Perched on the mist-laced slopes of Kurseong in Darjeeling, Makaibari is not just a tea estate—it is a legend. Established in 1852, it holds the distinction of being home to the world’s first tea factory (built in 1859) and one of the oldest family-owned estates in India. Spanning across lush ridges and ancient forests, Makaibari pioneered organic and biodynamic tea cultivation long before it became a global movement. Its teas, especially the iconic second flush, are celebrated worldwide for their muscatel richness and layered complexity.But Makaibari’s story goes beyond the cup. Under the stewardship of visionary planter Rajah Banerjee, it evolved into a living ecosystem where nature, people, and tea coexist in harmony. With over half the estate preserved as untouched rainforest and deep-rooted ties to the surrounding communities, Makaibari is as much about sustainability and soul as it is about exquisite tea. Today, its legacy continues under the Luxmi Group—crafting teas that carry the taste of the mountains and the spirit of something greater.
