A Trip To The Tea Gardens In Dooars

Tea tourism is still in its nascent stage. Presently, three tea estates have been let out for tourists, namely Zurran, Phaskowa, and Fagu Tea Estate.

• Zurran Tea Estate

This is a heritage tea estate of the British era. A two-hour’s drive from Siliguri along the River Teesta, the Zurran Tea Estate homes a luxury British bungalow, which is more than a century old. This estate is located in the Chalsa region of Dooars in North Bengal near the foothill of the Eastern Himalayan range. It is situated between River Neora and River Murti. Apart from offering the regular activities of tea tourism, Zurran also presents itself as a great location for bird watching.

Species like Maroon Oriole, Short-billed Minivets, Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Grey Nightjars, and more, can be seen here. Tourists can also opt for a jungle safari to the nearby Gorumara National Park, which is just a 30-minute’s drive from the estate. If you are in Zurran, you could also arrange a visit to the Chuk Chuki, Medhla, Jatraprasad, and Khunia watchtowers. What’s more, you can also visit places like Samsing, Jhalong, Bindu, and Suntaleykhola from here. You can even play tennis at the Chalsa club or take a stroll to the nearby Neora View Point.

• Phaskowa Tea Estate

A four-hour’s drive from Siliguri through NH31, this 650 acres of tea marvel covers the Buxa Tiger Reserve and the River Raidak. Like Zurran, this estate, too, contains a colonial-era bungalow smeared with the memories of the British Raj. Phaskowa especially attracts trekking enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Built by the Duncan Brothers (a British tea company) in the year 1897, the estate is presently owned by the Chamarias. This tea estate separates India from Bhutan and is a bird watcher’s heaven as well.

Phaskowa is a natural habitat for Asiatic Elephants. Their frequent appearances are not at all a surprise. If you are lucky, you can also see a leopard or Royal Bengal tiger from Buxa. The tea estate is also a favourite destination for those who visit Dooars with the hope of spotting a one-horned rhino. The Jaldapara and Gorumara National Park are nearby and so is the Rasikbill Bird Sanctuary. Phaskowa lies in the vicinity of the Rajabhatkhawa Museum as well.