The iconic Bengali tea brand Makaibari has unveiled its latest experiential store, the Makaibari Bungalow, at Taj Bengal in Kolkata. Celebrated for its 160-year-old legacy of producing exceptional organic teas, Makaibari is now introducing a luxurious bungalow lifestyle experience to its discerning customers. The space showcases handcrafted products from various heritage outposts of Luxmi Estates, the company behind esteemed brands such as Obeetee and Makaibari, each boasting over a century of unparalleled craftsmanship. This includes a splendid array of fine teas, meticulously crafted silver teapots, plantation furniture, exquisite home linens, and carpets, all meticulously designed to bring an opulent, handcrafted lifestyle to life.
The store has been carefully designed to provide visitors with a captivating experience of the enchanting old-world charm of bungalow life. In addition to showcasing Makaibari's most exquisite teas, the store will also feature a remarkable collection of handcrafted carpets by Obeetee and plantation furniture, paying homage to the artistry and heritage of these venerable brands. Every element in the store embodies a rich legacy, serving as a testament to a slow, meaningful living philosophy.
As you walk in, you'll be greeted by warm walnut wood tones, brass accents, and plush handcrafted furnishings. The store is designed to resemble the interiors of a planter's bungalow in a tea estate, creating a cosy atmosphere like a living room, kitchen, and fireplace all in one. Here, furniture, carpets, and a curated tea library coexist harmoniously, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece.
The store also features a scenic balcony, separated by French doors, providing a serene setting for communal tea-tasting sessions. Guests can savour Makaibari’s finest blends while overlooking the beauty of the Himalayan foothills.
“Makaibari is more than just a tea estate; it embodies a philosophy of living in harmony with nature and heritage,” said Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman of Obeetee and Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Group, at the launch. “This store reflects our vision of creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of handcrafted luxury, from tea to textiles and furniture. We invite everyone to experience the essence of the Luxmi Group through this cohesive environment — where heritage, craftsmanship, and community come together.”
At Makaibari Bungalow, you'll discover exceptional tea blends and a thoughtfully curated collection of exquisite textiles, including lavish carpets, sumptuous cushions, and elegant table linens. Elevate your home with a sophisticated range of tableware, teaware, and plantation furniture, each piece reflecting a century-old legacy and unwavering commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable craftsmanship. You will find beautifully designed tea sets with cow creamers from the UK, as well as exquisite silver sets, handwoven and embroidered table linen, wooden accessories, and more.
Look out for the stunning commissioned Kalighat paintings by Anwar Chitrakaar, son of the renowned Amar Chitrakaar. The paintings offer a vibrant tribute to the Makaibari estates, beautifully connecting the brand’s rich heritage with the region's artistic traditions.
“When curating items for the Makaibari Bungalow, we wanted to evoke the colonial charm that defined India in the late 1800s and early 1900s,” said Chatterjee. “This was a time when Indian royalty, while deeply rooted in their traditions, began to embrace British sophistication. Small yet significant changes marked this era - switching from earthenware to fine silver, dining at tables rather than on the floor - signifying the merging of two distinct cultures.”
Chatterjee says that this fusion, often called the Hindustani Tehzeeb, beautifully blended the elegance of British traditions with Indian heritage. “Our design approach for the Makaibari Bungalow reflects this synergy. We wanted to honour our roots while celebrating the artistry that Kolkata is renowned for. Visitors will notice the graceful works of Amar Chitrakaar, a renowned artist from West Bengal, adorning the walls. In addition, Sheffield silverware and cherished keepsakes from the Obeetee Bungalow—including items that belonged to Mr. Oakley, one of the brand’s founders—are on display, bringing a sense of history and legacy into the space.”
Talking about the silverware sets in the store, Chatterjee said that the team drew significant inspiration from Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj by Vidya Dehejia. The book, which intricately explores Indian craftsmanship during the British Raj, served as a key influence in curating the accents within the Makaibari Bungalow. In particular, the rich, ornamented silverware—such as tea services, bowls, and goblets- illustrated in the book informed how the interiors echo the opulence and regional artistry of the era. “Silversmiths of that time combined European forms with intricate local motifs, and we aimed to mirror this in the bungalow. The displayed silverware reflects not only historical elegance but also the fusion of global and local sensibilities. Sheffield silverware, showcased here, connects this heritage to a modern, yet timeless setting, much like the European-influenced designs that once graced the homes of the British Raj.”
Chatterjee joined Obeetee’s parent company, Luxmi, in 2007. The Chatterjee family acquired the prized estate of Mkaiabari in Darjeeling in 2014. They have been involved in the tea business for over a century. His grandfather, Paresh Chandra Chatterjee, established a plantation in the then-independent Tripura in 1913. Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, founded by Paresh Chandra, produces 20 million kg of tea from 17 estates in Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal.
If you are looking to enhance your home with custom, handcrafted luxury or experience a lifestyle that values tradition and sustainability, the Makaibari Bungalow at Taj Bengal provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of Luxmi Group's long-standing legacy.