Gopaldhara Tea Estate, Tea estate in Darjeeling district, India.
Gopaldhara Tea Estate is a tea garden in Darjeeling spanning 320 hectares at elevations between 5,500 and 7,000 feet, making it one of the highest plantations in the region. The property features steep slopes where tea plants grow across multiple tiers and cover the surrounding hills.
The estate was established in 1881 and takes its name from a local landowner called Gopal who owned paddy fields crossed by streams, with dhara meaning stream in Nepali. This origin connects the place to the landscape and water features that shaped the area.
The estate produces multiple tea varieties including black, green, white, and oolong teas, which reflect the agricultural traditions of the Darjeeling region. Work on the fields follows patterns that have been maintained for generations and shape the local identity.
The estate maintains international safety certifications and sells its teas directly to consumers without intermediaries through an online platform. Visitors should know that the high altitude and steep paths require good physical fitness.
Tea plants at this elevation follow a seven-year pruning cycle, notably longer than the standard five-year cycle in lower regions. This extended maturation time contributes to the distinctive flavor qualities of the teas produced here.
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