Gopaldhara scenic tea walks and tours
Here’s a comprehensive look at Gopal Dhara (Gopaldhara) Tea Estate and popular homestays around it:
🌱 Gopal Dhara Tea Estate
- Located in Mirik subdivision of Darjeeling district (elevation 5,500–7,000 ft), covering around 320 ha, of which ~172 ha is under tea cultivation
- Founded in 1881, originally owned by “Gopal,” with ‘dhara’ meaning “stream.” It’s part of Sona Tea Group, producing high-quality Darjeeling teas — black, green, white, oolong, and specialty blends
- Ideal for visitors who want a closer look at tea farming, plantation life, and mountain vistas.
🏡 Homestay Options Near Gopal Dhara
| Homestay | Highlights | Price & Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Makhamali Homestay | 5/5 rating (22 reviews); 360° views, “mind‑blowing hospitality” | ₹1,500–1,600/night. Call +91 96762 45299 . |
| Shamindra Homestay | 4 rooms, geyser + western toilets, managed by Diwash Gurung . | ~₹1,500/night via FusionStays. |
| Hangkhim Homestay | Popular (Top Pick on Homestaying), 5 rooms, in‑house tea stall, near Nakhapani Lake . Prices ~₹1,400/night. | | |
| Tawangkhim Homestay Restaurant | Avg. 4.7⭐ (22 reviews); co-operative host, beautiful rooms and food . | Contact +91 75869 80047. |
| Rock Valley Homestay (Tabakoshi) | Located a few kms away; Himalayan views, tea‑estate tours, warm hospitality . Contact: +91 79801 13581. | |
FusionStays lists other cottages/huts like “Tea‑Garden Facing Homestay” and “Cozy Cottage Huts” from ₹1,400–1,800/night with amenities like geysers, western toilets, and scenic views
🌄 Activities & Attractions
- Guided tea-estate tours: plucking, processing, tasting — excellent for tea lovers
- Nature walks: misty trails through tea bushes, viewpoints like Nakhapani Lake & Tabakoshi
- Nearby spots: Mirik Lake, Dudhia picnic spot, Ramitey Dandra viewpoint for sunrise/sunset and Himalayan panoramas
🎒 Travel Tips
- Best to visit November–February for clear skies and winter scenery .
- From Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP): ~55–62 km to Gopal Dhara by shared cab or taxi; allow 2–3 hours
- Darjeeling tea aficionados recommend Gopal Dhara alongside Happy Valley and Makaibari for GI-status teas
✅ Summary
- Gopal Dhara Tea Estate is a scenic, historic Darjeeling plantation high in the hills.
- Choose Makhamali or Tawangkhim for stellar reviews and hospitality. Shamindra and Hangkhim offer convenience and value. Rock Valley is ideal if you prefer a bit more space with similar charm.
- All homestays provide essential comforts (geyser, western toilet) and easy access to tea gardens, local cuisine, and Himalayan vistas.
Here are some practical transport tips to reach Gopal Dhara Tea Estate and Homestays near Tabakoshi, Darjeeling:
🚉 Nearest Railway Station
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – ~62 km away
- Well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Bangalore.
- From NJP to Gopal Dhara: Takes around 2.5–3.5 hours by car/cab depending on traffic and weather. – Book your car from DBS Travels (siliguritravels.com) – call – 9434086128 / 9933435779
✈️ Nearest Airport
- Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – ~55 km away
- Direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Guwahati, etc.
- From Bagdogra to Gopal Dhara: 2.5 hours by car
🚖 Travel Options from NJP/Bagdogra
| Option | Details | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Private Cab | Most comfortable, door-to-door service to your homestay | ₹2,500–₹3,200 |
| 🚕 Prepaid Taxi (Airport/Railway) | Fixed-rate counters available | ₹2,200–₹2,800 |
| 🚙 Reserve Shared Jeep | Available at Siliguri Junction or Darjeeling More | ₹400–₹600 per person |
| 🛺 Public Transport + Pickup | Siliguri ➜ Mirik by bus/shared jeep ➜ Tabakoshi by local cab | Cheapest but slow & less frequent |
| 🧳 Homestay Pickup | Some homestays offer direct pickup if booked in advance | ₹2,500–₹3,000 depending on location |
✅ Tip: If you’re going for a homestay in Tabakoshi, ask if they can arrange pickup from Mirik or Dudhia, which are much closer.
🗺️ Suggested Route by Car
NJP/Bagdogra ➜ Matigara ➜ Dudhia ➜ Mirik ➜ Gopal Dhara
- Scenic drive through tea gardens, river valleys, and pine forests.
- Roads are narrow in stretches, but paved and safe with proper weather.
- Avoid traveling late at night due to fog and limited street lighting in hills.
📞 Local Taxi Contacts (Optional)
- DBS TRAVELS – 9434086128 / 9933435779 )
- Or local drivers in Mirik bazaar area are happy to guide tourists.