Glenburn is one of the few destinations in India that is accessible to you all twelve months of the year. Unlike most parts of India, it is never too hot or too cold. The colors of the mountains, tea fields, forests and rivers change every month but remain as beautiful in their own special way.
Tea Production Season
Tea production runs from the beginning of spring at end of February (First Flush) all the way through the summer (Second Flush) and monsoon (Rain Teas) through to the end of November (Autumn Flush). During December, January and early February, although there is no tea picking and production, there are still many activities going on at Glenburn such as Pruning and getting the bushes ready for the new season. We still conduct tours of the factory, and offer a very comprehensive Tea Tasting Session, which will leave you with a full understanding of the process and all its intricacies.
Views of the snow mountains
The Kanchenjunga Mountain Range is visible from the Verandah of The Burra Bungalow, and all four suites on The Water Lily Bungalow. Views are clearest during the months of October, November and December. During the monsoon (July and August), views can be spectacular after heavy rain, and post monsoon September views can be very good as well, but not as predictable as November, where the views our clear all day (and night) long. Views in January, February and March are dependent on weather conditions, and the peaks are often visible in the morning for a couple of hours. From April onwards, until the rains start (in late June, or July), there is very little chance of seeing any of the snowy mountain peaks.
Glenburn in December and January
Contrary to popular belief, Glenburn is NOT too cold during these winter months. We are situated at 3000 feet, as compared to Darjeeling and most places in Sikkim which are at 6000 feet, and bitterly cold during this time of the year. Temperatures at Glenburn do NOT drop below 7 degrees at night, and we have bright sunny days. Down by the Camp, which is at 800 feet, it is even warmer. For anyone who does feel the cold, we provide electric blankets, log fires and hot water bottles, steaming hot baths...as well as endless cups of Glenburn tea! Christmas celebrations (through the week) include a Christmas tree, presents for everyone, home-made Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pies and a 4 course sit-down dinner with complementary wine on Christmas Eve. On the 25th we also have a barbeque down by the river. The New Year's Eve celebration includes cocktails around the bonfire, a short cultural performance, a 4 course sit-down dinner with complementary wine, and champagne in front of a firework display at midnight. There is a supplement charged on both these nights.
Monsoon months (July and August)
Although you may need to plan more time at Glenburn due to unavoidable circumstances like landslides along the way, a delay will not take more than a few days, and the monsoon at Glenburn is a very special experience. The mist from the hills drops right into the valleys around the bungalow, and you really feel like you are on top of the world floating on the clouds. The rain brings a "freshness" to the countryside, and the lush "green" is not seen during the rest of the year. Tea production is at its highest so activity on the estate is at its maximum. It never rains continuously, so hiking is rarely a problem, and we also provide a car near by to rescue you if caught in a downpour. Sitting on a verandah in the midst of a thunderstorm, with the different colours and hues of the sky and landscape is truly magical. The views of the mountains (hidden for the dry summer months preceding the monsoon) are the most spectacular after a rain storm, even beating some of the clearest winter views, simply because of the dramatic colours that come through after a downpour. Often it will rain all night and you can wake up to a crystal clear morning, like the entire region has been washed clean and the mountains are sparkling with a clear blue sky in the background.
