Singtom Tea Estate & Resort – A Timeless Darjeeling Tea Escape High in the mist-cloaked hills of the Eastern Himalayas, where emerald-green terraces dip and roll into valleys of drifting cloud, lies Singtom Tea Estate – a place where time has gently slowed since the 1800s. Nestled just six kilometers from Darjeeling town, Singtom isn’t just a destination, it’s a living piece of tea history. Built in 1854, Singtom is the oldest tea estate in the world to offer a heritage stay experience. Here, you don’t just visit a tea estate – you live inside one. Steeped in Legacy Singtom Tea Estate, paired with its twin estate Steinthal, is among the earliest tea gardens planted by the British in Darjeeling. The property retains its colonial-era architecture – thick stone walls, wide fireplaces, antique four-poster beds, and timber-lined lounges. Yet it blends this old-world charm with all the comforts today’s travelers expect. The bungalow, once the residence of the estate manager, has been restored with reverence for history. Period furniture, original artifacts, and British-style verandahs allow you to step back into the 19th century – but with Wi-Fi. Boutique Living in a Tea Garden Unlike crowded resorts or modern hotels, Singtom offers a small number of tastefully curated suites, each distinct in its layout and design. Rooms are spacious, furnished with vintage décor, and open up to panoramic views of the tea garden, valley, and – on clear days – the mighty Kanchenjunga. The estate offers a unique sense of peace and privacy. You’ll wake up to birdsong, sip your morning Darjeeling on a sun-drenched lawn, and watch tea pluckers begin their day’s work – all within a working tea plantation. Each stay at Singtom is personalized. Staff members know your preferences, chefs prepare meals based on your tastes, and nothing is ever hurried. Here, luxury is not loud; it’s thoughtful. The Tea Estate Experience Singtom lets you truly live the tea life. Guests are welcome to: - Walk through the estate’s vast gardens (over 1600 acres) and learn about the cultivation of Darjeeling’s prized tea. - Visit the nearby tea factory where processing is still done with a fine hand. - Enjoy curated tea tastings led by in-house experts – understanding how aroma, color, and flavor vary with each season and flush. - Even join in plucking tea with the workers, dressed in traditional gear – a fun, photogenic experience. Unlike commercialized tours, Singtom’s tea immersion is intimate and authentic, grounded in daily life on the estate. Food & Dining: Meals at Singtom are an event in themselves. The cuisine reflects a blend of local Nepali, Tibetan, Bengali, and colonial Anglo-Indian influences. Organic vegetables and herbs are sourced fresh from the estate’s garden. Breakfasts are hearty – think eggs to order, toast, fruits, and locally made jam. Lunch might feature thukpa or momos one day, and fish curry the next. Dinners are often multi-course affairs, best enjoyed with a pot of fresh tea or a glass of wine in the drawing room. Special dietary needs are happily accommodated, and guests are welcome to dine indoors or al fresco overlooking the hills. Explore or Simply Unwind What you do at Singtom depends entirely on your mood. Active travelers can: - Hike along forested trails to nearby waterfalls. - Visit local monasteries and villages. - Take a short drive into Darjeeling for sightseeing. But many guests choose to simply be. You can sit on the lawn with a book, sketch the misty hills, or nap to the sound of rustling leaves. Evenings are magical – the setting sun casting golden light on Kanchenjunga, fires crackling in the lounge, and conversation drifting lazily over cups of second-flush Darjeeling. Responsible & Sustainable Travel: Singtom operates with deep respect for the land and local community. The estate is committed to sustainable practices like organic composting, minimal plastic use, solar lighting, and fair employment. Local staff and guides are employed, ensuring that tourism benefits the surrounding villages directly. Guests are encouraged to learn about the estate’s eco-projects or participate in cultural exchanges with nearby schools and community groups. Getting There: Singtom is one of the most accessible tea bungalows in the region – only 20 minutes from Darjeeling town and roughly 3–4 hours from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Pickup services in SUVs or vintage jeeps are available, or guests can reach by private car. The final approach road winds through forests and gardens, preparing you for the immersion ahead.