More for tourists visiting Darjeeling Tea Estate

A trek trail starting at 4,000ft, a century-old bungalow, picnic on the banks of the Mahanadi and folk songs to round up the day. All this and more are being lined by the management of Goomtee Tea Estate for tourists visiting the garden, 7km from here.

The nitty-gritty of the project is yet to be worked out, but work is on at full swing to complete it at the earliest.

The 4.5km trek trail will end at Majua Tea Estate at 6,500ft. Both the gardens have the same owner.

Workers of the two gardens are likely to benefit because some of them will be recruited as guides for the trekkers and employees waiting on the tourists at the rest house in Majua and the bungalow in Goomtee. The old bungalow located above the garden factory has already been turned into Goomtee Resort.

“The motive behind starting the trekking route for tourists is to improve the socio-economic condition of residents here,” said Ashoke Kumar Maharishi, the manager of Goomtee. According to Maharishi, the bank of the Mahanadi has also been spruced up for picnickers. Wooden chairs and tables are already in place.

“The river is 3km downhill ,” said the manager.

All the fun will not be limited to the days. Cultural programmes will be arranged for tourist at night.

“Garden residents have formed clubs, which will perform folk songs and dances. This will be another avenue for income,” said Maharishi. He, however, did not divulge how the cultural troupes will be paid.