EIH Limited Unveils The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling

EIH Limited introduces The Oberoi Experience at Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling.

By SOH Edit Team
Business| 24 December 2025

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement for a new Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The development marks a significant milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy to create distinctive hospitality experiences in exceptional natural and cultural settings.

 

Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest and most storied tea estates, renowned for its sweeping Himalayan views, primary forests and rare biodiversity. Set within this unique landscape, The Oberoi, Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling will feature 25 keys and is scheduled to open in 2030. The resort will be located approximately 35 kilometres from Bagdogra International Airport, offering ease of access while maintaining a sense of seclusion amid the eastern Himalayas.

Design, Development and Future Growth

The resort has been designed by Nava Design Studios Co. Ltd., Bangkok, and is being developed in partnership with Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited. The master plan allows for the potential addition of keys in the future, enabling measured expansion in harmony with the surrounding environment. Rooted in Makaibari’s heritage, tea culture and dramatic terrain, the experience is intended to reflect the timeless character of the estate and its extraordinary setting.

 

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited, said the partnership aims to introduce a new dimension of experiential luxury to Darjeeling while preserving the estate’s legacy. He highlighted that the project will prioritise sustainable practices, protect existing flora and fauna, and play a key role in training and skilling local communities, creating long-term employment opportunities within The Oberoi Group.

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group.

Strengthening the Oberoi Development Portfolio

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, described the project as an inspiring addition to the Group’s development pipeline. He noted that Makaibari’s natural beauty, artisanal traditions and historical significance make it an exceptional location for an Oberoi resort. He also underscored the Group’s interest in the broader eastern Himalayan and Northeast regions, citing their unspoilt landscapes and potential for immersive luxury hospitality. Management contracts, he added, remain central to the Group’s growth strategy.

 

Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer, The Oberoi Group, emphasised that the development will seek to honour Makaibari’s unique character while contributing meaningfully to its long-standing communities. The Group’s focus will be on sustainable employment, skill development and long-term community initiatives, alongside delivering the warmth, sincerity and attention to detail that define the Oberoi brand.

 

The announcement comes as EIH Limited advances an ambitious expansion programme, with a pipeline of 29 upcoming hotels and luxury cruisers scheduled to open by 2030. These projects, across India and select international markets, are expected to add approximately 2,251 keys to the portfolio. A substantial share of these developments will be operated under management contracts, reinforcing their strategic importance in EIH Limited’s long-term growth roadmap.

 

Key Offerings:

 

  • 25 Keys
  • 35 km Bagdogra International Airport

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea Co Private Limited.

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