These 5 Hotels Take you Back to the Colonial Era

If you are a history enthusiast and love to revisit old times, then Colonial hotels are best suited for you. Take a look at the can’t-miss Colonial hotels in India that will take you straight back to the bygone era:

1.  Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Located on the Observatory Hill in Darjeeling and overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga, Windamere Hotel is an embodiment of the Raj-era. This typical British style Colonial hotel was built for housing the British Tea planters in Darjeeling. Previously known as the Ada Villa, the hotel is carefully restored to preserve the charm of the Colonial era. The rooms, suites, décor, and the air of this hotel are filled with Colonial charm. Coupled with amazing hospitality, Windamere Hotel, the only authentic Colonial hotels in Darjeeling near mall, will take you straight back to the Raj-era. If you want to do hotel booking in Darjeeling, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel.

2. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur

Located amidst the rocky Aravalli ranges and overlooking the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace embodies the essence of Rajasthan. Built in 1911 by Maharaja Fateh Singh, this place reflects the elegance and the grandeur of the Rajputana. It has 55 well-decorated rooms equipped with all modern amenities.

3. Hotel Le Dupleix, Pondicherry

This was once the residence of the Mayor of Pondicherry. The building was restored later, maintaining the 18th century architectural style for maintaining its Colonial essence. The structure has typical French style architecture. The décor reflects 18th-century décor style that will immediately take you back to the Colonial era.

4. Nadesar Palace, Varanasi

The British East India Company built this palace in the 18th century. The Colonial structure was later in the 19th century, it was acquired by Maharaja Prabhu Narain Singh. Located amidst a beautiful garden, the decor of the rooms in this place reflects the heritage style.

5. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad

This was the former residence of the Divan of Radhanpur. Built in the 19th century and designed by a British architect, Divan’s Bungalow is about 150 years old. The building was carefully revamped to maintain its original charm and elegance. Its architecture is a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. This building stands tall as one of the finest example of British Colonial architecture in India. Located near Ahmedabad airport, this hotel is famous for its unparalleled hospitality.

Spend Christmas Holidays in the Warmth of these Colonial Hotels

Planning for a memorable Christmas holiday? Well, the best way to experience the merriest Christmas in India is to make your stay at Colonial hotels. Interestingly, there are a few such hotels in the country and we have listed them here.

1. Windamere Hotel – Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling is where you would go if you want to enjoy a West-like Christmas. The town is popular for its English charm and the cold weather makes the festive season special.

When in Darjeeling, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel which is one of the finest Colonial hotels in India. One of the biggest perks of staying at the Windamere Hotel is that it is located on the Mall Road – a promenade which overlooks the town. This way, you can enjoy the view of the entire town and the Himalayas from your room.

Unlike other hotels, Christmas is celebrated in a special way in the Windamere Hotel. Tourists experience the true meaning and ambience of Christmas and staff offer them gifts and warm greetings. The Colonial hotel even serves special food items and drinks as a treat for tourists. A memorable Christmas experience is no surprise at the Windamere Hotel.

2. Strand Hotel - Rangoon (Yangoon), Burma

The Strand is undeniably one of the most beautiful Colonial hotels in the world. The Victorian-style hotel hosts several events and special offers during Christmas. Tourists can enjoy lucrative offers on the hotel’s bar. The in-house restaurant at The Strand also offers special course dinner.
Most importantly, Christmas choirs are hosted and mulled wine is offered to the guests. The best part? Christmas offers are different every year. So, if you want to spend a magical Christmas holiday, then make sure you stay at The Strand.

3. Raffles Hotel – Singapore

Apart from the fascinating Colonial charm and world-class hospitality, Raffles Hotel is also popular for its festive offers. Christmas, in particular, is a treat for guests as the hotel hosts several events and offers.

If you are planning to spend Christmas holidays with your family, then Raffles Hotel is a perfect choice. Special accommodation arrangements and sumptuous dinner are usual perks of staying in the hotel during Christmas.

In terms of history and reputation, Raffles is a class apart – personalities including Rudyard Kipling, George Bush, and Somerset Maugham have stayed in the hotel.

Honeymoon in India: 4 Places to Visit

Newlywed? Looking for a perfect place for your honeymoon? We can understand your conundrum while selecting the perfect place for your romantic getaway. Stunning hills, sprawling meadows, rocky terrains, and idyllic beaches - with each corner in India offering unique charms, it’s tough to zero in on just one. Here’s a list of places that you may consider for your honeymoon:

1. Darjeeling

Overlooking the spellbinding Himalayan Mountains and the sprawling greens of the tea gardens, Darjeeling welcomes you with its unspoiled natural beauty. This is a perfect place to cosy up with your partner. From enjoying a magical ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway strolling hand in hand around the tea gardens, or spending a lazy afternoon at the Senchal Lake, Darjeeling will mesmerise you with its charm. The place has a close association with the Colonial past of the country. Windamere Hotel is a place soaked in Colonial charm with world-class hospitality. Here, you can step back in time and enjoy the glimpses of the Raj-era. Also, the courteous staff leave no stone unturned in pampering couples. If you are looking for Colonial hotels in Darjeeling or want to book honeymoon hotel in Darjeeling, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel for an unmatched experience… they know how to treat honeymooners!

2. Andaman Islands

Secluded islands, stunning vistas, sunny beaches, and places of historic importance – the Andaman Islands has it all. The amazing views of the place will make you wish that your holiday never ends. If both of you are adventure enthusiasts, you may try snorkelling, scuba diving, water sports or visit museums and other historic places.

3. Munnar

A panoramic hill station located in Kerala, Munnar has dream-like landscape. The salubrious air of the place is refreshing. Carpeted with green plantations and tea gardens, the view of the place is breathtakingly beautiful. You can visit the Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park, the tea gardens, and Anamudi here.

4. Udaipur

Get a taste of royalty and soak in the vibrant and unique culture at Udaipur. Also known as the City of Lakes, go for an exotic royal honeymoon with your partner. Explore the Rajput-era palaces, spend your days travelling back in the times of the Rajputana while exploring the museums and iconic palaces; and soak in the vibrant culture and colours of Rajasthan during your stay. You can also indulge in some post-wedding photoshoot here.

Experience British charm in These Hotels

The Raj-era had a charm of its own. And if you think that charm has gone, you are wrong. There are still a few 19th-century places in India that will remind you of the luxury and grandeur of the era. A stay in these places will add to the uniqueness of your travel destination. Take a look:

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Pamper you soul with the unparalleled hospitality of this British Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. Located on the picturesque Observatory Hill in Darjeeling, the Windamere Hotel has a unique history. This place was once used as a boarding house for the British tea planters. Known as Ada Villa at that time, the Windamere Hotel still retains its Colonial poise and grandeur. The rooms and decor of the place exude an old world charm that will sweep you off your feet. If you are visiting Darjeeling and want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, stay at the Windamere Hotel, the only authentic Colonial hotel in Kolkata.

2. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

This place is famous for its amazing hospitality. Located in the heart of the city, this place is synonymous with comfort and opulence. The place has 60 rooms that are equipped with all modern facilities including mini bar, satellite TV, health club, spa, swimming pool, library, and intercom. With the best dining options, the food at this place will definitely satiate your taste buds.

3. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Built in the late 19th century, this hotel is among the vintage buildings in the former capital of British India. Originally known as Mrs Monte’s Boarding House, The Oberoi Grand has a neo-classical facade. The architecture of the entrance of this hotel is a blend of classical Victorian and Indian style that reflects the colonial history of the city. This hotel is the best stop for luxury as well as business stays in Kolkata.

4. Ayisha Manzil, Tellicherry

Located in Tellicherry and overlooking the Arabian Sea, this colonial-style mansion was built in 1862. Previously known as Judges Bungalow, Murdoch Brown, a trader of the East India Company built this place. This place is famous for its warm hospitality and extraordinary traditional cuisine with a special focus on seafood. The infrastructure and amenities suit the modern lifestyle while presenting a blend of the local culture. A stay at the Ayisha Manzil is a unique experience in itself.

Colonial Hotels Famed for Their Hospitality Across the World

Nothing is comparable to the old-world charm of Colonial-era hotels. The old-fashioned services and the architectural beauty – everything adds up to the unique experience that comes along with a stay in such places. If you love to bask in the old-world charm of Colonial hotels, consider staying in these places:

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Once used as a boarding house for the British Planters, the Windamere Hotel is the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. This was constructed for the British planters to give them a feeling of home-away-from-home. Previously known as the Ada Villa, the Windamere Hotel still houses the suites used by the planters. This place has been carefully restored to preserve its unique charm and Colonial elegance. If you are planning to book Colonial hotels in India or visiting Darjeeling, stay at the Windamere Hotel for making your trip a unique experience.

2. Hotel Bissau Palace, Jaipur

If you want to experience the grandeur and the opulence of the Rajputana, Hotel Bissau Palace is the ideal place for your stay. This place was built in 1920 by Thakur Rawal Raghubir Singhji and was turned into a hotel in 1977. This place is located on the outskirts of Jaipur and is well known for its amazing hospitality.

3. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental is the oldest structure in Bangkok and is deeply connected to the Colonial past. Most of the parts of the building were constructed later on; however, the Author’s Wing is the only part of the original 19th-century structure. This part of the hotel has housed many famous writers including Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, and novelist Graham Greene. Back in 1891, the future Tsar, Nicholas II of Russia also stayed in this hotel. This place was opened in 1876.

4. Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai

The Fairmont Peace Hotel was originally known as the Cathay Hotel. This grand building was a famous stop for eminent personalities who visited Shanghai including Sir Noel Coward. He stayed here for about two weeks while he was recovering from flu. He wrote his play Private Lives at Fairmont Peace Hotel. The hotel has been refurbished now and houses grand Art Deco rooms, a sky-lit swimming pool, and their iconic jazz bar. Coupled with amazing hospitality, this Colonial hotel is among the best in Shanghai. This place was opened in 1929.

4 Places to Enjoy Christmas in India

There’s everything to like about Christmas – the joyous ambience, the many gifts, and rekindled closeness with your loved ones. In India, Christmas is celebrated in almost every place in quirky ways.

Here, we have listed the 4 places in the country where you will enjoy Christmas the most.

1. Kerala

Kerala is one place you shouldn’t miss out if you want to experience a lovely Christmas. The churches host midnight masses where carol singing and enactment of the birth of Lord Jesus are done.

If you are a foodie, then you should definitely visit Kerala as restaurants, cafes, and local eateries serve different meals. The bakeries, too, serve scrummy cakes, pastries, and traditional sweets.
 
2. Goa

There’s no doubt that Goa is a prominent place to enjoy Christmas celebration in India. The state has a sizable Christian population and has a reputation of celebrating Christmas with immense zeal.

Most of the cities in Goa, including Vasco da Gama, Panaji, and Margao, are decorated with flowers and lights. Masses sing carols while restaurants and beach shacks serve Christmas lunch and dinners. In other words, you can enjoy Christmas to the fullest in India, in Goa.

3. Darjeeling

Just like Goa, Darjeeling has a sizeable Christian population and therefore Christmas is a prominent time of the year in the picturesque town. During Christmas, the town lights up with joy and most shops, restaurants, and cafes are decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees.

Masses and prayers are held, Christian community members become active in charity work, and carols are lively. Above all, it’s the mesmerising cold weather that makes Christmas very special in Darjeeling.

Book a hotel in Darjeeling

If you wish to visit Darjeeling and celebrate Christmas, then book your stay at the Windamere Hotel. The Colonial hotel is located near the Mall road – a promenade which overlooks the town from where you can relish the festivity in the town.

4. Kolkata

Kolkata is the city of joy and it becomes more joyous during Christmas. During the advent of Christmas, markets are crowded as people shop for gifts. Similarly, bakeries and confectionaries scale up their orders.

Most malls and restaurants are decorated with festive themes. Apart from family meet and greet, exploring the city’s markets and tourist attractions during Christmas is really worth it. Delectable food, festive lights, prayers and carols are what make Christmas merry in Kolkata.