Mim Tea Garden: North Bengal has consistently been one of our top weekend getaway spots. It offers a unique blend of mountains, forests, rivers, tea gardens, charming homestays, and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. It’s truly a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend retreat. Although finding all these features in one location can be challenging, our recent discovery of Mim Tea Estate near Darjeeling has changed that. This enchanting place has captured our hearts, and we enjoyed a delightful weekend stay at Little Forest Homestay.
Aerial View of Mim Tea Estate, Roads, and Forests
We were seeking a brief escape from our busy work lives and decided to use an extended weekend to explore. North Bengal and Sikkim have always been our preferred destinations for such getaways. With their numerous quaint villages, they offer ideal retreats from Kolkata. During our travels, we’ve stumbled upon many offbeat locations, and today, we’re excited to share our experience at Mim Tea Estate—a hidden gem near Darjeeling that’s perfect for a family or group of friends.
Location of Mim Tea Estate
Mim Tea Estate, also known as Mim Busty, is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Darjeeling, between Sukhiapokhri and Lepchajagat. If you’re coming from Darjeeling, you’ll find a signboard directing you to Mim Tea Estate a few kilometers past Lepchajagat. Follow this road downhill to reach the village of Mim Busty.
Little Forest Homestay is about 5 to 6 kilometers from Lepchajagat.
Our Journey to Little Forest Homestay at Mim Tea Estate
Before heading to Mim Tea Estate, we were already in Darjeeling. We took a shared jeep from Chowk Bazar in Darjeeling to Sukhiapokhri. Our homestay owner had arranged a car to pick us up at Sukhiapokhri for the final leg of our journey to Little Forest Homestay.
Sukhiapokhri is located around 19 kilometers from Darjeeling, and the trip took just over an hour. While waiting for our ride at Sukhiapokhri market, we enjoyed exploring the lively area filled with shops and people.
When our car arrived, we began the drive to our destination. The winding mountain roads were in poor condition, which could be challenging, especially during the rainy season. Nevertheless, the drive was scenic, enveloped by lush greenery. Eventually, we reached Mim Busty, a serene Himalayan hamlet.
Little Forest Homestay – The Ideal Stay at Mim Tea Gardens
Upon arrival at Little Forest Homestay, we were immediately struck by its beauty. Nestled amidst forests and greenery, the homestay exudes tranquility. A charming garden with vibrant flowering plants greets visitors.
The homestay is surrounded by towering pine trees and overlooks farming land. The view is a feast for the eyes, with expansive greenery and, on clear days, glimpses of the snow-capped mountain ranges. Despite the cloudy weather, we hoped for clear skies the next day.
Little Forest Homestay Surrounded by Pine Forests
Our host, Norbu, welcomed us warmly. Norbu is the friendly caretaker of the property. Little Forest Homestay features three separate cottages and five rooms in the main building, including a dining hall. We stayed in one of the elevated cottages, which offered cozy accommodations and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga ranges from both the balcony and the room. On clear days, you can also see Tonglu, Sikkim hills, and Manebhanjan from the terrace.
Mim Tea Gardens
Mim Tea Gardens was established in the mid to late 1800s and spans approximately 390 hectares. It is the only tea estate in Darjeeling owned by the Indian government and managed by the Andrew Yule Tea Company.
Local lore suggests that “Mim” originated from “Mem,” a colloquial term for a British woman. According to locals, a British lady once owned the tea gardens, and “Memsahib” (meaning “Lady”) evolved into “Mem ko kaman” (garden of the lady). Over time, “Mem” transformed into “Mim.”
While this story is charming, we did not find concrete evidence to confirm it.
Things to Do at Mim
Mim offers a blend of North Bengal’s natural beauty, including spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga ranges, lush tea gardens (though a bit distant from the homestay), forests, and a nearby mountain river. It’s an ideal destination for relaxation and nature appreciation.
At Little Forest Homestay, you can enjoy strolling through the gardens or relaxing in a gazebo-like structure amidst the forests and mountains. There’s also a watchtower where you can enjoy sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga ranges.
The tea estate is about a kilometer from the homestay, and a walk will take you there. You can also visit the tea factory if it’s open.
The Riverside Experience
A scenic mountain river, located about an hour from the homestay, is worth visiting. A car ride through tea gardens and forest roads will take you to this beautiful spot. You can relax by the river or take a refreshing dip, but be cautious of the strong currents.
Exploring Nearby Areas
In addition to Mim Busty and Mim Tea Gardens, you can visit Lepchajagat and Sukhiapokhri. We particularly recommend the pine forest of Lepchajagat for its enchanting ambiance.
Our Experience at Little Forest Homestay
Our stay at Little Forest Homestay was memorable. The day of our arrival, we simply enjoyed sitting on the balcony, taking in the mountain views and engaging in conversation. Nature has a wonderful way of easing our worries. We explored the gardens, visited the watchtower, and enjoyed a delightful chat with Norbu.
The following morning was clear and sunny, revealing the majestic Kanchenjunga in all its glory. We awoke early to savor the view. The beauty of Kanchenjunga never ceases to amaze us.
Later, Norbu arranged a car for us to explore the riverside and visit the tea gardens and factory. Although the factory was closed, we appreciated its exterior.
After lunch, we visited the pine forest in Lepchajagat, which was as charming as ever, with its misty, romantic atmosphere.
Our two days at Mim were rejuvenating, providing the perfect escape from city life before we returned to the hustle and bustle.
How to Reach Mim Tea Garden
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), and the closest airport is Bagdogra. You can hire a car from NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri to reach Little Forest Homestay or Mim Busty, with costs ranging from INR 4000 to 4500.
Reaching Mim by Shared Vehicle
For budget travelers, shared jeeps from NJP or Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling are an option, costing around INR 400 per seat. Buses are also available. To get to Mim, disembark at Ghoom and rent a car to the homestay.
From Darjeeling, take a shared jeep to Sukhiapokhri, then hire a car to your homestay. Our ride from Sukhiapokhri to Little Forest Homestay cost INR 800.
Shared jeeps to Sukhiapokhri from Siliguri are limited and operate on a fixed schedule.
Homestays at Mim Tea Garden
We stayed at Little Forest Homestay, which we found delightful. The property is beautiful, the location serene, and the food was excellent. Although the tea gardens are a bit far, the overall experience was fantastic.
The cost for our cottage was INR 1700 per day per person, while rooms in the main building were INR 1600 per day per person.
Other options at Mim Busty include Takto Homestay, located downhill near the tea gardens, and Mim Heritage Homestay, a converted tea manager’s bungalow located close to the gardens.
