Puttabong Tea Estate, also known as Tukvar Tea Estate, is a beautiful tea plantation nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Planted in 1852, Puttabong Tea Estate is the first tea estate in the history of Darjeeling Tea Plantations. Besides being a tea garden, it is also a tourist attraction with decent lodging facilities.
Demographics of Puttabong Tea Estate
According to 2001 India census, the Estate had a population of 1633 of which the males were 49% and females were 51%. In Puttabong Tea Estate, 8% of the population was under 6 years of age. As per the report of same year, the estate had an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy was 84% and female literacy was 66%.
Attractions of Puttabong Tea Estate
The plantation mainly has Clonal and Chinese bushes. This huge garden stretches across an area of about 22 kilometers ranging from 1500 feet to 6500 feet in altitude. Rivers and streams welcome the tourists when they visit this picturesque place. The products of the Puttabong Tea Estate are named as Puttabong Supreme and Puttabong Clonal Queen. They also provide accommodation ensuring closeness to tea gardens while at the same time giving them much required privacy and quiet time that they may need while on holiday.
The tea estate is rich in flora and fauna. Tourists can enjoy its lush greenery accompanied with serene environment. It is a haven for Indian birds and a delight for the nature lovers. The garden covers over 22 kms ending at the little but scenic Rungeet River. Puttabong is planted with Chinese bushes and Clonal tea reserve especially developed to meet the agro climatic conditions of the region. One can also enjoy a hike in the nearby places through the garden and can explore the tribal settlements. Puttabong Tea Estate is ideally located and has approachable road from all the major tourist destinations of the region.
Puttabong Tea Estate is the first tea estate to fetch the world record price of Rs 10,001 per Kg for its Antique Tea in 1992. It was also the first to receive ISO 9002 certificate in Manufacturing, Plantation and Marketing.
