History of Gopaldhara Tea Estate

Towards the last quarter of 19th.Century, lease for planting tea on the majestic north eastern slope of the Rangbang valley was granted to 2 Englishman known as ‘Tappu & Tare Sahib.’ In the year 1881, they started planting tea on lush green paddy fields belonging to Gopal. The paddy fields were interspersed with numerous natural streams. These streams in the native language are called “Dharas”. The combination of “Gopal” and “Dhara” gave the name Gopaldhara to the planted tea fields.

The old tea area of 130.13 hectare was planted from 1881 to 1910. In 1918 a factory with captive hydel power was built. In 1920, the present Manager’s Bungalow was constructed. At the end on 1920, Tappu & Tare Sahib sold the Estate to Mr. Kingslay. In 1947, Mr. Kingslay sold the garden to Moolji Sikka & Co. In 1953-54, Moolji Sikka & Co sold the garden to Mr. Dalchand Saria which is now being managed by managed by his sons and grandsons.

In 1982, planting of exquisite quality clonal teas commenced at 6500 FT above sea level near Mirik and 130 acres of clonal teas were planted up to 2006. In 2001, the company commenced replanting of the old tea areas which are more than 100 years old with new high quality clones.

By March 2008, the Company completed construction of a modern well equipped HACCP compliant tea factory inculcating the food safety standards prescribed by the international bodies.