Tea gardens and orange orchards around Mirik
Thurbo is the large estate right beside Mirik; much of the lake land was once part of it. Around town lie Soureni, Gopaldhara, Singbulli, Okayti and Phuguri, all producing Darjeeling tea on steep slopes. Roadside stops let you walk a little way into the gardens and watch plucking in season.
In winter the orange orchards turn gold, and families sell sweet mandarin oranges along the roads and in Mirik Bazar. A half-day loop by taxi takes in gardens, orchards and viewpoints. Ask your driver which estates allow visitors that day, and buy tea from estate outlets. Carry cash, as small stalls rarely take cards.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When are Mirik oranges in season?
Mirik's mandarin oranges ripen from about November to January, with December usually the peak. You will see them sold along the roads, in Mirik Bazar and in Siliguri markets. They are small, sweet and easy to peel. Crops vary from year to year with weather and tree disease, so ask locally how the season is going.
Can I visit a tea factory near Mirik?
Some estates near Mirik allow visits, but it is less organised than at Happy Valley or Makaibari. Factories work mainly from March to November. Ask your hotel or driver which estates welcome visitors and call ahead where possible. Even without a factory tour, walking the garden paths and watching plucking is worthwhile.
What is special about Mirik tea?
Mirik's estates are part of the Darjeeling tea area and produce teas under the protected Darjeeling name. Gardens such as Thurbo, Gopaldhara and Okayti are well known in the trade, with Gopaldhara among the higher estates. The best teas are first and second flush. Buy sealed, labelled tea from estate outlets to be sure of what you get.
Also in Mirik
More hours to plan around
