Castleton Tea Estate, Tea garden in Darjeeling district, India.
Castleton Tea Estate is a tea garden spread across mountain slopes in Darjeeling district, India, covering land at multiple elevations. The plantation produces black, green, white, and Muscatel varieties from Chinese tea plant cultivars grown across its sections.
Dr. Charles Graham established the garden in 1885 under the name Kumseri, and it was later renamed Castleton after Bank Ghar, a building with a castle-like appearance. This transformation marked its growth into one of the region's established tea gardens.
Section names like Bhalu Khop, meaning bear cave, and Dhobitar, meaning washerman's cloth line, reflect how local communities describe their landscape. These names reveal the geography and daily life that shaped the way people think about this land.
The estate is situated at multiple elevations across sloped terrain, which means exploring the site involves considerable walking over uneven ground. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions typical of mountain regions.
The plantation's sections are identified by names rather than numbers, with areas such as Jim Basha and Baseri representing different production zones. This naming approach reflects a long-standing tradition that connects the land to its people and history.
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