Makaibari Tea Garden, Kurseong

This Makaibari tea estate is of a different class and is one of the pioneers of the region. Visitors here have the choice to stay at the heritage Stone Lodge or they can stay in any of the 15 - 25 cottages / houses of tea - garden workers close to nature and the community. In Makaibari, all activities are managed by locals and they are running the show for the last 10n years with good reputation. Rivers & streams, gushing and gurgling and diversified flora and the fauna are all reasons to visit these nice destinations. The revenues from tourists go to the villagers. Options range from visiting the tea-factory, horse-riding and bird-watching. It is home to many of the Indian birds and a delight for people who like to get up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds. In addition, they can also get a feel of a restored Darjeeling Himalayan Railway engine. All these tea - estates are on motor able roads linking all the major tourist destinations of the region. Tea tourism or home stay both the options are available here. Ideally created for students and bag packers to stay at comparatively low cost and enjoy the stay. This is run by a group of young people with enthusiasm. Short treks, sightseeing, Tea processing, tea tasting, tea garden trek, etc are all organized by them. 7 to 15 days course on tea is done by us with their participation. Other places of interest nearby are Religious sites like The Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir, Jagdish Mandir on Bank Road (on way to the Eagle's Craig), This temple has very old idols (almost 300 years old) of Lord Jagannath, St. Paulseak Church on Hill Cart Road, near St. Joshephs School, Buddhist Gompa in Montieviot, Buddhist Gompa in Dowhill Road and Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar. Some of the natural sites to visit are Eagle's Craig, Deer Park - Now known as DowHill Park, The Kholas (Water Falls - Springs) like Whistle Khola (named by the Britishers, as there is a bend and the toy train whistles when passing through it.