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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Darang Tea Estate is a family owned Estate which is over 150 years old and one of the first plantations to be planted by an Indian. A self-contained estate in the beautiful pristine hills of Himachal Pradesh. It consists of cottages framed by 70 acres of estate-owned land. The Estate is just 45 minutes drive from Mcleodgang and 20 minutes fromPalampur. The cottages have a direct view of the snow covered himalayas. Our homestay is featured in on Conde Nast Traveller :-)
My wife and I spent 5 nights at Mrs Neera Bhandari's terrific tea estate. The highlights of our trip: 1) The property is so relaxing. You drop all the cares of the world on entering Darang Tea Estate 2) The food - Dinner in particular was different every night. It was consistently of the highest standard. 3) Service : a couple of warm and well-trained staff who really looked after us. Pooja was wonderful. 4) The accommodation was excellent. We were in 'Pecan Cottage'. We did not want for anything and everything worked. Spacious, too. 5) And finally, our hostess, Mrs Neera Bhandari was the jewel. She was warm, hospitable, knowledgeable and highly professional. Nothing was too much for her. My advice to anyone considering going to McLeodganj or Dharamshala is DON'T. Stay at the Darang Tea Estate. You might have to travel 40 minutes twice a day, but it is well worth it. Both Dharamshala and McLeodganj are unimpressive towns to stay in. Lastly, even though my wife is not a dog lover, unlike me, she loved Mrs Bhandari's two Labradors, Casper and Diana. Again, they enhanced an already great holiday experience.…
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Date of stay: March 2023
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Room Tip:Get there fast and take it slow, as the Beach Boys song goes.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your experience with us....we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay with Mrs.Neeru Bhandari is without doubt one of the best holidays we have had in the mountains. She was perhaps surprised (? amused) when I called her in July 2022 to reserve for January 2023. But once I had read about her place I had to make sure of the reservation for our annual anniversary getaway. I will save the best for the last: 1. The property and the cottages ( we stayed at the Pecan Cottage for 5 days) are amazing. The setting is tranquil, peaceful and beautiful with lovely views of the peaks from your sit-out. The cottage was awesome, comfortable and equipped with just about everything one needs and more. Electric warmers for the mattresses and crackling fire in the room fireplace every night ( in winters) - one cannot ask for anything more. The estate is very strategically placed so that all the main areas of interest are easily accessible via short drives. 2. The staff and the warm efficient service ( with a bright smile) are delightful - special thanks to Pooja and Umedhji. 3. We ate the breakfast and dinners at the estate : the food is unbelievable in its fresh homegrown produce and range of variety in the menu that Neeruji curates herself. It was a gourmet feast every single day. 4. Her extended family: Casper, Diana and Brandy - lovely happy friendly pets ever ready to accompany you on walks or happy to just sit with you next to the fireplace. 5. Finally the host herself: Neeruji. We really would have been lost without her. She has the most amazing knowledge about the region replete with numerous anecdotes and stories linked to the estate and the surrounding areas. Had delightful morning breakfast sessions with her where we would get advice / information on what to to do / visit and even where to eat. We would meet again over dinner and talk not only about our day but lots of other things. An extremely warm caring person who welcomed us into her home and let us have the privilege of her company for few days. Neeruji, thanks so very much for everything. We had the perfect holiday and would love to come back to you all again. Neelam and Sanjay…
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Date of stay: January 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 31 Jan 2023
It was my privilege to have you both stay with us and i enjoyed each moment of our fireplace chats too. The dogs love guests who love and spoil them which you did. Absolutely overwhelmed by your warm review...it makes everything i do here worth its while. Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darang tea estate is lovely home stay just 45 minutes from Kangra Airport .. we were there for two nights on our last leg of the tour.. having spent two days at Dalhousie and khajiar and two days at Andretta Palampur .. we were looking to unwind and relax.. within an hour of reaching at estate we realised that we had made a right choice We were welcome by lovely Casper and little brandy.. soon we had tea pakoras, .. over next two days we had really good time walking in never ending tea gardens of mrs Bhandari, playing with her dogs, enjoying homely cottages, reading books from well stocked book banks .. but what we all kept waiting was for mrs Bhandari’s lavish spread at dinner and break fast.. all the ingredients of food were from her garden itself and it tasted like heaven .. specially deserts.. firani and rasgullas dipped in falooda will be remembered.. for long long time . so will be Neeru madam’s suggestions of cafés , shops and detailed itinerary she made for us for Macleodgunj visit .. We only left after promising to go there again .. Anand and Falguni Naregal…
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 17 Nov 2022
We are delighted that we could make you and your friends comfortable.... Thank you for choosing our property.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent visit. Having known her, perfectionist as a person, her hospitality and cooking skills are far more than imagination. The place is so calming and soothing.Her personal touch in the garden enhances the beauty of the place, Would not miss any chance of vising again. Coodos to the staff too.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 17 Nov 2022
What fun it was to have old college friends over....the chats and reminiscing about old times. It was my pleasure to have you here!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When we selected it was to stay at a place which was different from usual hotel stays. What we got here was a slice of life the way it was in a time gone by. From the quaint but well appointed cottages; to the personal care showered on us by Neera Ma'am; to the wonderful food on the table at every meal; to the totally relaxed and home like feel of the place - it was something that not too many places in the world offer. Thanks to Neera Ma'am and all the staff for making it so special for us. Thank you for a wonderful experience. We'll be back for more. Cheers Juhi & Amit
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Date of stay: November 2022
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 17 Nov 2022
It was delightful having you and your family come and stay with us. Am so glad that you enjoyed what our property had to offer.... Thank you
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A friend & I went to Darang as a getaway from city life. Starting from the warm welcome by Neeru our stay was a delight. The scrumptious spread for breakfast- the homemade preserves, butter & ghee to the vegetables all from the farm to the table was so satisfying to the soul. Neeru went out of her way to make the trip pleasurable & comfortable. The upper cottage was so cosy. The staff were polite, helpful and always smiling. And one cannot forget Casper, the Labrador who was always there to greet us. The early morning walks amidst the greenery was uplifting. One can do great shopping at Upper Dharamshala, sky dive at Bir, do a pottery session at Andretta , visit Norbulinga monastery and Kangara fort. The pure air, greenery, misty mountains would take me back in a heartbeat. Darang tea estate is a place one must visit for tranquility. …
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Date of stay: September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 3 Nov 2022
Thank you for your overwhelming review. We are delighted you loved the place.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Awesome homestay experience with comfortable cottages, sumptuous food and wonderful conversations. It felt like being in a home away from home. To wake up in the lush greens of the tea estate and the tranquility was the icing on the cake! Thank you Mrs Bhandari. Looking forward to making it back there soon….🙏🏼
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 17 Oct 2022
Thank you for sharing your stay experience. Am so glad we could make it memorable.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our efforts to get away from everyday grind for few days turned out to be a perfect decision. Nestled amongst tea plantations, lush estate gardens & clear view of the dhauladhar range it was both so refreshing and scenic. The most enjoyable part and very characteristic of the stay was that we were able to strike hearty conversations with the host ( Neera Bhandari, whom we called aunty) and fellow guests. It was absolutely heartening to be able to share life stories with each other while sharing a table of delicious home cooked meals. This brings me to the most fascinating part ; fruits , vegetables, milk products we ate during our stay were all home produces , a rarity in city life. I even brought back small bottles of homemade jams & marmalade :) The long walks that I took every morning soaking in the goodness and beauty of the landscape & and visit to the kangra fort were two of the favourite activities . A big shout out to the property staff who were very courteous & prompt. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to spend few days close to nature away from hustle bustle.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 21 Aug 2022
Thank you for taking time out to write the review... It was nice to have you here ...a nature lover who preferred to be at the property and not roam around!!!
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The stay at Darang tea estate, nestled within the Himalayan foothills had been the most rewarding experience of my life. Amazing hostess Mrs Bhandari makes you feel at home away from home. Great home cooked, classy food. The cherished walks through the tea garden against the backdrop of great Dhauladhar ranges will always remain etched on my psyche with utmost tenderness...
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 21 Aug 2022
It was delightful hosting you...and am glad we could create some memorable memories for you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I thank Mrs.Neeru for making my stay so comfortable and memorable.I just chose this place after going through the reviews and you proved it right.The cottages are beautiful, absolutely clean and the greenery is what mesmerized us.Mrs.Neeru and the supporting staff will go out of the way to help you and make your stay comfortable.l will give a five pointer to the food,its quality, variety and everything Thank you ma'am for guiding us through out our trip and taking out time from your busy schedule to go all the way to the market for shopping.A highly recommended place for all nature lovers who want peace and serenity from the busy city life.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from NEERA NAVEEN BHANDARI, Owner at Darang Tea Estate
Responded 1 Jul 2022
Thank you for taking time out to write about your stay with us.... It was a pleasure having you with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.