Glenburn Tea Estate
Glenburn

Set high in the Himalayas, this charming bungalow overlooks a valley of rolling emerald tea fields and offers striking views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. While staying at this wonderful colonial-style property, there is nothing better than enjoying this scenic view from the verandah or garden surrounded by beautiful clouds, birds and butterflies - with a cup of tea in hand, of course.

Established in 1860, Glenburn Tea Estate was originally home to four generations of tea planters and retains a historical and welcoming atmosphere, which you can immediately sense on arrival. The bungalow is hosted by a delightful lady called Neena who will ensure you are well-cared for and make the most of your stay here.

Choose between 4 suites in the main plantation house, Burra Bungalow (the Kanchenjunga Suite, the Planter’s Suite, the Rose Suite and the Butterfly Room), and settle into your individually-designed room, which comes with a private sit-out terrace and access to the estate’s pretty garden. Or, be tempted by the most recent suites within the Water Lily Bungalow (the Camellia Suite, the Rangeet Suite, the Rung Dung Suite and the Singalilia Suite), where each attractive room offers impressive mountain views and comes with a shared verandah and garden area. For a more rustic experience, we recommend that you stay in the Glenburn Lodge and Campsite, where you can hear the River Rungeet rushing by just outside the log cabin and look out onto spectacular views of the neighbouring forest.

Delicate hand-embroidered bed linen, elegant antique furniture and special ‘Glenburn Therapy by Mountain Valley Springs’ bath products are just some of the treats to be found within each room, and other luxuries can be enjoyed out in the fresh air. Afternoon tea is a must here, as are the cookery classes and massage treatments. We highly recommend you take part in the more active activities on offer at this hotel, including rafting and fishing; our favourite excursion has to be the full day ‘Tea Experience’. Join this tour to be escorted by the friendly staff to a working tea factory along a picturesque walking route and enjoy witnessing the entire tea-making process, before tasting the finished product.

We feel Glenburn is an excellent alternative to a beach stay as this countryside oasis is the ideal place to unwind after a fast-paced tour of India. Also, Darjeeling can be easily reached, either on foot or by road (just an hour's drive away or a half day walk) from here.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson