Nestled mystically in the upper Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas is a sprawling tea estate that is believed to be amongst the very olds in the country. Known as the Darang tea estate, the property is owned by an Indian family. It has a rustic charm that is so much replete of Himalaya’s serenity, it has eventually turned into a favorite offbeat holiday location in Himachal Pradesh.
The property comprises four cozy cottages that open to the sight of snowcapped mountainsand are surrounded by acres of lush green tea gardens,the likes of which can only be found in the south. Besides tea plantations, Darang has a good portion of its estate filled with wild flowering plants and fruit-laden trees.Due to such proximity with the Himalayan nature, the estate is often visited by nature admirers, bird watchers and trekkers.
On the inside, the cottages are well stocked with artifacts, collected over years of its family’s history. Inclusions like a warm fireplace andlibrary greatly highlight the leisure stay at Darang.
Recreations to indulge in
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For the adventure lovers, the estate has trekking expeditions that go through the enormously spread tea plantation, mountain streams (Khuds) and forests of Pine and Deodar.
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Fishing at the nearby river Beas is also a favorite past time here
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Guests can also embark on snow mountaineering expeditions at the nearby valley of Dharamsala and Triund
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Historical tours in Kangra valley
Places to explore nearby
How to reach
By Air: In order to make it to the Darang by air, tourists have to book their flight tickets for Dharamsala (21 km from the estate). Dharamsala airport daily receivestwo flights from New Delhi; Air Deccan and MDLR.
By Rail: Tourists planning to travel the major distance by train, Pathankot is the nearest for them. The railway station is about 100 km from Darang Tea Estate and has daily engagements with trains from New Delhi and the other major cities of India. On reaching Pathankot, hire a taxi or board a bus to Darang. One can also travel to Nagrota railway station (8 km away from Darang) from Pathankot.
By Road: Direct Volvo buses from New Delhi to Dharamsala and Palampur travel on a regular basis. If hiring a taxi or self-driving from Delhi, the route will go through Chandigarh, Ropar, Nangal, Una, Kangra, Nagrota and finally Darang.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Darang in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh is certainly the summer months (March to June). The weather stays within a pleasant range and numerous trekking options across the green forests are available for the tourists. You can wish to schedule your trip to Darang for the winters,but clearly not in the prime winter months when the region receives a good amount of snowfall.
