Why we like it
- A 150 year old plantation house, situated on a small hilltop in a valley above the River Rungeet and close to Darjeeling
- Working tea estate with magnificent views
- Surrounded by 1000 acres of private forest
- Abundance of activities ranging from walks to guided tours of the tea estate and factory
- Ideal for families with older children who want to escape to a retreat in the mountains but with plenty to do
About Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Started by a Scottish tea company in 1860, Glenburn has now passed into the hands of one of India's pioneering tea planting families. The Prakashes, who have over the years come to be known as the Chaiwala family which literally means tea planters. Today, the third and fourth generation Prakash family, carry almost a century of tea knowledge in their inheritance, and invite you to visit Glenburn. This heavenly little plantation retreat lies above the banks of the River Rungeet, deep in the Himalaya and is overlooked by the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga. Home to generations of tea planters, it remains today a working tea estate.
The bungalow has been lovingly restored with much devotion, care and commitment, whilst retaining the style of a colonial planter's bungalow. The four bedrooms in the original bungalow have been charmingly decorated with different themes and are spacious, warm and cosy. Each being on the ground floor has a private sit out opening onto a verandah or garden. The four bedrooms in the new Water Lily Bungalow have views from heaven and are stunning - fresh, light, large and beautifully furnished with local floral themes. They are traditional yet have contemporary twists and are deliciously comfortable and private.
The main bungalow has a wonderful, long verandah with comfortable chairs running across the front of it. One may also eat out on the verandah. Inside is a very cosy, 'English-style' sitting room and dining room where everyone eats the most delicious, fresh food - a perfect balance of Indian, Oriental and Western. There is also a small pavilion down in the garden which is a lovely place for lunch, tea or dinner.
The full time, resident guide / naturalist is on hand for all outdoor activities. There is a multitude of bird life, butterflies, and other fauna and flora to enjoy. A number of hikes are on offer, ranging from gentle to difficult, and from a short afternoon wander through a local village to a longer, full day trek along the rocky river bed of the River Rung Dung.