Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Darjeeling, Jungpana Tea Estate’s story begins with a tale of courage and camaraderie. Legend has it that in the early 20th century, a British hunter and his loyal gurkha, Jung Bahadur, faced a ferocious leopard in the Himalayan foothills. Despite sustaining injuries, Jung Bahadur valiantly defended his master until their eventual victory. In his final moments, Jung Bahadur quenched his thirst from a nearby stream, forever immortalizing the spot as “Jungpana” — the place where loyalty triumphed over adversity, and where Jung Bahadur took his final sip of water.

Established in 1899 by Mr. Henry Montgomery Lennox, Jungpana Tea Estate has since become synonymous with the finest Darjeeling teas. After World War II, it was managed by Mr. G. W. O’Brien, who eventually sold it to the ruling Rana of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet in the Kurseong Valley, the estate’s south-facing slopes bask in the Himalayan sun, nurturing tea bushes that yield exquisite flavors coveted by connoisseurs worldwide. Accessible only via a daring wooden footbridge and a daunting ascent of over 600 stairs, Jungpana remains a testament to nature’s resilience and man’s determination.

Beyond its legendary origins and challenging terrain, Jungpana tea estate is a beacon of continuity in a changing world. Despite changes in management in the past few years, its commitment to quality remains unwavering. Under the stewardship of the Mayfair Group, Jungpana continues to produce some of Darjeeling’s most sought-after teas, including its renowned muscatels, eagerly awaited by tea aficionados. Surrounded by tea estates like Goomtee, Sivitar, and Mahalderm, Jungpana stands as a symbol of heritage and excellence, a testament to the enduring spirit of Darjeeling’s tea culture. Â