The credit for introducing tea plantation in Darjeeling goes to Dr. Arthur Campbell, a civil surgeon of the British Indian Army. In 1839, Campbell was posted in Darjeeling and noticed that the region’s climate, soil, and altitude were suitable for tea cultivation. He began experimenting with tea plants in his private garden and found that they thrived in the region’s unique microclimate.
Campbell’s success with tea cultivation in Darjeeling caught the attention of other British officials, and soon, several tea gardens were established in the region. The first commercial tea garden in Darjeeling was Tukvar Tea Estate, which was established in 1852. Today, Darjeeling tea is considered one of the finest and most exclusive teas in the world, and is renowned for its unique flavor and aroma.