Purvi started out offering ‘tea tourism’ in Upper Assam in 2000 but has since grown to cover the whole of the Northeast region of India. Run by locals, Purvi offers a variety of tailor made and carefully curated holidays in the different states of Northeast India.

The unique themes and experiences set Purvi’s tours apart from those offered by other operators in the region. For instance, one of the tours offered by Purvi is the Dalai Lama’s Trail. The tour follows in the footsteps of the 14th dalai lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 and crossed over to India through Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The 8N9D tour covers Dirang, Tawang, Zemithang and Bomdilla in Arunachal.

Purvi offers birding, hiking, and festival-focused tours. But their tea tours, especially those designed around their three heritage tea bungalows in Assam, stand out. 

The company has converted three tea estate bungalows into heritage stays. The Mancotta Tea Estate bungalow is set on the outskirts of Dibrugarh, while the Chowkidinghee bungalow is located in the heart of Dibrugarh district. The Wathai tea bungalow is located in Tinsukia. The Mancotta Bungalow, which offers 5 rooms, is a perfect example of the Assam stilt-style of tea bungalow architecture. Its wide verandahs, lawns, beautiful common spaces, and the surrounding tea gardens all add to the charm. 

The Chowkidinghee Bungalow, with just two guest rooms, offers a much more intimate experience. The crackling fireplace, and deep verandahs make this bungalow stand out. The Wathai tea garden is on the banks of the Dibru River and is close to the birder’s paradise of Dibru Saikhowa National Park. This bungalow also offers just two guest rooms and the cosiness of its common areas makes a stay here special. 

All three tea bungalows also ensure a great food spread for all guests and local Assamese dishes finds pride of place at the table. 

Price: Tariff for tours depends on the itinerary and the activities and services included. For instance, their 7N8D Tea Experience tour is priced at Rs 84,500 per person (for a two-person booking). The tariff includes accommodation, all meals, and many activities and experiences like village visits and tea tours. The tariff for a stay at one of their three heritage tea bungalows is between Rs 4,500 and Rs 10,000 per room per night. 

Read more: www.purvidiscovery.com

(Photo credit: Purvi Discovery)