Experience Raj Era: Stay in these Colonial Hotels

There are few Colonial hotels in India that carefully preserves history while delivering unswerving luxury. Check out these places across India that will make you nostalgic with their Colonial charm:

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Previously known as Ada Villa, this is the only authentic British Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. During the Colonial era, the British planters occupied this place. Even today, the carefully preserved Windamere Hotel retains its Victorian charm and elegance. If you are planning to visit Darjeeling and want to experience the Colonial nostalgia, then book your stay at the Windamere Hotel. And if you are visiting during Christmas, then you can’t miss their Christmas week celebrations. Each year, performers from the famous West End Theatre District, London entertain the audience. This year, “The Totties” will be performing at the Windamere Hotel.

2. Ayisha Manzil, Kerala

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this beautiful Colonial retreat is located in the coastal town Thalassery. This town once served as a trading hub and has an important place in Kerala’s rich history. So does Ayisha Manzil. This place was built in 1862 by Murdoch Brown and was known as the Judges Bungalow. The hotel has a Victorian architectural style and is best known for its untouched antique charm.

3. The Claridges Nabha Residence, Mussoorie

Surrounded by the silver oak forests, this cosy cottage-style luxury hotel was the former summer retreat of the former Maharaja of Nabha. This place has once entertained Maharajas, Rajas, and British dignitaries and still preserves that splendour of the Colonial era. It has 22 luxury rooms and each room is equipped with all modern comforts.

4. Fernhills Royale Palace, Tamil Nadu

This place was once the summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The architecture of this 1844 building resembles a Chalet. In the mid-1860s, the palace was turned into a country club. And the British used this palace as their summer retreat.

5. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

This 19th-century haveli was the residence of the Divan of Radhanpur. This 150 years old structure was revamped very carefully so as to retain its original charm. The décor of the hotel is a blend of style and comfort. It has 5 suites and 3 rooms. Each unit of this place has a different theme, colour scheme, and entrance. It also has an exquisite dining area that serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

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.

5 Must-Visit Places in India

India is a country known for its diverse charms. And that’s why it’s so difficult to pick up a handful of places. We know that you too face this eternal dilemma. But among all, there are several places in India that are really worth a visit. Here’s a list of the must-visit places in India:

1. Darjeeling

Surrounded by the lush green tea plantations and overlooking the majestic Kanchenjunga snowcapped mountain, Darjeeling will leave you in awe. This is a place that basks in nostalgia. Take a ride on the historical Toy Train (listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites) or go for trekking to Singalila Ridge or just take a guided tour around the wonderful hilltops of area.  Darjeeling is a place brimming with activities. You may also explore the Colonial era structures and Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. If you want to experience the Raj-era, then stay at the Windamere Hotel, the only truly authentic Colonial Hotel in Darjeeling and one of the famed Colonial hotels in India. This was once a boarding house for the British Tea Planters and still, retains its Colonial charm and elegance.

2. Varanasi

India is a land of spirituality and if you want to explore the spiritual side of the country, Varanasi is a must-visit place. This place has tremendous religious significance for Hindus. Located on the bank of the holy river Ganges, it is believed that the city is more than 500 years old. The Ghat is always bustling with crowds performing various rites and rituals and is hemmed by several ancient temples. Take a dip in the holy river, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and revel in the divine aura of the Ganga Aarati in the Dashaswamedha Ghat, Varanasi is a place of unique experiences.

3. Jaisalmer

Also known as the Land of the Golden Sand, the walls and streets of the city are soaked in the rich heritage and stories of bravery of the great Rajput Kings. Located amidst the golden stretches of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer will leave you gasping in awe. Experience the effervescent charisma of the Jaisalmer Fort and explore the royal grandeur of the Rajput merchants at Nathmal Ji ki Haveli or Salim Ji ki Haveli; go on a camel safari and explore the endless stretches of the golden sand dunes, Jaisalmer will definitely impress you.

4. Cherrapunji

Located in the Abode of the Clouds, Meghalaya, Cherrapunji is nestled in the lap of Garo and Khasi hills. This place is the second wettest place on Earth and is famous for its gushing waterfalls, dense forests, living root bridges, brimming lakes and rivers. The double decker root bridges in Cherrapunji are grown by the people of the Khasi tribe over the years and run across rivers and streams. You may also visit the Mawsmai caves, famous for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

5. Delhi

This bustling metropolitan city and capital of India is brimming with historical monuments that will take you back to the Mughal era. With the high-end shopping malls, sprawling boulevards, lip-smacking street food and masterpieces of Mughal architecture, Delhi is a blend of the old and the contemporary.

4 Things to do in India

Windamere - Colonial Hotel

Diversity defines India - this South Asian country has an unparalleled miscellany of different landscapes, cultures, religion and tradition. So, as India has a world of its own, there’s so much that you can do in the country.

Here, we have listed the most interesting things that you can do in India.

1. Historic/Heritage Sites

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. So, you can pretty much guess the history associated with it. When in India, you really shouldn’t miss out on visiting some of the historical places including the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is also one of the seven wonders of the world. And while you are already there in Agra, you can also visit the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Another historical place worth visiting in India is the Ganges. Once a holy river, the Ganga water was believed to have magical healing powers in the past. Some of the other historical places/monuments to visit are Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi, Gateway of India – Mumbai and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai.

2. Religious places

You can never get enough of the endlessness of religious places in India. If you want to get a taste of the diversity in India, then you must visit some of the most popular religious places in the country.
Starting off, Amritsar is a holy place and is worth the visit. In Amritsar, visit the Harmandir Sahib (aka Golden Temple). Another popular religious place is Bodh Gaya; the Mahabodhi Mahavira Bodh Gaya Temple is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and is, therefore, a world famous Buddhist temple.

3. Colonial experience

Besides being rich in religion and culture, some places in India are reminiscent of the western world. When in India, you certainly cannot miss out experiencing and witnessing some of the typical English architectural wonders that the British have left along.
The Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata is an exemplary showbiz of the British Raj. If you want to live the colonial experience and not just see it, then head up to the queen of the hills, Darjeeling. The Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling is one of the finest British Colonial hotels in India. The conduct that you find in the Windamere Hotel is very English, along with the cosy rooms, sumptuous food and quaint villas.

4. Shopping

Shopping is a joy in India; flea markets are the most profitable and popular in India as you can bargain till the last resort. Some of the most popular places to shop (and bargain) include fashion street – Pune, Arpora Saturday Night – Goa, Commercial Street, Bangalore, Colaba Causeway – Mumbai, Sarojini Market – Delhi and New Market – Kolkata.

Famous Must Visit Colonial Hotels in India

There are a number of places in India that will remind you of the bygone era. Most of these places have been turned into cosy and luxury hotels where you can bask in the glory of the Raj-era. The rich Colonial flavour of these places will evoke the nostalgic memories of the Raj. For centuries, these places have carefully and meticulously preserved their Colonial charm and rich history. These places have hosted a long list of dignitaries for over hundreds of years. If you too want to experience the opulence and Colonial heritage of the country, here is a list of a few celebrated Colonial hotels in India:

1. The Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Snuggled on (!!)  Observatory Hill, The Windamere Hotel is the only authentic British Colonial Hotel in Darjeeling. The Victorian flavour, rich architecture and decor of this place are reminiscent of the typical Raj-era. Previously known as ‘Ada Villa,’ this place was once used by the British planters as a Boarding House. All the suites, rooms and cottages at The Windamere Hotel, carefully preserve the typical Raj-era charm and will take you straight back to the old Colonial days. All the suites, rooms and cottages have been restored to preserve their old world charm and are named after famous persons who stayed at the Windamere.

2. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad

Soaked in the rich colonial history of India, Divan’s Bungalow is an architectural delight. Located near Ahmedabad airport, this place is about 150 years old and has been revamped to preserve its colonial beauty and grandeur. The architecture of this place will remind you of the typical colonial architectural style and is named after the Divan of Radhanpur. Once served as a residence of the Kadri family, this colonial style bungalow is a must-stay place if you want to taste a slice of the colonial history of the country.

3. The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

Being the first among the celebrated “Four Maidens of the East”, The Imperial Hotel is among the finest buildings that constituted the grand architectural plans of Edward Lutyen. This building is a unique blend of Art Deco, Victorian, and classic Colonial style of architecture. The furnishing of this hotel was planned none other than Lady Willington, the wife of the then Viceroy.

4. Hotel de L’Orient, Pondicherry

Dating back to 1760s, Hotel de L’Orient was built when Pondicherry was under French occupation. However, the town changed hands between the Dutch and the British but strong French influences are still visible in the architecture of the hotel. Restoration of this place began in 1999 and within a few years, it opened its doors to the guests. The quintessential colonial charm of this place has been carefully preserved and has been bolstered with all modern amenities and facilities.

5. Taj Connemara, Chennai

This place will transport you straight back to the days of the Raj. Built in 1854, this place was re-established in 1890 and was named after Robert Bourke, the Baron of Connemara, who served as a Governor of Madras from 1886 to 1890.