Gopal Dhara Tea Garden: Aromatic High-Altitude Retreat

Gopal Dhara Tea Garden, located in the Mirik Valley of Darjeeling, is a celebrated tea estate known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling tea. Established in 1881, the garden spans 320 hectares (790 acres), with most of its tea plants thriving at elevations between 5,500 and 7,000 feet. This high altitude provides the ideal combination of moisture and sunlight, allowing the tea leaves to mature slowly and develop a unique aroma. The name 'Gopaldhara' is derived from 'Gopal,' the owner of the lush green paddy fields where tea planting began, and 'dhara,' a local Nepali word for the streams that run through the fields. The estate has changed hands several times since its inception, but it has been managed by the Saria family under the Sona Tea Group since 1953-54. Gopal Dhara Tea Estate offers visitors a serene and immersive experience. You can wander through the verdant tea gardens, breathe in the fragrant air, and observe the skilled workers plucking the tender leaves. Guided tours provide insights into the history of tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques. The estate produces a variety of teas, including Darjeeling First Flush, Second Flush, Green Teas, White Teas, and specialty handcrafted teas. The tasting rooms allow connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to savor the fruits of this labor, indulging in a sensory journey of flavor and aroma. The estate is HACCP certified, ensuring food safety.