Resort and Hotel Developers Submit Proposals to Expand Tea Tourism in Northwest India

Hear the Headlines | Episode 108

The West Bengal Government is Evaluating 16 Projects Valued at $170 Million.

In 2019 the government of West Bengal eased restrictions for hotel and resort development on tea estates.

The projects, if approved, would create 4,571 jobs. A screening committee evaluates plans submitted by ten tea estates at lower elevations in the Terai and Dooars, near Siliguri, with two near Darjeeling.

In December 2020, Taj Hotels opened the Taj Chia Kutir, a thriving top-tier resort on the grounds of the Makaibari Tea Estate, after Luxmi Group acquired the fabled garden. Nightly rates start at Rs 32,000 ($387 to $1295 per night).

Indian Hotels Company Ltd. manages the property, one of 90 Taj hospitality destinations in 15 countries, part of a portfolio of 250 IHCL hotels in 107 locations.

The proposed 36-room Riviera Lords Resort on two acres along the Mahananda and Teesta Rivers in Siliguri is more typical. The resort is scheduled to open in October 2023 and includes banquet space for weddings, a restaurant, a bar, an infinity pool, and a games room.

Luxmi managing director Rudra Chatterjee told The Telegraph, that “there are good prospects for a hotel” on the Chandmani Tea Estate and a third 60-room hotel on 50 acres in Kalimpong on the Upper Fagu Tea Estate.

Upper Fagu managing director Joydeep Majumder confirmed that a few medium-sized hospitality chains are interested in developing the property.

Demand is increasing with high occupancy rates through the winter season, making it “one of the best in a long time,” according to Samir Singhal, secretary of the Darjeeling Hotel Owners’ Association. There are 370 hotels in the Darjeeling hills and more than 100 homestay locations.

West Bengal permits tea gardens to convert 15% of their land for tourism up to 150 acres. The cabinet has approved two of the 16 proposals, with ten others recommended by the screening committee. However, only two projects are located on the 87 tea gardens that comprise the Darjeeling Geographical Indication.

The Indian Tea Association supports tea tourism, says ITA Secretary General Arijit Raha. However, he told the Telegraph, “The tea industry has not been doing well for some time. The government’s decision to allow owners to explore other revenue streams is critical for sustaining financial viability.”?

Taj Chia Kutir