How to Enjoy Christmas in India?

You don’t have to travel to European countries to experience an enjoyable and memorable Christmas. Why? There are a handful of places in India that await you with Christmas delights:

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one picturesque town in India where you can spend a memorable Christmas.  The entire town is imbued with lights and cheery vibe during Christmas Eve. Chilly weather, early morning masses, and carols make Christmas a priceless experience in Darjeeling.

When you visit Darjeeling, make sure to book your stay at the Windamere Hotel. The Colonial hotel is popular for hosting the most extravagant Christmas parties. Treats to guests in the hotel aren’t just limited to sumptuous foods and cheerful hospitality, world-renowned entertainers make the Christmas nights magical. For more information, visit http://www.windamerehotel.com.

2. Goa

Goa is the place to be if you like wild parties as well as religious festive vibes. Although Goa is synonymous with fun and enjoyment, the entire state becomes livelier during Christmas Eve.

When in Goa during Christmas, don’t forget to try special menus at restaurants and beach shacks. Most importantly, make sure you attend the beach parties to spend a memorable Christmas.

3. Delhi

Christmas is one big reason for Delhiites to party.  The city’s Christian localities are adorned with shimmering lights, cafes, restaurants, and pubs welcome guests with unmistakable seasonal offers.

4. Bangalore

If there’s one city in India where Christmas is celebrated with exuberant spirit, it is Bangalore. During Christmas, it rains discounts and offers in malls, shops, and restaurants in the city.

Churches in the city are beautifully adorned with light and flowers which bring out the festive vibe; and not to forget about how super pleasant the weather gets during Christmas Eve in Bangalore.

5. Manali

If you want to enjoy a quintessential Christmas experience, visit Manali. The picture-perfect town enjoys a typical Christmas weather. In Manali, you get the opportunity to celebrate Christmas amidst snow. Treat your taste buds with sumptuous Christmas specialities, make snowman outdoors, spend time trekking and hiking – there’s so much to do in Manali during Christmas.

Darjeeling: 5 Must-Visit Places

You can never get enough of Darjeeling. Although a small and quaint hill town, Darjeeling awaits travellers with fascinations beyond their wildest imaginations.

Sure, Darjeeling is popular for its charismatic tea, London-like weather, and wildest monsoons, but what about the town’s less-explored places, Colonial establishments that exude historical past, and picture-perfect nature parks?

Here are 5 places in Darjeeling (which many may not know of) are worth visiting:

1. Chowrasta

Chowrasta (or crossroads) is one of the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling. Start off your Darjeeling tour by visiting Chowrasta. It’s a guarantee that you’ll get fascinated by the lively vibe in Chowrasta. You can visit Chowrasta during any time of the day, but the best timing would be early morning or evening.

2. Shrubbery NightingalePark

Shrubbery Nightingale Park is the quintessential nature park in Darjeeling. It’s one place in Darjeeling you shouldn’t miss out visiting. The landscaped gardens bestow a surreal beauty to the park. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to treat your eyes with breathtaking views of emerald green tea plantation enveloping sloping hill terrains. Also, the wide variety of plants and trees in the park make up for instagrammable moments.

3. Peace Pagoda

Find your inner peace by paying a visit to Peace Pagoda. Here’s one way to make the most out of your visit: take an uphill walk from the town, you’ll enjoy more than reaching Peace Pagoda by car. The place is often secluded and quiet, and is surrounded by lush greenery – a perfect recipe to relax and rejuvenate.

4. Singamari

A popular locality in Darjeeling, Singamari is located downtown. Here, you can visit Darjeeling ropeway and take a cable car ride and enjoy a thrilling experience. You can double up your visit to Singamari as morning or evening walk.

5. Mall Road

Many tourists and travellers alike do visit Chowrasta but not fully explore Mall Road which is connected to the place. Taking a stroll in Mall Road is a different experience altogether; you’ll come across shops selling souvenirs, clothing at jaw-dropping discounts, and instant snacks and munchies.

Book your stay at Windamere Hotel to enjoy to the fullest in Darjeeling

What’s a better way to fun up your visit to Darjeeling than to make your stay in a Colonial hotel? Embrace Darjeeling’s English charm at Windamere Hotel, the best hotel in Darjeeling near Mall Road. For further information, visit http://windamerehotel.com.

Amazing Honeymoon Destinations for Couples who want to Experience Colonial Charm

Colonial places, with their timeless charm, make the best honeymoon destinations. Fortunately, there are more Colonial places in the world than you can think of. Are you planning for a honeymoon? Include these 4 Colonial places in your honeymoon bucket list:

1. Darjeeling – India

Darjeeling, with its rare English charm of the bygone British raj era, tops the list. A small and quaint town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is one of India’s picture-perfect town.

Although the town is highly popular for its aromatic tea, it attracts tourists from the world over with its London-like weather. Honeymooners can spend an enjoyable visit to the town. Some of the town’s prominent attractions include Chowrasta, Tiger Hill, Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling Zoo, and Observatory Hill.

When booking a honeymoon hotel in Darjeeling, make sure to book your stay at the Windamere Hotel – the finest and most authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling.

2. Kuching, Sarawak - East Malaysia

Capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Kuching  is one of the less-visited Colonial honeymoon destinations. Therefore, if you want to spend your honeymoon in peace and tranquillity, Kuching is where you need to head to.

Some of the most popular Colonial buildings in the city include The Astana, The Bishop’s House, Fort Margherita, Kuching Courthouse, Pavillion Building, Sarawak State Museum, Round Tower, Chinese History Museum, Kuching General Post Office Building, etc.

When in Kuching, make sure to visit the city’s prominent tourist attractions, including Kuching Cat Museum, Bako National Park, Mount Santubong, Matang Wildlife Centre, Upside Down House Kuching, etc.

3. Yangon – Myanmar

History buffs’ favourite, Yangon in Myanmar is a city unlike others. The charming city is home to a number of Colonial architectures that have stayed true to their historical heritage and therefore exude Colonial charm.

Some of the prominent Colonial architectures in the city include Minister’s Office, High Court Building, and Yangon City Hall. When in the city, visit attractions including Kandawgyi Lake, Sule Pagoda, Shwedagon Pagoda, Bogyoke Market, Tooth Relic Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, etc.

4. Penang – Malaysia

Penang was built as a small city full of administrative buildings during the 1800s and early 1900s.  Luckily, a number of Colonial buildings still stand today, and that too in pristine condition.

Attractions including Penang Hill, Khoo Kongsi, Clan Jetties Of Penang, Snake Temple, Escape, and Fort Cornwallis are some of the must-visit places in the city.

5 Hotels Where you Can Get Back in Touch with Nature

There’s no better experience staying in a hotel than to get close with nature. Fortunately, such hotels aren’t out of reach. In fact, these hotels await nature lovers like you with fasciations beyond your wildest imaginations!

Here are 5 hotels where you can get closer to nature:

1. Windamere Hotel, India

Located in the picturesque town, Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay to every guest. The Colonial charm of the hotel combined with the picture-perfect scenic beauty of Darjeeling makes a stay in Windamere Hotel an unforgettable experience.

Windamere Hotel is blessed by the jaw-dropping views of Mount Kangchenjunga and emerald green tea plantation enveloping the descending hills. Windamere Hotel is also the best Colonial hotel in India; it best highlights the English charm of Darjeeling. So, next time you visit India, be sure to head over the hills of Darjeeling and book your stay at this Colonial hotel in India. For booking information, visit http://windamerehotel.com.

2. Hideout Bali, Indonesia

Want to get the closest to nature? If yes, then head over to Hideout Bali. It is a beautifully constructed wooden hut located on the Gunung Highlands. What sets Hideout Bali apart from the rest is it is fully sustainable; the water wheel at the back of the hut is the source of electricity for the whole hut.

3. West Point Inn, USA

If you are longing for a back-to-nature experience, then West Point Inn is the right choice for you. The inn is popular for its massive wraparound deck. From there, you can witness jaw-dropping views of San Francisco, the East Bay, and Marin Headlands.

4. Helena Bay Lodge, New Zealand

There’s no doubt that Helena Bay Lodge sets the standards of nature hotels high. Located on the northeast corner of North Island in New Zealand, Helena Bay Lodge encompasses four private beaches and three kilometres of pristine coastline.

Guests can enjoy a plethora of activities during their stay in the lodge. Examples of such activities include fishing, kayaking, and farm tours.

5. The Highlands Camp, Tanzania

The Highlands Camp is a cluster of 8 dome-shaped suites that combine wilderness experience with high-style contemporary escape. The suites are comfortable and equipped with all the essentials, including in-room wood-burning stoves, in-room power, hot running showers, and flushing toilets. Long hikes and nature walks are some of the activities to enjoy at The Highlands Camp.

Famous Colonial Hotels Across The World

Colonial hotels are the perfect reminiscent of the bygone era; they are the perfect embodiments of the historical past. The list below is a collection of Colonial hotels that have survived the ordeal of time and remained as magnificent as they were in the past.

1. Windamere Hotel, India

Windamere Hotel is an authentic Colonial hotel with a classic English charm. The hotel was built as a Summer Board House during the 19th century for the British Tea Planters. Later, the place was restored into a hotel and stayed true to its Colonial-era charm. In 1939, ada villa, the english boarding house, changed its name to ‘windamere hotel’.  Till today, it still has retained its old boarding house ambience.

Colonial architecture along with rich history sets Windamere Hotel apart from other hotels. Nestled amidst the picture-perfect town of Darjeeling, your stay at the Windamere Hotel will surely be a cherished experience. If you want to book your hotel in Darjeeling, then choose Windamere Hotel – India’s one of the premium British Colonial hotels. To know more, visit http://windamerehotel.com.

2. Galle Face Hotel, Sri Lanka

The Galle Face Hotel is a masterpiece of the Colonial architecture. You can enjoy the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean from its terrace. The hotel has a quintessential charm of the Victorian era. Facing the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Hotel is a prominent landmark. The hotel is also very famous for its legendary doorman Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan, one of the oldest hotel employees in the world.

3. The Fullerton, Singapore

The Fullerton hotel is a magnificent illustrations of Colonial architecture. Inspired by The Parthenon in Athens, the hotel is a prime example of the classic Victorian era. Its magnificent porticos and stunning structural design have become a symbol of Singapore. Situated on the edge of Singapore River, the Fullerton hotel is a marvelous landmark. The rooms are aesthetically pleasing and are equipped with the latest gadgets for the convenience of the guests.

4. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in Vietnam is one of the finest hotels in Vietnam. The hotel is a classic example of Colonial architecture. Even after all these years, this majestic building has maintained its English charm. With a serene white facade, beautiful rooftop gardens, and Persian style patios, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi fascinates every visitor with a taste of timeless Colonial charm.

5. Raffles, Singapore

Named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles is one of the world’s most popular hotels. Raffles represents a beautiful fusion between eternal grace and classical Colonial architecture. The luxurious suites, high ceilings, and balconies will rekindle the romantic in you. Among the famous bars and restaurants, the traditional Raffles Grill and The Tiffin Room are the prime tourist attractions in the hotel.

6. The Eastern & Oriental, Penang

The Eastern & Oriental hotel is one of the remarkable examples of Colonial architecture. Maintaining the charms of Malaysia’s colonial history, the hotel is a historic building in the city. The hotel unmistakeably captures and preserves the essence of the Victorian era. The hotel is home to unique, antique decors, including classic black-and-white tiled Victorian bathrooms, vintage rooms, and balconies.

8 Places Every Nature Lover Must Visit

Pristine beaches, misty mountains, serene valleys, and lush forests, nature lovers have their own way of finding their escape. Are you a nature lover? Do you connect to nature time and again?

Here are 8 beautiful places around the world that will take your breath away:

1. Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling is home to diverse flora and fauna. Travellers around the world visit this panoramic Hill Station to experience nature at its best. Visit Darjeeling to discover the rich biodiversity of nature.

Book trip to Darjeeling and enjoy your stay at the Windamere Hotel - one of the best British Colonial hotels in India located near The Mall Road, Windamere Hotel ensures a luxurious stay in the Queen of The Hills To learn more, visit http://windamerehotel.com.

2. Spotted Lake, Canada

If you are a nature enthusiast then the Spotted Lake in Canada is a must-visit. When the water evaporates, the entire lake exhibits some dazzling coloured spots formed due to the percolation of rare mineral in the lake.

3. The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Travelling around the marvellous ecology of the Amazon Rainforest is a once in a lifetime experience. This place is a must-visit as you will be besieged by the mass of unique species the Rainforest supports.

4. Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado

This colossal reserve in Colorado has over 1,500 visible dinosaur fossils. It is a beautiful wild habitat for unique plant and animal species.  The place is a paradise for archaeology buffs.

5. Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

The sandstone erosion over the past 6 million years has created this masterpiece. The Danxia Landforms is the result of long-term weathering and wind and water erosion. This place gives the area its exceptional and astounding look.

6. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
This fossil-rich area is a sight to behold. This spectacular place is the ultimate result of water erosion on the area's rocky landscape for millions of year.

7. Stromboli, Italy

This blazing destination in Italy is quiet a popular destination among the travellers. This small island is home to three active volcanoes in Italy. Located along the Calabrian Arc, this volcano is located between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates which continuously shift.

8. Ladakh, India

If you are looking for a thrilling destination for your summer vacation, then Ladakh is your ultimate destination. There are several interesting places to visit in Ladakh. The beautiful mountains, spectacular sceneries, and the pleasant weather, all contributes to make the place a perfect holiday destination.

8 Must-Visit Places in 2018

Are you planning a vacation but not sure about where to go for your next holiday? Worry not, check out our list of best places worth visiting in 2018.

1. India

India is hailed for its rich culture and regional diversity. If you are a nature lover, then Darjeeling, a quaint hill town, is a “must-visit”. The incredible snow-capped mountains and lush green plantations will lure you to the Queen of The Hills.

Darjeeling is popular for its London-like climate and a quintessential Colonial essence. Take a walk down The Mall Road and visit Colonial architectures to relish the town’s old British charm.

While spending your Christmas in Darjeeling, you can even experience the enthralling cable car ride to enjoy the astonishing view of mountains and lush tea gardens. You can visit this beautiful hill station during any time of the year, but Christmas Eve is the best time to visit. To enjoy the true spirit of Christmas, book your stay at the Windamere Hotel. With its vintage English charm, this gorgeous Colonial Hotel adds more colour to the celebration. To know more, visit http://windamerehotel.com/.

2. Singapore

Singapore is the land of diversity; the land is home to different cultures. The island-city is home to old and new architectural wonders. Here, tourists can enjoy their time on countless fun activities.

From relaxing on a palm-fringed beach in the Gili Islands to trekking all the way through the jungles of Laos, the city has a lot to offer. Don’t miss the Singapore night safari, the world's first nocturnal zoo that operates after the sun goes down.

3. Bahamas

With sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Bahamas is a favourite for honeymooners and nature lovers alike. This coral archipelago is a paradise on Earth. This gorgeous place is spread between the depths of the North Atlantic and Florida's eastern coast. The Bahamas comprises of magnificent coral reefs and enormous ocean trench. It is home to splendid beaches, reefs, forests, and historic towns.

4. Uzbekistan

You may find this location a bit unconventional for your holiday destination but it is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of urban life. This offbeat location is every visitor’s paradise as it is popular for its rich cultural heritage. You can explore the ancient Silk Route trading centres, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

5. Lisbon

Lisbon, the picturesque capital of Portugal, is revered for its panoramic views of Mediterranean skies, Atlantic surf, and the cobbled streets. The city’s beautifully-coloured houses are sure to be on your Instagram feeds.

6. Antarctica

Though getting here can be little hectic but the place is worth the visit for once-in-a-lifetime experience. The extraordinarily fragile and rapidly changing ecosystem is a sight to marvel at. The cinematic backdrop in Antarctica make up for some of the best Instagrammable moments.

7. Egypt

The ancient land of pyramids and Pharaohs is a treat for the travellers, especially archaeology and history buffs. Encircling around the Pharaohs, Persians, Arabs, Ottomans etc, Egypt is a true blend of different civilizations. Egypt has one of the most iconic attractions of the world, the Great Pyramid at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From vast deserts to exotic culture and rich heritage, Egypt certainly makes it to the top of every traveller’s bucket list.

8. France

France is world’s one of the most popular tourist destinations. Famed for its wine, cheese, and chocolates, France has been attracting visitors from all around the world from decades. The pleasant climate and historic attractions will give you enough reasons to visit this place.

The pristine beaches on the French Riviera will make your trip an unforgettable vacation. You can enjoy some of the popular winter sports in the Alps and experience the rich culture along with mouth-water cuisines and the finest wines in the world.