Darjeeling, also known as the “Queen of Hills”, is a famous tourist destination in India known as the most prominent tea-producing place all over India. Darjeeling Tea is world renowned for its finest and aromatic tea. The tea estates in Darjeeling still use traditional methods to produce premium tea. You can find many tea estates in Darjeeling, and among the premium tea estates on the list is Gopaldhara Tea Estate. Nestled in the lush green valleys of Darjeeling, the Tea Estate Darjeeling is a paradise for tea lovers. One of the premium tea estates in Darjeeling where you can take a sip of premium tea while enjoying the scenic vistas of the Darjeeling district.
Gopaldhara Tea Estate: History
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The Gopaldhara Tea Estate in Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 7000 feet and is considered one of the elevated tea estates in the Darjeeling district. The Estate has been producing premium-quality tea for centuries. In 1881, a local named Gopal owned the estate. In that year, Tappu and Tara Sahib developed the tea plantation.
This Tea Estate covers 790 acres. In 1920, Tappu and Tara Sahib decided to sell the tea plantation to Kingsley; later, in 1947, it was sold to Moolji Sikka and Company. After a few years, ownership was transferred to Dalchand Saria.
Also Read: Tourist Places In Darjeeling
Places To Visit In Darjeeling
Darjeeling has been a favourite tourist destination for decades due to its snow-capped mountains, verdant hills, and stunning Buddhist monasteries. Here is a list of places you should visit on your Darjeeling trip.
1. Dali Monastery
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Perched on the verdant valleys of Darjeeling, the Dali Monastery is a famous Buddhist Monastery that attracts tourists for its captivating architecture. The Dali Monastery, also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, preserves the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhists. TKyabje Thuksey Rinpoche founded this Buddhist architectural marvel that provides a pristine atmosphere for visitors. The Dali Monastery has Tibetan chortens and prayer wheels that create a spiritual environment for the visitors. Once you enter the monastery, the interiors exhibit Buddhist deities and religious stories, a spectacle for the visitor’s eyes. The monastery’s main prayer hall has a 5-metre-high statue of Avalokiteshvara, who embodies compassion and mercy.
Distance from Gopaldhara Tea Estate: 41.2 kilometres
Timings: 7:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free entry
2. Ghoom Monastery
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Situated at an altitude of 8000 feet, the Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. This is a must-visit attraction on your trip to Darjeeling as it offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. The Ghoom Monastery, also known as the YigaChoeling, was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. Ghoom Monastery’s main highlight is the 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, made with clay imported from Tibet, which you can find in the centre hall of the monastery. Besides this, you can observe Tibetan Buddhists with images of Bodhisattvas depicting Buddhist philosophy. If you climb the hilltop above Ghoom monastery, you can discover a Ma Kali temple where devotees worship on the full moon day of the Tibetan calendar.
Distance from Gopaldhara Tea Estate: 38.6 kilometres
Timings: 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Related Post: Darjeeling In Winter
3. Batasia Loop
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A visit to Batasia Loop on your trip to Darjeeling is a must. The Batasia Loop is situated in Ghoom, 5 kilometres from Darjeeling, the loop was created to ease travel in the terrains of Darjeeling and now this is the most popular scenic train path of Darjeeling that attracts tourists from different countries. The Batasia Loop is swirled up in the lush green valleys of Darjeeling. The Batasia loops provide an enchanting view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Besides the Batasia Loop, tourists can explore the evergreen Eco Garden of Batasia and the War Memorial that pays tribute to the deceased Gprkha Soldiers.
Distance from Gopaldhara Tea Estate: 39.7 kilometres
Timings: 5:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Rs 15
4. Padmaja Naidu National Park
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Situated at 7000 feet, this zoological park is considered the largest high-altitude zoo in India. The Padmaja Naidu National Park was established in 1958 and was named after Padmaja Naidu, the former Governor of West Bengal. The Padmaja Naidu National Park is a must-visit on your Darjeeling trip as you can find various animals such as Asiatic Black Bears, barking deer, leopards, blue and yellow Macaws, Himalayan Wolf, Royal Bengal Tigers along with endangered animals like Red Panda and Snow leopards. The National Park has successful breeding programs for snow leopards and endangered animals like snow leopards and Red Panda.
Distance from Gopaldhara Tea Estate: 46.4 kilometres
Timings: Summers- 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.; Winters: 8:30 A.M.-4:00 P.M, closed- Thursday
Entry Fee: Rs 20 (for Indians and SAARC country residents), Rs 50 (for foreigners), Rs 10 (Camera)
Related Post: Places To Stay In Darjeeling
5. Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
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Perched on the picturesque Jalapahar Hills in Darjeeling, the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda displays the four avatars of Buddha. This might be the most fascinating tourist attraction in all of Darjeeling. Apart from its pristine environment, you can witness the majestic snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. The establishment of the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda was under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, and Dr M Ohko, a famous architect from Japan, designed the layout of the Pagoda. This is one of the largest pagodas in Darjeeling, standing at 28.5 metres and guarded by two life-like structure lions. As you step inside the Pagoda, you can find the four avatars of Buddha carved in the walls in golden colour.
Distance from Gopaldhara Tea Estate: 42.1 kilometres
Timings: 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Prayer Timings: 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry Fee
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The Gopaldhara Tea Estate offers a mesmerising experience to visitors, with panoramic views and premium tea flavours. The Tea Estate is a must-visit destination on your trip to Darjeeling. So consider the above information and places to explore nearer to create a memorable experience with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gopaldhara Tea Estate
Where is Gopaldhara Tea Estate located?
The Gopaldhara Tea Estate is located in the Mirik CD block in the Mirik district of Darjeeling, India
What are the Entry Fees and timings of Gopaldhara Tea Estate?
The Gopaldhara Tea Estate entry fee is zero as tourists are allowed to explore the beautiful tea estate in Mirik, Darjeeling for free. Talking about the timings the visitors can explore the Tea Estate during the day.
How to reach Gopaldhara Tea Estate?
The Gopaldhara Tea Estate known for its premium tea, is located in Mirik which is nearly 40 kilometres from Darjeeling, you can hire car service to reach the Tea Estate.
What is the best time to visit Gopaldhara Tea Estate?
You can visit the Gopaldhara Tea Estate throughout the year, but it is ideal to visit the popular Tea Estate during April as they do their first flush of tea.
What are the different types of Tea that Gopaldhara Tea Estate produces?
The Gopaldhara Tea Estate produces different varieties of Tea such as Darjeeling First Flush Teas, Darjeeling Second Flush Teas, Green Teas, White Teas, Pearl Tea, Silver Tea, Olympic Flame, and many more.
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