5 Majestic British Colonial Hotels in India

Modern India has moved past its colonial past and has changed a lot since its independence in 1947. However, it still bears the distinct elegance of the Raj-era. A number of hotels and buildings stand as a perfect reflection of the Victorian age, offering a walk through the vivid memories of the British empire. Here’s list of a few majestic British Colonial hotels that still stand as a silent witness to our Colonial past:

1. The Claridges Nabha Residence, Mussoorie

Hemmed by the lush green forests of cedar and oak, this cottage-style cosy luxury hotel is located in the picturesque locales of Mussoorie and gives a Victorian vibe once you step into it. This was used by the Maharaja of Nabha as his summer retreat. The hotel has retained its elegant colonial charm. The decor and furniture reflect an old-world charm.

2. Ayisha Manzil, Kerala

Overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, this colonial style homestay is located in the coastal town of Thalassery, North Kerala. Formerly known as the “Judges Bungalow” this place was built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown, a trader with the British East India Company. The architectural pattern is preserved carefully to retain its century-old flavour that reminds you of the Raj-era.

3. Hotel Jhalamand Garh, Jodhpur

Situated on the outskirts of Jodhpur, away from the cacophony of the bustling city, this hotel was built in the late 18th century. It once served as the castle of the Royal family of Jhalamand and is famous for its unique blend of the heritages of both Marwar and Mewar in Rajasthan. The architectural style reflects the elegance of Marwar while the hospitality speaks of the traditions of Mewar.

4. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

This enchanting and authentic colonial hotel in Darjeeling once served as a boarding house for the British planters in the late 1800s. Formerly known as Ada Villa, the Windamere hotel, the only authentic colonial hotel in Darjeeling still retains its cosy boarding house atmosphere. Stay at Windamere Hotel to experience the Victorian elegance of the Raj-era.

5. The Taj Nadesar Palace Hotel, Varanasi

This palace was built in 1835 and is located on the banks of the majestic Ganges. This palace was used by the Maharaja of Varanasi. The antique-strewn decor of the place is reminiscent of the Raj-era and has welcomed elite guests including Lord Mountbatten and Edwina Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru, to name a few.

Spend your Christmas in India : 4 Cities to Visit

From the cheerful Christmas celebrations at Darjeeling to the French influenced celebrations in Puducherry, there are a number of ways to drench yourself in the Christmas spirit of India. Each region adds a unique cultural twist to the Christmas festivities making the occasion livelier. If you are planning to celebrate Christmas in India, visit these places for a unique experience:

1. Daman and Diu

Located near the coast of Gujarat, soak yourself in a rich colonial influence during the Christmas week celebrations in Daman and Diu. Being a former Portuguese colony, Christmas celebrations have a unique Portuguese flavour. A variety of cultural shows is organised throughout the Christmas week. You can enjoy the Portuguese Corrindinho dance forms. Do not miss the midnight mass at St. Paul’s Church and the church services at Church of Our Lady Rosary and Se Cathedral.

2. Shimla

You can hear the echoes of the past in every alley of this former summer capital of British India. With lower tourist footfall during the month of December, Christmas celebrations are usually peaceful. The Churches and houses are decorated with shimmering lights. Evenings are usually welcomed by the soft tunes of carols and hymns from distant Churches and rich aroma of traditional delicacies filling the atmosphere. You can even attend local bands play playing hymns from the Gospel.

3. Darjeeling

Christmas is celebrated with much gaiety in this former summer resort of British India. During the Christmas week this quaint city  comes alive with the Yuletide spirit. Celebrating Christmas in Darjeeling feels like taking a heritage walk down the memory lane. Strong British influences can be seen in the Christmas celebrations here. Do not miss the Christmas week celebrations (From December 20 to December 31st) at the Windamere Hotel, the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. It still follows the tradition of inviting famous entertainers from  London's West End Stage District to enthral the guests. The Christmas celebrations at Windamere Hotel has a rich feel of the good old house party that will help you relive the old boarding house days during the colonial era. This is the only hotel that will offer you a glimpse of old style British Christmas celebration along with international entertainment.

4. Kolkata

When it comes to Christmas, Kolkata offers you a unique blend of modern outlook and tradition values. This former capital of British India embraces Christmas with open arms. The Park Street area comes alive with vivid Christmas celebrations. You cannot miss the live bands, cafes offering Christmas goodies and the sound of the carols rising from the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visit the bow-barracks to watch the Anglo-Indian communities celebrating Christmas in a traditional way.

Feel The Raj Era : Stay in These Hotels

There are a number of luxury hotels across India that echoes of the Raj-era. If you want to step back a century and experience a slice of that period, then a stay in these hotels is a must:

1. Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar

Built in 1859, this hotel was the residence of the Gohil dynasty of Bhavnagar. The architecture of this hotel was planned by  Mr. Simsom, a German architect. It is a perfect blend of royal exuberance and modern facilities with a hint of aristocracy.

2. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Each wall and each room of this colonial hotel in India has its own unique story left behind by the personalities who once stayed in this hotel. It still has the Royal suites once used by the Raj-era planters. Theses suites have been renamed after the personalities who stayed here. For instance the Knebworth (named after the mansion of Lord Cobbold in England), Chogyal of Sikkim (named after their famous guest the King of Sikkim). Windamere hotel, the only authentic colonial hotel in Darjeeling, was previously known as Ada Villa and was used as a Boarding house for the British Planters. If you want to experience the Raj-era, then stay at the Windamere hotel during your next visit to Darjeeling.

3. Wallwood Garden, Coonoor

This hotel was built a century ago by a Scottish Major General. Later, it was sold to a British couple just after the World War I who turned it into a boarding house. The place overlooks the magnificent Nilgiri Hills and has still maintained its colonial atmosphere.

4. The Ramgarh Bungalows, Kumaon

Built is the early 1900s, the Ramgarh Bungalows is a group of 6 elite bungalows. Now re-furbished, these bungalows were once used as Guesthouse and Dak bungalows by the officers of the British Empire. Tucked away amidst the lush Kumaon hills, each of the bungalows offers stunning vistas and is ideal as a hillside hideaway. These bungalows housed guests such a Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

5. West View, Ranikhet

Spread in an area of about 5.25 acres and surrounded by fir and pine forests, the West View hotel was built in 1918. Furnished in rich colonial style, the luxury suites offer a breathtaking view of the valley. This elegant building has 11 double rooms and 7 luxury suites. The Annexe block of this hotel houses two royal suites- the West View and the West Mount suites. The architecture of these suites resembles the English Baroque style of architecture which is also known as Queen Anne style.

10 Facts on Christmas Week

Ever wondered why Christmas is also called Xmas? Or do you know the origin of the word Christmas? If no, then here are a few interesting facts on Christmas:

1. The concept of Santa Claus is loosely based on an actual person St. Nicholas. He was born in the year 270 and was the Bishop of Myra. Turkey. He was famous as a gift giver and would often pay the dowries on behalf of poor girls. He would also distribute treats, coins and sweetmeats to children anonymously during night time. He is the patron saint of children.

2. Christmas is referred with different names in different parts of the world. In Finland it is known as Joulu, Christmas in India is referred as Burra Din, in Sweden it is known as Jul or Jol.

3. The word Christmas comes from the Old English word Christes Maesse which meant Christ’s Mass. Its usage was first recorded in the year 1123.

4. The tradition of sending Christmas card was first started in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. His card was designed by painter John Callcott Horsley. However, it was not until 1883 that these cards became popular and were known as Christmas cards.

5. Do you know that the song Jingle Bell was originally written for Thanksgiving? This is also the first song that was broadcast from space in 1965 when Astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford sang it from Gemini 6 spaceflight.

6. Christmas is also referred as Xmas, which has its roots in the Greek language. In Greek, the letter X is the symbol used for Christ. Xmas was used as an abbreviation of Christmas since the mid-1500s.

7. Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm all across the world including India. In Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel, the only authentic colonial hotel, has been organising Christmas week since 1939. During these celebrations, renowned international entertainers from different part of the world would charm and enthral the audience with their performance. This year, Windamere Hotel will be celebrating Christmas and New year eve from December 20th to December 31st.

8. Do you know that the Greeks celebrate Christmas on January 7th? According to the old Julian calender, Christmas fell on January 7th. They open their Christmas gifts on the New Year’s eve.

9. During the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi first introduced the concept of singing Carols in the church.

10. The custom of hanging gifts on the Christmas tree first came from the Druids. They believed that trees delivered all the good things in life.

5 Famous Colonial Hotels in India

Modern India hasn’t wiped out the traces of the British Empire that once ruled the country. It has carefully preserved the remnants that evoke the memories of the Raj. There are a number of colonial-era monuments and hotels that still whisper the stories from the past. Here’s a list of best Colonial hotels where you can easily slip back in time:

1. Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla

Located near the Mall road in Shimla, adjacent to the Viceroy Lodge, this hotel boasts an atmosphere that will remind you of the Raj-era. During the Raj-era, this place was visited by the British elites and was famous for its grand ballroom dances. The place was restored by the Oberoi group. Even today the restored walls, theatre and balconies of this hotel retains its colonial elegance.


2. Fernhills Royale Palace, Ooty

The “Queen of the Hill-Stations” is famous for its Colonial hotels and bungalows and Fernhills Palace is one of them. This former palace of the Wadiyar dynasty still exudes a colonial charm that reminds you of the British Raj.

3. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Located at the Observatory Hill, Windamere hotel is the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. Formerly known as Ada Villa, this hotel stands as a true relic of the British Empire. This hotel has never been renovated but restored carefully to preserve its old world charm. Even the cuisines will remind you of the Raj-era platter, especially the Roly-Poly pudding. If you want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, then book your stay at the Windamere Hotel and experience the grandeur of the Raj-era.

4. Taj Connemara Hotel, Chennai

This 1850 building stands as a silent witness of the Colonial era. This impressive Victorian building is a peep hole into the India that is more than a century old. Previously known as the Imperial Hotel, it was rechristened the Connamara to respect the Baron of Connamara Robert Bourke, the Governor of Madras who contributed to the development of the city.

5. Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai

This century-old luxury hotel present a nostalgic blend of elegance, colonial charm and rich history. Located near the Colaba Causeway, this hotel is famous for its hospitality and has welcomed many dignitaries from across the globe. It boasts total 550 rooms and luxury suites. Not only that, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower is also famous for its world class restaurants and bars that offers an elaborate platter of delectable cuisines from Europe,India. Middle East and Oriental countries.