Our Estates – LemonGrass Organic Tea Estates Pvt Ltd

Our
Estates

Lemongrass Organic Tea Estates Pvt Ltd (LOTEPL), under the able leadership of Mr Sushil Kumar Agarwal of MLA Group have been able to revive the ailing tea estates with a vision to make these tea estates well-integrated, self sustaining, ecologically balanced and economically viable tea garden.

We are proud producer of biodynamic organic tea. Biodynamic farming has not only reaped positive results for soil and environment but also taken care of health of people living and working in tea gardens. At our farms we follow earth’s DNA, working in tune with the rhythms of nature and creating a healthy and vibrant eco system. Our organic and bio-dynamic agricultural methods enhance the inherent quality of the leaf that makes our celebrated teas.

Ambootia (1861)

Darjeeling Tea Company of England established Ambootia Tea Garden in 1861 and was taken over by Indian entrepreneurs in 1954 after India attained independence in 1947. It was amongst the first tea estates established by the British tea planters in the 1850s and is the second largest Darjeeling Tea producing garden in India.

The Place of the Mango Trees
The name ‘Ambootia’ comes from ‘Am-butia; or ‘place of the mango trees’ in the Tibetan Lepcha dialect of the Darjeeling region. Our garden is cradled in the misty heights of the majestic Himalayas. Ambootia was selected as a Model Organic Farm by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nation (UN-FAO).

Through nature’s cycles for 162 years
Growing tea through the cycles of nature has been a way of life at Ambootia. The combinations of climate, elevation and latitudinal factors create a unique geographic phenomenon—grown under these exceptional conditions Ambootia tea develops its signature characteristics. This is a result of 162 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, which raises the manufacturing process to the status of fine art.

4000 ft

above sea level

967

hectares of lush green

348

hectares planted with tea

150 MT

hectares planted with tea

Chongtong (1869)

The tea estate known for its legendary flavour was developed by a British Planter in 1869 and have changed hands several times till it was acquired by LOTEPL recently.

The Place of the Arrowhead
Chongtong means ‘arrow head’ in the local dialect, a name that comes from the shape of the garden location, which lies at the junction of two streams.

Exceptional for its quality
Picturesque Chongtong is cradled in the undulating hills of Darjeeling East. The tea estate is blessed by a very special blend of soil and climate that elevate the quality of its teas. Weather conditions have a role to play in concentrating flavour in the bushes.

5900 ft

above sea level

778.78

hectares of lush green

376

hectares planted with tea

150 MT

hectares planted with tea

Happy Valley (1854)

The iconic tea estate is the Second Oldest Tea Estate in Darjeeling. It was initially called Wilson Tea Estate named after the Englishman David Wilson. Wilson Tea Estate was later merged with adjoining Windsor Tea Estate to form Happy Valley Tea Estate in 1929.

A History Entwined with that of Tea

Caressed by the mists Happy Valley lies overlooking the fertile Himalayan foothills. Located in the town of Darjeeling, the lush green estate is one of the highest tea plantations in the world. Some of the bushes in the garden date back 150 years.

Respect for nature is in our DNA
This is expressed through the organic and bio-dynamic methods of farming practiced. Its first and second flush Darjeeling teas are world renowned and eagerly awaited. A guided tour of the Happy Valley tea factory offers visitors a glimpse of the fascinating process of Tea Manufacturing making it to the list of Top 10 Most Visited Tourist Place of Darjeeling.

5900 ft

above sea level

778.78

hectares of lush green

376

hectares planted with tea

150 MT

hectares planted with tea

Monteviot (1856)

A Garden on a Rock

Just below the town of Kurseong in district Darjeeling is the quaint Monteviot tea estate; the name comes from the French and means ‘rock’. On a clear day you can enjoy the glorious Kanchenjunga from this vantage point.

The finest organically grown leaf, garden packed

Monteviot is closely planted with high quality tea bushes. We carefully craft the fresh and healthy leaf is into exquisite Darjeeling teas brimming with flavour. As early as 1940, Monteviot created a first by packaging tea at the estate and marketing it in retail – a practice that we hold even today.

2,919.95 ft

above sea level

77.65

hectares of lush green

59.91

hectares planted with tea

18 MT

hectares planted with tea

Mullootar (1870)

A Plateau Garlanded by Bamboo

Mullootar is surrounded by bamboo shoots known as Mala-bas; the short plant internodes resemble a garland of beads. A flat, plateau like area, in the Lepcha language is ‘Tar’. Thus, was born the name ‘Malla-tar’ which was later anglicized to ‘Mullootar’.

Home to the first organic teas in Asia

This unspoilt plantation grows purity and floral flavour in the many delightful cups that have served tea lovers well, the world over. This is 100% organic tea.

2,066.93 ft

above sea level

354.30

hectares of lush green

172.69

hectares planted with tea

80 MT

hectares planted with tea

Moondakotee (1862)

The Moon’s Abode

This historic garden, founded in 1862, is located on a spur that connects Darjeeling East with the Kurseong Valleys. The name Moondakotee, which is tucked away in the gentle hills of the north Kurseong valley, translates to “moon’s residence.” At these locations, the moon spends a considerable amount of time bathing the garden in its shimmering light, infusing the tea plants with water that is powered by the moon.

Intrinsic Darjeeling flavour

The Moondakotee teas are nuanced with a particular tint to it’s intrinsic Darjeeling flavour for good cause.

4000 ft

above sea level

525.02

hectares of lush green

298.78

hectares planted with tea

130 MT

hectares planted with tea

Nagri (1870)

Earlier known as Mangarjung Tea Garden, it was rechristened Nagri.

Blossoming in the Mists

Cocooned in the misty environs of the Mirik Valley. The gently rolling hills create sweeping views of the endless lush green tea bushes while colourful orchids heighten the charm.

A remarkable home of nature
Since the gardens were first planted, the fine Nagri teas grown in these idyllic surroundings have brought their delicacy and brightness to tea drinkers. The wholesome organic teas have a soothing flowery flavour, unique to these valleys.

5400 ft

above sea level

544

hectares of lush green

322

hectares planted with tea

150 MT

hectares planted with tea

Sivitar (1870)

The Abode of Lord Shiva

One of the hills in the estate has a river flowing along the base, reminiscent of the ‘Shiva Lingam’, which gives the lush green property its name. Sivitar is located in the Kurseong sub district of Darjeeling and the crystal waters of the Mahanadi River, nourishes the fertile mountain soil which reflects in the fresh, floral taste of the tea..

With an abundance of growth

The leaves harvested from the vibrant bushes are processed into teas that are mature, well-rounded and flavorful.

2,919.95 ft

above sea level

229.84

hectares of lush green

148.92

hectares planted with tea

65 MT

hectares planted with tea

Sepoydhoorah (1870)

Cradled in Scenic Beauty

The idyllic hills of Kurseong south embrace this estate, which is also known as Chamling Tea Estate. The environmentally conscious way of life in the garden results in a holistic approach to cultivation.

Rooted in bio-dynamic farming

Here the teas are as wholesome and organic as the pure air and soil that they grow in. Quintessentially the finest Darjeeling.

2,296.59 ft

above sea level

272.37

hectares of lush green

138.66

hectares planted with tea

60 MT

hectares planted with tea