Puttabong Tea Estate — also known as Tukvar — stands as a living testament to the rich legacy and pioneering spirit of Darjeeling tea cultivation. Established in 1852 by Dr. Campbell, a visionary British planter, it holds the distinction of being the first commercial tea plantation in the Darjeeling hills. Located in the northernmost district of the region, Puttabong shares its borders with Sikkim, while the Rangeet River weaves through a portion of its lush, expansive terrain. With elevations ranging from 2,000 to 6,500 feet, the estate thrives in pristine mountain air and nutrient-rich soils — elements that contribute to the remarkable quality of its teas.Celebrated for its excellence and innovation, Puttabong has earned a number of notable accolades. In 1992, it set a world record when its Antique Tea fetched ₹10,001 per kilogram — the highest price ever at the time. It was also the first commercial garden in Northeast India to establish a composite plant nursery and modern plantation system.Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, Puttabong embraces Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and prioritizes biodiversity conservation. Its efforts toward ecological stewardship, coupled with a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship, have earned it the prestigious ISO 9002:2008 certification for Manufacturing, Plantation, and Marketing. Today, Puttabong continues to produce some of the finest Darjeeling teas — treasured by connoisseurs across the world.
