Tea Lovers, This Is A Staycation Experience You Cannot Miss In Kolkata

If you're a true tea connoisseur, you would know about the 160-year-old heritage brand Makaibari. One of the finest tea brands, it has found a spot in Buckingham Palace because it's a royal favourite. The iconic tea brand has now found a new abode closer to home in Taj Bengal, Kolkata.

The Makaibari bungalow is a rare experiential that has found a retail footprint in one of the Taj properties. Built on a sprawling area of over 1,500sq-ft, the Makaibari Bungalow is a carefully curated space featuring handcrafted offerings from Obeetee, Makaibari and Luxmi Estates.

It's certainly an off-beat collaboration because teas, soft furnishings, and carpets coming together may be unusual but upon closer look—it is befitting. “The new Makaibari Bungalow marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With years of expertise in the industry, we felt it was time to unite these brands under one roof—not just to showcase our offerings but to let people experience the lifestyle and heritage we hold dear," says Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea Group & Chairman, OBEETEE Carpets.

Bringing forth the best of luxury—The tea from Makaibari is handpicked from pristine, distant lands, embodying the idea of a slower, more peaceful way of living. “Similarly, Obeetee is more than just a purveyor of exquisite products; it's a lifestyle brand steeped in the legacy of 104 years of craftsmanship. Both brands, thriving under the Luxmi Group banner, are committed to celebrating timeless traditions,” adds Mr Rudra.

A Soothing Haven

You enter the space and will be greeted by various hues of green and aquamarine that will have an almost soothing effect on you. Alongside Makaibari's finest tea blends, the warm walnut wooden tones paired with brass accents complement the walls making it for a plush setting. The bungalow evokes what a planter’s bungalow would look like.

At the heart of the space, there is a living room, kitchen, and fireplace. We think it makes for not just a cosy but an amazing romantic setting too. The surroundings are also replete with Obeetee’s breathtaking carpets created by the country's leading couturiers such as Anju Modi, Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Vallaya, Shantanu and Nikhil to name a few.

Turning the spotlight on the local culture and tradition were Kalighat paintings by Anwar Chitrakaar, son of the renowned Amar Chitrakaar peppered across the bungalow. Celebrating the brand’s rich heritage, and local traditions is also silverware and home décor, offerings that are bespoke by Thomas Goode.

Spoilt For Choice

Our favourite feature of the bungalow is the store’s picturesque balcony. Separated by French doors, the view is as serene as it can get. Sit down with your partner, make important conversations and enjoy communal tea-tasting sessions, where guests can savour Makaibari’s best blends while overlooking the beauty of the Himalayan foothills.

Visit the Makaibari bungalow if you and your partner want to try something new, something different…something that you would love to talk about and share with your loved ones later. Rudra says, “We will continue to host tablescapes, tea-tasting sessions, and design workshops and elevate the craft industry to the next level.”

Adding to it will also have bourbon or cocktail tasting alongside festive fundraisers. “Overall, it’s going to be a lively space and bring together creative communities. We also want to do classical music evenings… For us, it is not just a place where we sell products but a place where we offer experiences,” shares the MD.

Bring Your Plus One

The closing months of the year, call for an escape–one that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. We recommend that you indulge in nothing but the Makaibari Bungalow. “If you and your partner are craving a peaceful retreat in the heart of Calcutta. In that case, the Makaibari Bungalow is the ideal destination.”

Book your flights, stay at Taj Bengal and book a one-on-one tea-tasting experience led by a sommelier. Move around and check out the offerings while you sample aromatic blends of Makaibari. If you are building a home, we recommend shopping from here for the best carpets, cushion covers, and even silverware to add an elegant touch to your living space.

“It's not just about sipping tea—we want to offer an all-encompassing experience. You walk in, and you’re surrounded by an array of teas, and then you’re guided through a tea-tasting session that’s carefully curated for those who want to try different varieties before picking their favourite. It’s like a tea lover’s dream come true!” shares Rudra.

And if that’s not enough, you can also check out the premium teaware collection crafted with the same care that goes into making every cup of tea. For those who will be experiencing a tea-tasting session for the first time, may we tell you that luckily there are no hard and fast rules. Mr Rudra comes with his recommendations and says, “At the top of the scale, black teas tend to be the boldest, both in flavour and caffeine. For a strong, robust start to your morning, I'd suggest a rich Assam tea. It's full-bodied with a deep, reddish hue that’s perfect if you enjoy a more intense flavour. Darjeeling is another option—especially the second flush—offering a more delicate, floral black tea experience.”

If you happen to visit in the afternoon, you might want something a bit lighter. Green tea makes for a great choice. You could opt for a mellow Chinese green tea, such as Mao Feng, which is smooth and easy to drink.

It’s true when Mr Rudra says, “The Makaibari Bungalow isn’t just a place; it’s an experience, perfect for those who want to take their tea game to the next level.”