SELIM HILL TEA BUNGLOW, KURSEONG – 35KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Selim Hill Tea Estate is just 35 kms from Siliguri located at an altitude of 4,500 feet overlooking the lush Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary on one side and the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjungha on the other. The 150 year old Tea Bungalow is tucked into one of the oldest and finest tea estates of Darjeeling, decked with period furniture and the old world charm of a tea planter’s life. Selim Hill Tea Estate was set up by the British planter Mr. Henry in 1800. It is located off the Hill Cart Road towards Darjeeling. Unlike other tea bungalows in this region, accommodation in Selim Hill Tea Bungalow is much affordable. According to locals, the name of the estate is after Selim Saheb, who was an earlier planter at the place, while others believe that the name is after the stunning sailing hills bordering the estate.

Places to see in Selim Hill: The Selim Hill Tea Estate is a bio-dynamic tea garden divided into upper and lower segments across the slopes. You can savor the spectacular views of River Mahananda and Balasun River Valleys and on a clear morning catch a glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjungha over Kurseong town in the distance. You can roam around this beautiful lush tea estate all day accompanied by the distant hoots of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway passing through the Mahananda Forest. The shivering River Teesta meanders down in the valleys below and you stand witness to the mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises over the verdant valleys, hills and forests.

Nearby attractions of  Selim Hill: Within a walk of few minutes, there is the renowned Agony Point of 20th Mile Loop of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways locally called ‘Smritivan Park.’ You can also visit the nearby orphanage of Mother Teresa – ‘Santha Bhawan.’ The nearest railway station of Gayabari of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is a world heritage site is also located nearby. The town of Kurseong is also nearby.

Things to do in Selim Hill: The Selim Hill Tea Bungalow offers a number of activities within its boundaries. There is a badminton outdoor court, table tennis games room and library. The estate is also a good center for studying tea processing. Guests can also try for foot treks and pony treks within the boundary of the estate. You can also opt for several low altitude treks, nature walks and bird watching trips in nearby forests. Other options may include a guided tour of the tea estate with a visit to the nearby tea factory for watching tea processing, tea tasting and tea plucking. A Toy Train ride on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or organizing an outdoor picnic lunch  with cultural shows in the evenings can also be on your cards.

How to reach Selim Hill: Selim Hill is just 35 kilometers from Siliguri on the Darjeeling Hill Cart Road at an altitude of 4500 feet bordering the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Kurseong Division. You can hire a car from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri to reach Selim Hill. You can also board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from New Jalpaiguri and get down at Gayabari Station. Selim Hill is just a walk from the Gayabari Station.

Best time to visit Selim Hill: You can visit Selim Hill anytime of the year. The winters are addictive, the monsoons are lush and the summers are cool here.

Lodging and dining facilities in Selim Hill: The Selim Hill Tea Bungalow has four comfortable Double Bed rooms with attached baths and all modern amenities. If you look straight from the windows of the bungalow, you can view the spectacular sight of the Himalayan ranges and deep gorges. The bungalow is decked with period furniture, a fireplace and a kitchen equipped with garden fresh organic food. There is a separate dining room, a verandah and a lounge. The beautiful Selim Hill Tea Bungalow is our Preferred Property so you can avail discounts if you book it through us. You can also spot numerous strategic view points spread all over the tea estate. You can also taste some awesome dishes at the bungalow, prepared from fresh vegetables grown in the organic garden of the Selim Hill Tea bungalow.