As someone who grew up in a tea-loving household, I can’t remember a time when tea didn’t bring me the happiness and refreshment I needed. A timeless beverage that can be enjoyed anytime during the day, tea is one of the most significant social buffers, especially for Indian audiences, who take their tea time seriously. Needless to say, any tea-centric discussion is incomplete without mentioning Kolkata’s affinity for it.
Kolkata’s legacy of tea and tradition
The famous cha culture in the City of Joy resulted from the British East India Company’s influence. From the streetside tea addas to the more affluent tea houses on the iconic Park Street, the city’s fabric is intricately woven around the pleasures of having a good cup of tea. This is enhanced further due to the city’s proximity to Darjeeling, a hill station at the foothills of the Himalayas, famed for its tea estates since the colonial era.
Among the many tea estates that now operate here, Makaibari has pioneered tea plantations. One of the oldest tea gardens founded 160 years ago, the Makaibari Estate goes as far as the 1850s when they set up the world’s first tea factory. Building on its legacy is also the fact that it is the only tea estate in the country to have never been owned by the British Raj. Nestled on the steep slopes of Kurseong, Makaibari’s philosophy of preserving its rich ecosystem blends innovation with nature making it the world’s first certified organic farm.
Makaibari’s storied past now comes to life at the Taj Bengal, Kolkata through their newest store.
The store, aptly named the Makaibari Bungalow, opened its doors at the spectacular Taj Bengal Kolkata recently. Bringing its tradition of crafting fine heritage teas to the city of joy, the store reflects the classical and holistic Bungalow lifestyle.
A time capsule of the quintessential babu culture
The store is designed to offer visitors a glimpse into the old-world charm of bungalow life, where nature, community, and traditional craftsmanship come to the forefront. Every element is well thought out and artistic, bound to evoke the sentiment of visiting an erstwhile planter’s bungalow. The striking parrot green interiors are paired with warm walnut wooden shelves, brass accents, and handcrafted furnishings.
The space curates handcrafted products from different heritage outposts of Luxmi Group, the firm behind renowned brands like Obeetee Carpets and Manor & Mews, each representing delicate craftsmanship. This includes an array of fine teas, handcrafted silver teapots, plantation furniture, exquisite home linens, and carpets, all meticulously designed to bring an opulent, handcrafted lifestyle to life. Both tea and furniture form a connection to build a unique space at the store, allowing people to experience the tranquility of the Bungalow life not only aesthetically but also communally.
At the heart of the space is a cozy living room, kitchen, and fireplace, where furniture, carpets, and a curated tea library harmoniously coexist, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. The store’s scenic balcony, separated by French doors, provides a serene setting for communal tea-tasting sessions, where guests can savor Makaibari’s finest blends while overlooking the beauty of the Himalayan foothills.
Guests will be invited to engage with this unique handcrafted experience through tea cocktails created by renowned mixologist Yangdup Lama, accompanied by canapés from Taj Bengal. Interestingly, some of the large tea canisters have been placed on rotating shelves, as an ode to the prayer wheels found in Tibetan monasteries.
Swirling & swishing
Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman of Obeetee and Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Group, said, “Makaibari is more than just a tea estate; it embodies a philosophy of living in harmony with nature and heritage. This store reflects our vision of creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of handcrafted luxury, from tea to textiles and furniture. We invite everyone to experience the essence of the Luxmi Group through this cohesive environment — where heritage, craftsmanship, and community come together.”
Luxmi Group acquired the Makaibari Tea Estate in 2014. Interestingly, Luxmi Group itself has a legacy of growing the world’s finest teas since 1912 – which started as an act of defiance against the British Raj.
Mr. Chatterjee also spoke about this store being a social space to connect with people and his influences behind designing the store. He believes one should always design what they have grown up with. It comes as no surprise then that he commissioned Kalighat paintings by Anwar Chitrakaar, son of the renowned Amar Chitrakaar, which offer a vibrant tribute to the Makaibari estates. They depict the life of a Kurseong planter and are beautifully redolent of the brand’s rich heritage and the artistic traditions of the region.
For those seeking to enrich their homes with bespoke, handcrafted luxury or simply to experience a lifestyle that celebrates tradition and sustainability, the Makaibari Bungalow at the Taj Bengal offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Luxmi Group’s enduring offerings.
