Spread over a vast 437 acres, Happy Valley Tea Estate is the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling. Standing tall at an elevation of 6800 feet, the tea estate grows the aromatic Camellia Sinensis bushes of tea. Being one of the finest varieties of tea, it is popularly called the “Champagne of Tea”. This lush green tea land is a destination for nature and tea lovers. Walk across the tea garden and learn more about the cultivation of tea and its processing. The tea estate is surrounded by verdant valleys and foothills of the Himalayas making it a must-visit viewpoint.
Happy Valley Tea Estate History
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Being a heritage of the British colonial, the tea estate has become an intricate part of Darjeeling. Happy Valley Tea Estate was established in 1854 by British planter David Wilson who took over the dense forest area and transformed it into a thriving tea estate. Over the years, it was acquired by a Bengali entrepreneur T.P Banerjee who combined it with the adjoining estate. The tea estate became an integral part of Darjeeling’s tourism besides the high-quality tea.
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Happy Valley Tea Estate Timings And Entry Fees
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The Happy Valley Tea Estate is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday. Visitors can visit the garden from 8 AM to 4 PM. The tea estate is closed from November to February due to severe winters. There are guided tours available from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM to explore and understand the history and cultivation of tea. The tours take you through the process of tea cultivation, tea tasting, and industrial processes. The entry fee is INR 100 for adults and free for children below the age of 12.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: Types Of Tea Available
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The tea estate follows eco-friendly practices for the cultivation of their uniquely flavoured teas. Here are the types of tea you can purchase and enjoy in the garden:
First Flush Tea: These tea leaves of the first harvest season offer a fresh mild flower aroma and golden hue when simmered.
Second Flush Tea: These tea leaves of the send harvest season mature further to develop a characteristic-rich flavour. They have an amber colour and strong flavour imparting a unique taste.
Green Tea: Popular among health-conscious groups, green tea offers a subtle taste compared to black tea. These less oxidised green tea leaves create a slight golden-coloured refreshing concoction.
Oolong Tea: With flavours ranging between black tea and green tea, oolong tea is a favourite for its complex taste. This light yellow-coloured tea has a nutty and fruity taste.
Speciality Tea: A variety of speciality tea with a unique blend of flavours infused are available depending on the season. These exotic flavours are a blend of seasonal spices or fruits and hence are a limited edition.
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Places To Visit Near Happy Valley Tea Estate
Happy Valley Tea Estate is surrounded by multiple top attractions of Darjeeling. Here are some of the best places to visit near Happy Valley Tea Estate:
1. Ghoom Monastery
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Located 5 km from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Ghoom Monastery is the abode of some of the oldest Tibetan Buddhists. The monastery was built in 1850 and houses a 15-foot-high Maitreya Buddha statue called The Future Buddha. It is an educational institute as well and gives a sneak peek into the daily life of monks. The tranquillity of the place surrounded by vibrant flags with prayer written on them attracts visitors to explore the unique architecture of the temple.
Visiting hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: None
2. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
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Located 1 km from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a dedicated centre of conservation. Spread over 68 acres, this zoological park aims at inbreeding endemic Himalayan species like snow leopards, red Pandas and Himalayan wolves. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the one with the largest snow leopard population. Situated on the rocky terrain, this zoo has research centres and is surrounded by captivating views of the Himalayan flora.
Visiting hours: 8: 30 AM to 4:30 PM ( Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays)
Entry fee: INR 100 (Adults); INR 50 (Children)
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3. Mahakal Temple
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Located 1 km from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Mahakal temple is a revered Hindu temple bringing together the devotees. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, you can reach the top of the temple by steep trekking. The temple is a symbol of peace and harmony wherein both hindus and buddhist pray and seek blessings. The temple is decorated with colourful prayer flags adding to its beauty.The trail to the top has a bustling market area with vendors selling handicrafts and gift items.
Visiting hours: 5 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry fees: None
4. Kartok Lake
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Located 20 km from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Kartok Lake is known for its crystal clear waters and serene ambience. Being a hidden gem in North Sikkim, the lake is ideal for nature lovers. Set amidst the lush green valleys, and hills, the lake offers stunning views of the surroundings. Being an integral part of Kartok’s culture and history, the lake is considered sacred and is a part of many religious activities. You can trek to the lake and experience the beauty of nature’s flora and fauna on the trail.
Visiting hours: All day
Entry fees: None
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5. Tiger Hill
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Located 2 km from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill is a must-visit sunrise viewpoint. Standing at 2590 feet above sea level, the hill offers unparalleled views of Mount Kanchenjunga at the break of dawn. You will witness the first ray of sun hitting the snow-clad peaks of the third-highest peak of the Himalayas. You can reach here by car and then trek along the hill and enjoy the magic of the sunrise. The hill is also the home to Ghoom monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world.
Visiting hours: 4 AM to 6 PM
Entry fees: None
6. Peace Pagoda
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Located 3 km away from Happy Valley Tea Estate, Peace Pagoda is a sacred Buddhist shrine in the hills of Darjeeling. It is a part of the global network of Peace Pagoda established by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk. Established in 1992 the Pea Pagoda aims at promoting harmony and unity of people of all races worldwide. The Peace Pagoda is distinctly adorned with four statues of Lord Buddha marking different phases of his life. With a grand entrance, the gleaming white structure is filled with chants and fragrances of offerings.
Visiting hours: 4:30 AM to 7 PM
Entry fees: None
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Best Time To Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate
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The best time to visit Happy Valley Tea Estate is during the tea plucking season. The tea plucking season continues from May till November. Avoid visiting in the monsoon months from June to August due to higher risks of landslides and increased restrictions on popular tourist places.
From May to June, the temperature ranges from 12 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius with clear skies and breezy days. The first round of tea plucking happens at this time and the garden is a treat to look at. All the workers walking around the lush green hills is a panoramic view for the visitors. From September to October, the temperature ranges from 10 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius.
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With never-ending valleys and hill views, Darjeeling is a dream getaway for everyone. The wild beauty and cosy amenities of the accommodations add to the allure of Darjeeling. If this guide about Happy Valley Tea Estate entices you to spend your evenings sipping freshly picked tea, then here are some of the best packages for a trip to Darjeeling. Surrounded by hills, nature and everything right, Darjeeling will leave you mesmerised.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Happy Valley Tea Estate
How much time is required for a trip to Happy Valley Tea Estate?
Around 2 to 3 hours are sufficient to enjoy the gardens. You can walk around the tea bushes and enjoy the aroma.
What should I know before visiting Happy Valley Tea Estate?
Make sure to adhere to the general rules of the tea garden. Do not pluck any tea leaves without permission or wander in undesignated areas.
Can I buy tea from Happy Valley Tea Estate?
Yes, you can buy a variety of tea from the garden. There are many unique flavours which you can look for and take home as a memory of the trip
Are children allowed in Happy Valley Tea Estate?
Yes, children are welcome in the garden. It is a family-friendly place hence you can explore the tea garden with your young ones.
Are there any accommodations in Happy Valley Tea Estate?
There is no accommodation in or near this place. You can look for some of the best accommodations in other areas of Darjeeling offering top-notch facilities.
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