Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the most famous place for tea plantation in India. Efforts of the Indian government and tea-estate owners give global fame to Indian Tea Tourism. Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate is one of the most famous attractions in Darjeeling.
Let’s explore it below-

Facts of Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate

1. First tea estate of Darjeeling tea plantation.
2. First commercial tea estate to raise composite plant nursery in North East India.
3. The first garden in Darjeeling to use pruning machine.
4. The best garden hospital in Darjeeling.

Introduction

Among many tea estates, Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate is the oldest tea estate in Darjeeling. It was planted in 1852 when the British were ruling India. This beautiful tea estate is located in the northern district of Darjeeling hills. It has three famous destinations adjoined to its border. Sikkim is situated in the north edge, in the south, there is another beautiful tea estate known as Badamtam Tea Estate, and Barnesber Tea Estate is at the west. This most significant and oldest tea estate is spread over nearly 6 miles in the north-east side of the town and stretched over 14 miles. In altitude, it is ranging from 1,500 feet to 6,500 feet. Total are covered by Puttabong tea estate is 436 hectares. Also, the area is divided into five different sections, and the altitude of premium Darjeeling teas is between 600 meters (1,968.5 feet) to 2,300 meters (7,545.9 feet).

What make it beautiful?

This is the most popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Thousands of tourists visit the place every year to enjoy the sheer experience of tea tourism. The river Rangeet flows through the part of Puttabong tea estate that enriches its diversity. This tea tourism showcases the captivating nature’s beauty with the acres of lush and green tea forest, splendid view of sunset and sunrise, rivers and streams, and precious wildlife with diversified flora and fauna.

Tea Production

Presently, this tea estate is owned by the Jayashree Tea Group Company. They have approximately 1,500 employees that produce 250 tons of tea per year. There are two main products obtained by Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate. One is Puttabong Supreme, and the other is Puttabong Clonal Queen. Along with these, green and black tea is cultivated mostly out of china and clonal bushes. This highest tea elevation garden set the record in 1992 by selling tea fetching at a lump sum price of Rs 10,001 per kg.

What to visit here?

Management of the tea estate always shows a welcoming gesture to visitors. Also, they have a well-conducted lodging facility for tourists. Here you can take a tour of this estate, tea factory, take a walk through tea fields. Also, you can enjoy tea tasting with the guide having a vast knowledge of tea plantations, tea factories, etc. It is a trendy and sophisticated location to visit with delicious food and impeccable service.

Activities in and around Puttabong (Tukavar) Tea Estate

1. You can watch tea plucking with the staff.
2. Visit worker’s homes, have a cup of tea, and talk to the residents.
3. Experience the nearest look at tea processing in the factory.
4. A guided trekking through the estate.
5. Witness the fantastic sunrise and sunset.
6. Also, you can visit the nearby library with a good collection of books.
7. Few nearby gardens have provisions for golf, badminton, and tennis.
8. Training sessions and individual classes for student’s educational tours.
9. High and low altitude treks with local guides.

Location:

Puttabong (Tukavar) Tea Estate, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India.

How to reach?

To visit Puttabong (Tukavar) Tea Estate, there are 2 ways to reach Darjeeling-

1. By air up to Bagdogra Airport

Bagdogra is the nearest airport that connects all major cities in India to Darjeeling by air. There are regular flights to and from major cities of India, as well as a few international flights between limited countries, such as Thailand and Bhutan.

From	To	Duration (Hours)	Fare (INR)	No. of flights available per week
Delhi	Bagdogra	1.55	3,300 - 11,000	223
Mumbai	Bagdogra	2.4	4,400 - 13,000	7
Kolkata (CCU)	Bagdogra	1	1,800 - 12,000	109

From Bagdogra airport you will have to hire a taxi or have to rent a car and drive on your own to reach Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate.

From	To	Mode of Transport	Distance	Duration	Fare
Bagdogra	Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate	Taxi	55 miles	1h 30m	INR 3,600 - INR 4,400
(Optional) Bagdogra	Darjeeling	Taxi	43 miles	1hour	INR 2,900 - INR 3,600
Darjeeling	Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate	Taxi	10.8 miles	25 min	INR 750 - INR 950
		Walk	5.9 miles	1h 45m	-

2. By Train to Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the nearest railway station from Puttabong (Tukvar) Tea Estate but there is only one train per week. So, you can reach Darjeeling or Puttabong (Tukvar) tea estate from New Jalpaiguri station (2nd nearest railway station) by taxi or rented vehicle. All the major cities in India are connected with New Jalpaiguri station.

From	To	Mode of Transport	Duration (Hours)	Distance (Miles)	Fare (INR)	Total no. of trains per week
Kolkata	New Jalpaiguri	Train	9.5	-	280 - 310	27
New Jalpaiguri	Darjeeling	Train	7.5	-	90 - 100	1 (Wednesday)
	Puttabong (tukvar) tea estate	Taxi	1.3	57.1	3,600 - 4,400	-

Visiting time:

•  Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Along with the national and international tourists, this tea estate is heaven for Indian birds too. Here early morning, you will wake by birds chipping and can enjoy a special Darjeeling’s cup of tea. So, do visit here and enjoy this heavenly experience!

More Popular Attractions to Visit in Darjeeling:

Ghum Monastery    Himalayan Mountaineering Institute    Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center    Tiger Hill