4 Must Visit Colonial Hotels in India

If you want to explore the rich colonial past of India and let your soul soak up history, then a stay in the colonial hotels in India is a must. These hotels present an interplay of old-world charm with modern indulgence.  Here is our list of the best and must visit colonial hotels in India:

1. Le Colonial, Cochin

Dating back to 1506, Le Colonial is one of the oldest hotels in entire Asia. Built by the Portuguese, Le Colonial has a rich history. It remained with the Portuguese and later housed the Dutch governor when Cochin was conquered by the Dutch. However, in 1795, this place was sold to the British Empire and was bought by a tea trader named J. Thomas. Each room of this place has been named after people connected with its rich colonial past. It includes Vasco da Gama (he stayed here as a guest), Tipu Sultan, Major Petrie, Jan Van Spall, and so on.

2. The Windamere, Darjeeling

Originally used by the British tea planters as a boarding house, The Windamere also boasts a rich colonial past. This place was formerly known as Ada Villa and was turned into a boarding house in the late 1880s. The place has been restored to retain its original colonial flavour and still houses the Planter Suites which are now known as The Royal Suites. Famous guests who stayed at this place include royalty from Sikkim, Europe, Thailand, and India, as well as many other parts of the world. If you want to experience the colonial past of India, then book a stay at The Windamere, one of the authentic colonial hotels in India.

3. Hotel Chevron Fairhavens, Nainital

This is a typical English mansion-style colonial hotel located near the famous Nainital Lake. The decor of this hotel will remind you of rich British architecture and is a perfect example of elegance and craftsmanship.  The rooms boast an elegant decor comprising of wood and stone and has a rich colonial feel.

4. The Ramgarh Bungalows, Uttarakhand

Famous for their breathtaking landscape, these 19th -century colonial bungalows are located in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. These bungalows were once used by both British and Indian officers. The cottages include Cliff House, Vista Villa, Rose Cottage, and Ashok Vatika. Each cottage boasts colonial decor and is the best place for a quiet hideaway.

Cities that Make your Stay Memorable During Christmas in India

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Christmas is the best time to celebrate the holiday spirit and take time off your busy schedule. If you are looking for places to celebrate Christmas in India, away from home, then we have listed a few places for you:

1. Shillong

The chilling weather, snowy landscape add to the enchanting beauty of this place during Christmas. This North-eastern state is all lit up during the Christmas week celebrations. Christmas is celebrated with much vigour in Shillong. People prepare traditional cuisine and you will also hear strains of carols in the evening. There are a few churches in Shillong that have local bands playing hymns from the Gospel.

2. Darjeeling

This quaint place comes alive during Christmas celebrations. The houses, streets, and churches are brightly decorated with dazzling lights. Not only that, there are a number of events organised across Darjeeling to make the Christmas experience fascinating for the people. One such place is The Windamere. Christmas week celebrations at The Windamere will remind you of the celebrations during the colonial era. This year, The Windamere will be celebrating Christmas week from December 20th to 31st and during this period, famous entertainers from the West End Theatre District in London enthral the audience. This year, the famed writer, actress, and cabaret performer Sarah –Louise Young will enchant the audience with her performance. If you want to experience the rich colonial feel of Christmas celebrations in India, then a stay at The Windamere is a must.

3. Mussoorie

The snow-capped landscape of Mussoorie in December creates a perfect ambience for the most enchanting Christmas celebrations. This place was once a summer capital of the British Empire. And as such, it still retains its rich feel of the colonial past. There are many families and places that celebrate Christmas following the old English traditions. So, a visit to Mussoorie will give you a unique experience that will remain etched in your memory.

4. Ooty

This is a place which is well known for its grand Christmas celebrations. Irrespective of religion, all people get involved in the Yuletide spirit. You will be amazed to see the crowd attending the midnight mass. Churches, Hotels and buildings are illuminated with bright lights and other Christmas decor. Many hotels also organise Christmas eve parties and dinners for tourists visiting this place.

4 Famous Hotels that Take you Back to the Colonial Era

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In this era of chic and luxurious hotels, there exist places that have a story to tell. These places evoke a strong sense of nostalgia as you explore their concrete structure that stands as a silent witness to the most important chapters of history. These are colonial-era hotels. Here is a list of 7 famous colonial-era hotels across the globe that still dazzles with exuberance as they did in their heydays:

1. Raffles, Singapore

This is one of the most famous and oldest Colonial-era hotels in the world. It was built in 1887 and was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. This structure stands as a reminiscent of the British colonial era and has a timeless elegance. It has hosted famous guests such as Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, and Somerset Maugham.

2. The Windamere, Darjeeling, India

The Windamere is one of the oldest and authentic British colonial hotels in India. Formerly known as the Ada Villa, this place was used by the British planters as their boarding house. Built in the mid-1800s, The Windamere was never renovated but was carefully restored, thus, retains a rich colonial feeling. The decor of the hotel creates an old world charm and you will feel taken back to the colonial days as soon as you step into this place. If you are visiting India and want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, then book your stay at The Windamere, the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling.

3. Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka

This hotel dates back to the 17th century and has hosted both the Dutch and the British and has a tumultuous and rich colonial history. The decor of this place reflects its Dutch colonial past. 300 years old polished jack-wood floors, vintage prints, and whirring ceiling fans adorn the interiors of this magnificent colonial structure.

4. La Residence, Hue, Vietnam
Located near the famous perfume river, this place was the former residence of a French governor during the colonial era. La Residence overlooks the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty. La Residence is a striking example of Art Moderne, a type of Art Deco architecture that was hugely popular during the 1930s.

4 Must Places to Enjoy Christmas in India

Christmas week in India has its own distinct flavour. If you are celebrating Christmas in India or even planning to do so, then check these places to soak into the Christmas spirit:

1. Manali

This Himalayan destination unfurls new hues and grandeur during the Christmas week celebrations. The snow capped mountains; pristine white landscape creates just the right ambience for enjoying a perfect Christmas. People decorate their houses with shimmering lights and colourful decorations. This Himalayan hill station dazzles during the night as the melange of shimmering light and colours present a dazzling view at the backdrop of the snowy landscape. Thanks to the December snowfall, you can enjoy a number of activities such as skiing and snowball fights during the Christmas week sojourn at Manali.

2. Bangalore

This tech-town gets a complete makeover during Christmas week. If you are celebrating Christmas week in India, a visit to Bangalore is a must. The roads are decorated with sparkling light and make you feel the spirit of Christmas in India. The age-old bakeries in Bangalore stock themselves with Christmas goodies. With brightly lit streets, homes decorated with wreaths, baubles and fairy lights, midnight masses and parties, Bangalore is at its glorious best during the Christmas week.

3. Delhi

The markets and malls in the capital city of India are flooded with lights during Christmas. The soft wafts of cakes fill its air and the strains of Christmas carols can be heard wherever you go in Delhi.  If you want to experience the traditional feeling of Christmas, visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Delhi. You can also get a taste of Indo-German Christmas celebrations by visiting the German Christmas Mela. Hundreds of brightly decorated stalls, live music, puddings and cakes, Christmas tree- this fair has it all. If you are visiting Delhi during Christmas, a visit to this fair is a must.

4. Darjeeling

Christmas means overindulgence and there is no other place than Darjeeling which can give you the best Yuletide flavour.  The weather is just perfect to soak yourself in celebrations. People in Darjeeling celebrate Christmas with much exuberance. If you are visiting Darjeeling during Christmas, then a visit to The Windamere is a must. This is one of the most authentic Colonial hotels in India that still retains the Raj-era flavour in its Christmas celebrations. The Windamere organises Christmas week (from December 20th- 31st) that witnesses performances by famous artisans from the West End Stage District in London. The celebrations here will give you the warmth of a house party, taking you back to the Colonial era. The Windamere is the only hotel where you can experience the Colonial era while enjoying world class performance by widely acclaimed international performers. If you are visiting Darjeeling during Christmas, then definitely stay at The Windamere.

4 Famous British Colonial Hotels

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Standing as the remnants of the bygone era, the colonial hotels across the globe trigger a sense of nostalgic luxury even in the 21st century. Their rich Victorian flavour has an old world charm that will transport you back to the era marked by opulence and grandeur. Here is a list of 4 famous and must visit British Colonial hotels across the world:

1. The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

Nicknamed as The Pen, this hotel is a mute witness to the city’s rich colonial history. Opened in 1998, this hotel was built with the idea that it would be the finest hotels in the east of Suez. The hotel still follows the During the end of the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941, the British surrendered this territory in a meeting at the Room number 336 of it.

2. The Windamere, Darjeeling, India

Located on Observatory Hill in Darjeeling, The Windamere is a structure that stands as a witness of the Colonial era in India. Originally known as Ada Villa, this place was once used by the British planters as a boarding house.  was built in the mid-1800s. The Windamere still retains its original colonial flavour as each part of this place is carefully restored to preserve the old world charm. Take a walk down Memory Lane with a stay at The Windamere. If you are visiting Darjeeling, then book your stay with The Windamere, the only authentic British colonial hotel in Darjeeling.

3. Eastern and Oriental, Penang, Malaysia

Opened in 1885, the Eastern and Oriental Hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being the first enterprise of the Sarkies Brothers, famous for founding a chain of luxury hotels across Southeast Asia, the hotel reflects the charming colonial past of Malaysia.

4. Pera Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Located on a hill overlooking the magnificent Golden Horn, this place was opened in 1882. It was primarily built for passengers who travelled to Istanbul from Paris in the Oriental Express. Pera Palace is a place that has housed famous guests including Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Mata Hari, Agatha Christie, and so on.

7 Interesting Facts on Christmas Week

Do you know why Santa Claus comes down the chimney?  Or do you have any idea that where did the word Christmas come from? Or from where did the idea of hanging stockings come?  If no, then we have curated a list of interesting facts about Christmas for you. Read on to know more:

1. The word Christmas comes from the word Christes Maesse or Christ’s Mass in Old English. This word was first recorded in the year 1123. The term “X-mas” generates from Greece. The Greek symbol “X” represents Christ and thus, Christmas is also referred as X-mas.

2. The concept of Santa Claus is loosely based on the Bishop of Myra St. Nicholas who was born around the year 270. He gave anonymous gifts to impoverished kids, particularly during the night. After his death, he was canonised as the patron saint of the children.

3. An 1809 satire “A History of New York” written by Washington Irving first described Santa Claus as a pipe smoking bearded man who slides down the chimneys to distribute gifts. From there, the idea of Santa coming down the chimney developed further.

4. The tradition of hanging stockings during Christmas comes from the Old Dutch custom of leaving food in stockings for the donkeys of St. Nicholas. In return, St. Nicholas put small gifts in them.

5. Do you know that the song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving Day? James Pierpont wrote this song in 1857 and was called “One horse open Sleigh.”

6. The Candy Cane is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas. It dates back to the year 1670 when it first appeared in Europe. It appeared in the USA during the 1800s. The shape resembles the hook that Jesus used to shepherd his lambs and the white and red stripes symbolise the purity and the sacrifice of Christ. The candy cane gained popularity in the mid-1990s.

7. Christmas is celebrated all around the world, including India. Christmas in India is celebrated with much vigour. The Windamere hotel, the only authentic colonial hotel in Darjeeling celebrates Christmas week from December 20th -31st. Famous entertainers from the West End Theatre District in London are invited to charm the audience with their performance. Christmas week at The Windamere is celebrated in the same way since 1939 and still maintains the warmth of a good old house party from the Raj days.