Guest reviews Glenburn Tea Estate

by TraveldocMumbai Mumbai

Exemplary service, pristine surroundings

We decided to visit Glenburn for its isolated pristine location, but were also apprehensive about the weather considering that the monsoon season is still not over. You cannot look up Darjeeling, Siliguri, Ghoom on any of the weather websites and get an idea of the weather here since its location is Sim Jhora (identified perhaps only on the YR weather app.) Mountain weather is unpredictable, the closer you get to your travel date the more accurate it is. Rudolph the general manager here at Glenburn assured me on the telephone, do not worry please do visit, the weather will be good, and so it has been so far during our stay. Since he is a local, he has a better understanding of the weather. What is so exclusive about Glenburn? The location is pristine, you are in the midst of mountains and “forests” and with tea plantations on the slopes. Nature at its glorious best. We have seen beautiful large butterflies with wingspan of at least 10 cms. birds, peacocks in the property and a barking deer (on our way in, on the road). Glenburn itself has carefully manicured gardens with colorful flowers. Where to stay : Burra (Old bungalow) or Water Lily Bungalow (New) There are 4 rooms in each of the bungalows and each room is unique. In the Burra Bungalow : Kancheganga and Rose are at the 2 extreme ends and with capacity for 4 and 3 guests, respectively. They also have an annexed “private dining” area. The beds are huge and feel is truly “colonial”. The verandah here is spacious and has adequate comfortable seating. Since the bar is here, all the activity shifts here in the evening at about 7.00 p.m. The main kitchen is situated here, so the service from the pantry is instantaneous. In the Water Lily bungalow, the rooms are just a little smaller and all the 4 rooms are for 2 guests, but there is place for additional bed too. Washrooms are modern. The views from here are directly into the forest and the mountains. The appearance is also “new”. Lunch and breakfast are served here, dinner is generally speaking at the Burra (Old) Bungalow, but on request can be served here too. The furnishings in each of the 8 rooms are unique and aesthetic; the cutlery, crockery artistically selected. The service here is exemplary and this is feasible because this place is run like a “family”. The smallest request is fulfilled, you have the privilege of discussing and planning the menus with the Chef after considering the preference of other guests too. ALL staff members are fully vaccinated with 2 doses of Covid vaccine. For every outing you will have a “guide” who will be with you and in a vehicle if you are doing longer journeys. Luna and Nisha were outstanding guides, punctual to even take us out at 6:00 a.m. and ensuring our safety. Andrew (who looks after F & B) and the Chef are always there to help you finding solutions to suit your palate.Housekeeping is efficient and laundry is delivered promptly.Rudolph (Manager) is always on the move and I recommend that guests must follow his suggestions. Each and very staff member is polite. The River Camp experience is a must do. Long walks are truly enjoyable in these pristine environment. When mountaineers reach the peak they undergo a lot of hardship: to reach Glenburn you must endure the last one hour of road journey (it takes about 4 hours from Bagdogra airport), which is bone rattling so one has to be mentally prepared to endure this to experience the peaceful bliss that follows. A minimum stay of 5 nights is recommended (which is what we did)

by gganeriwal Hyderabad, India

World Class Stay

The attention to detail was a sight to behold. This stay will be remembered for a long time for its culinary excellence, the remarkable presentation, well preserved nature kissed property and of course the perfect pampering service. Your team's effort and attention to details, combined with the refinement, freshness and quality of the stay, made this stay truly world-class.

by shellykishnani Mumbai, India

A visit to a Paradise.

Let me begin by writing " If there is heaven on earth, this is it". Need I say more? It is self explanatory. Not only is the place situated in the most beautiful locale ,with its paradise-like aura but this is just one aspect of the experience. The architecture is old time and the past glory renovated to perfection. The hotel just blends in with the surroundings and the interiors are pleasant to the eye and heighten the experience. The majestic snowy mountains in the distance are visible, I'm told on clear days. I visited in May this month when there was mist all around. What a sight that would be to behold ! I 'm mesmerized. All I could do after alighting was to look all around spell bound and to think why it took me so long to come and visit this place? Now the scenic wonder is not all that this place has to offer. The food is sumptuous and delicious as well. It is a gastronomic delight. the dishes are cooked to perfection and the staff very hospitable and courteous. They are very eager that you have an experience to carry home after visiting this place. Mr Lama, Mr. Rudolph , thank you so much for making my visit memorable. Please do put the stay in Glenburn on a to-do bucket list of things to do in your life. The long drive from Bagdogra to the tea estate is well worth it. After all such visits are not everyday experiences. This time I visited by lucky happen-chance but I'm definitely re-visiting it again with my family as soon as possible. A MUST-VISIT.

by YezdiKarai Kolkata (Calcutta), India

Glenburn is an Experience in Excellence

From booking to arrival and departure the Glenburn experience was one of excellence in customer care. The people at Glenburn make it so. Not just a tea estate but an ecosystem of 1600 acres, 7 villages and a demographic of 3,000 people. There are many things to do at Glenburn and they help you do it in the best way possible. We had a delightful outing to the river at the end of the estate and across the water lies Sikkim. The campsite was memorable as was a quickly conceived game of croquet with all the kit (next time on the lawns). The accommodation in the Burra Bungalow in the Kanchenjunga view room was spacious, well furnished and a great place to relax with an extra bed and an annex with a bed so you could easily have 4 people staying in that room. The Glenburn kitchen is innovative in its daily presentation of lunch and dinner. No meal repeated over 5 days! Ask the chef for 'Sable', cheese biscuits with a unique flavor. If you have a preference, say it and it will be done. Rudolph who manages your stay is superb at ensuring you are comfortable and a storehouse of information. As is Sid, who will educate you on the ecosystem. They and the entire staff have our thanks and gratitude for looking after us. The visit to the factory to see tea being processed and packed is a heady experience as is the opportunity to be schooled in the art of tasting. That is an experience to treasure. Its a great place to perfect the art of doing nothing; while enjoying panoramic views, good food and excellent service. We will return.

by mumbai1985

Holiday visit

We stayed at glenburn estate hotel last week for four nights! It is a hidden gem and one of the finest boutique properties in india. Outstanding rooms and service, led by the affable Rudolph. The cuisine changes every day and the activities can keep you busy , other than exploring the region. Or you can just relax in the wonderful gardens and get some much needed me time. Being avid travellers, this a must visit destination