Inside Taj Bengal, Kolkata, a bungalow thrives – the home of tea lovers, the keeper of carpets. The 160-year-old heritage of crafting fine organic teas has culminated into Makaibari’s first experiential store, presenting as a holistic lifestyle experience. From exquisite teas to one-of-a-kind carpets (Luxmi Tea-owned Obeetee carpets), silver teapots, plantation furniture, a living room that exudes old-world charm to nature-meets-luxury dining experience, the bungalow has all elements of a typical heritage luxury property.
Its walnut wood tones, brass accents, handcrafted furnishing, fireplace, tea library radiate warmth and a homely experience. At the experiential store, one can try the handcrafted tea cocktails curated by mixologist Yangdup Lama. Adding a touch of culture to the store, commissioned Kalighat paintings by Anwar Chitrakaar, son of the renowned Amar Chitrakaar adorn the walls, offering a tribute to the Makaibari estates.
Rudra Chatterjee, chairman of Obeetee and managing director of Luxmi Tea Group, says 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.”
Makaibari Tea Estate was acquired by Luxmi Tea Group in 2014 and is one of the few brands wherein workers hold a stake. Rudra Chatterjee says it was the first tea to be certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Plucked on a moonlit night on June 22ndsummer solstice, it makes for the world’s most expensive tea, selling at Rs 1.1 lakh a kilo. Rudra Chatterjee explains that the right environment to pluck it is on June 22, the longest, rainiest, and hottest day in Darjeeling when the plants are resting. The moonlit night also makes it easier for planters to pluck the tea, he says.
His grandfather P.C. Chatterjee was one of the early Indian tea cultivators, a movement by independent farmers to regain control through tea cultivation. With a tract of land in Tripura to his name, he began to cultivate tea independently, without management agencies or advisors from London. This vision brought Luxmi Tea to life.
Other members of the Indian freedom movement - Assamese and Bengali students who also rebelled against British rule, joined his company, then called Indian Tea and Provisions.