CGH Earth Moves Beyond South India with 11-Key Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong
The hospitality group enters a new phase of growth with The Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong and plans a second property in Kalimpong, extending its place-led, experiential hospitality model to the Eastern Himalayas.
By SOH Edit Team
CGH Earth is expanding beyond its traditional South India stronghold, entering the Eastern Himalayas as part of a strategic push into new geographies.
The move marks a significant milestone for the hospitality group, which has spent more than four decades building destination-led experiences rooted in local ecology, culture and communities.
Kurseong Marks First Step in Regional Expansion
The expansion begins with The Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong, West Bengal, while another property is being planned in Kalimpong, signalling the group's intent to build a stronger presence in the region.
Located within the historic Singell Tea Estate, established in 1871, The Singell Tea Estate is CGH Earth’s first venture in the Eastern Himalayas. The property has been positioned as a living tea estate experience, combining the heritage of Darjeeling’s tea culture with the landscape and biodiversity of the Himalayan foothills.
“At CGH Earth, we have always believed that travel is most meaningful when it is deeply connected to the spirit of a place. Our expansion into the Eastern Himalayas is a natural evolution of this philosophy,” said Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels.
He added that the region’s ecological diversity, cultural richness and heritage provide an opportunity to develop experiences that remain closely connected to the destination.
Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels.
Anchored in Local Experiences
The tea estate comprises 11 rooms spread across a restored heritage bungalow and a contemporary wing. The property combines elements of its colonial-era estate heritage with modern hospitality while maintaining an intimate format.
Guest experiences range from plantation walks and tea factory tours to village trails, tea tastings, riverside picnics and storytelling sessions. The property also draws on the Eastern Himalayas’ biodiversity and reputation as a birding destination.
“For over three decades, CGH Earth has shaped hospitality around the belief that every destination should be left richer than it was found. Rooted in conservation, cultural heritage and community partnerships, this philosophy will define both our Kurseong and Kalimpong properties,” said George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth.
Food is another key element of the Singell experience, with its culinary programme drawing on traditions of the Darjeeling hills. Traditional techniques such as fermentation, foraging, smoking and slow cooking underpin the menu, reflecting the group’s broader strategy of using local food culture as part of the destination experience.
Kalimpong on the Expansion Map
Building on its Kurseong entry, CGH Earth is preparing to open its next property in Kalimpong, further strengthening its footprint in the Eastern Himalayas.
Known for its colonial heritage, monasteries, cultural traditions and Himalayan landscape, Kalimpong offers the group another opportunity to translate its responsible and experiential hospitality model into a new destination.
The two properties represent a broader geographic shift for CGH Earth. While the group has historically built its portfolio across Southern India, its Eastern Himalayas expansion opens a new growth chapter centred on smaller, destination-driven properties that combine hospitality with conservation, local culture and community engagement.
Property Highlights:
- 11 rooms
- Colonial-era estate heritage
- Guest experiences
