About Makaibari Tea Estate
Makaibari is the oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, established in 1859 — older than the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, older than many of the town's Victorian buildings. The estate has been at the forefront of biodynamic and organic farming in Indian tea for 40 years: no pesticides, no artificial fertilisers, the forest above the plucking rows left intact to maintain the microclimate that gives Makaibari its distinctive flavour. The estate's Silver Tips Imperial (made from first-flush white tea leaves) has sold at auction for ₹99 lakh per kilogram — the highest-priced tea in Indian auction history. The guided walk on the estate covers the factory (withering, rolling, fermentation and drying), the plucking rows on the south-facing slope, the forest above, and the factory gate shop where you can buy directly. The estate is 6km from Kurseong town and the most complete tea estate experience in the district.
Why go to Makaibari Tea Estate
Oldest estate in Darjeeling (1859) — record auction prices
160+ years of continuous tea production. Makaibari's Silver Tips have sold for ₹99 lakh per kg. The estate's combination of age, biodynamic practice and conservation history makes it the most storied address in Indian tea.
Full guided factory tour — the complete production process
The factory visit covers all five stages of orthodox tea production (withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, sorting) with the machines running and the smell of fresh leaf in every room.
How to reach Makaibari Tea Estate from Kurseong
Taxi from Kurseong (10 min, ₹300). The estate road entrance is on the Kurseong–Darjeeling highway. We Care Holidays includes Makaibari on Kurseong and Tinchuley itineraries.
Best time to visit Makaibari Tea Estate
March–November during the active flush seasons. March–April for first flush; May–June for second flush (muscatel); October–November for autumn flush. December–February: off-season, factory not running.
Time of dayMorning (9–11am) when the factory is fully operational.
Things we always tell our guests about Makaibari Tea Estate
- Book the factory tour in advance — tours fill on weekends and during peak flush season.
- Buy at the factory gate — the Silver Tips and the biodynamic first flush are significantly cheaper here than in Darjeeling or Kolkata shops.
- The forest section above the plucking rows is part of the tour — bring shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
Makaibari Tea Estate — your questions answered
Other places in Kurseong
- ViewpointTrekHeritage