Set in the heart of Darjeeling tea country, Glenburn Tea Estate is a sanctuary from the hussle and bustle of India unlike any other. 1500 acres of hill side tea plantations are disected by two rivers, the main house looks over the spectacular valley with Kanchenjunga’s mountainous peaks as the backdrop. It was the Estate Manager’s private residence until Husna Tara Prakash took over and transformed the place into one of India’s most beautiful boutique hotels. They have just a handful of individually decorated rooms so the atmosphere is very intimate, guests sit down together in the lovely dinning room to eat delicious, home cooked Indian food.

The tour of the Estate is led by their enthusiastic Manager whose innovative techniques have brought Glenburn international recognition as a producer of one of the finest Darjeeling teas. Leaves are hand-picked and sorted before being dried, fermented and oxidized in the traditional manner. The tour is intriguing and fascinating, the process is clearly explained before entering the tasting room where a dozen or more teas await judgement. There is a wonderful ceremony to tea tasting involving strict rituals which must be adhered to to give each tea a fair chance, even the brewing cups are regulated. Fortunately the results are all delicious – the second flush scored top marks and we are now completely hooked! To buy tea click here, to visit Glenburn as part of an itinerary to the north east of India contact India Beat.