three-hour drive from the estate. Private transfers can be arranged.

Best Time To Visit:

Open throughout the year. September to March offers cool weather ideal for hiking and mountain views, while tea production season runs from late February to November, covering the First Flush, Second Flush, Monsoon, and Autumn Flush tea harvests.

Reservations:

Phone: +91 98 300 70213Email: info@glenburnteaestate.com

Website: https://www.glenburnteaestate.com/