Ten timeless hideaways in the Himalayas
Doubles from Rs 13,000, Bluebookhotels.comTHE ELGIN, DARJEELING
Built in 1887, The Elgin was once the summer residence of the Maharajah of Cooch Behar. The sprawling green-roofed manor house practically oozes old-world charm with its oak wood panelling, period Burma teak furniture, crackling fireplaces and a grand piano. In all, 25 well-equipped rooms are done up in charming Victorian dcor and come with a sitting area and a working fireplace. Most rooms look out over the landscaped garden and the mountains (no Kanchenjunga views though). An inhouse spa offers a range of massages and beauty treatments. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Darjeeling Mall (High Street) lined with cafes, restaurants and bars.Doubles from Rs 13,000; elginhotels.comTHE JUDGE'S COURT PRAGPUR (KANGRA)
Located in the foothills of Kangra valley, The Judge's Court is a historic country manor house dating to the early 1900s. Beautifully restored to maintain the ambience of a bygone era, the hotel offers 30 well-appointed and individually decorated rooms spread over three structures in the orchard complex of the estate. The dining room serves a mix of Indian, Continental and Himachali cuisine, while the Whiskey Priest Bar offers libations of all kinds. Visit the charming heritage village of Pragpur to admire its mud-plastered and slate-roofed houses, cobbled streets and the ornamental village tank. Other activities include visiting local artisans, bird-watching and day trips to Dharamshala and its Norbulingka Institute, which is dedicated to preservation of the Tibetan arts.Doubles from Rs 13,500; judgescourt.comROSASTAYS JEOLIKOTE BUNGALOW, JEOLIKOTE (NAINITAL)
Formerly known simply as The Cottage, this 150-year-old red-roofed heritage bungalow with ivy-draped walls is a charming homestay with stunning mountain views. It offers six spacious en suite rooms that come with queen-sized takhat beds, cosy fireplaces and handmade wardrobes, while chintz lamps, cotton durries and patch-work quilts add to the homey vibe. The common living area, sun terrace and lush garden are perfect to curl up with a book or to just be. Meals are homestyle and include local Kumaoni dishes as well as North Indian and international fare.Doubles from Rs 7,500; Rosastays.comCHAPSLEE, SHIMLA
In the erstwhile summer capital of the Raj, Chapslee is a charming heritage building that's just a short walk from Mall Road. Built in 1830, and owned by the family of the former king of Kapurthala, the home was turned into a small heritage hotel in 1976. Since then, it's been known for 'The Chapslee Experience'—warm, personalised service and preservation of traditions like silver service, sit-down meals and high tea. Decked out in chintz, silver and crystal, each of the five suites is uniquely designed and full of bygone charm. While a summer holiday at Chapslee is wonderful, Christmas is particularly special with a traditional dinner; keep your fingers crossed for snow.advertisementDoubles from Rs 16,500; chapslee.co.inKHALI ESTATE, BINSAR
Built in 1875, and home to everyone from distinguished British administrator Sir Henry Ramsay to the Nehru family, Khali Estate is located in the heart of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The heritage hotel is set amidst 25 acres of orchards and wilderness, and comes with a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalaya. Rooms—spread across the main bungalow and in stone-and-mud-walled cottages dotted around it—are cosy and have a rustic charm. The spacious library with over 5,000 books is heaven for book lovers; for the active sort, there is badminton, tennis and other games to keep busy, as well as jungle walks, treks, bird-watching etc.advertisementDoubles from Rs 9,000; khaliestate.comGLENBURN TEA ESTATE, DARJEELING
A beautifully restored colonial tea plantation house established in 1860, Glenburn Tea Estate is nestled amidst a 1,600-acre working tea plantation in Darjeeling. The two cottages—Burra Bungalow and Water Lily Bungalow—feature four themed suites each, with a four-poster bed, hand-embroidered bed linens, a fireplace and a verandah or terrace that offers views of the tea gardens and Darjeeling city. The Burra Bungalow suites have the most spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (weather permitting). Sign up for the Glenburn Tea Experience, which includes a walk through the plantation, a guided tour of the tea factory, a riverside picnic or lunch and more.Doubles from Rs 50,000; glenburnteaestate.comABBOTSFORD PRASADA BHAVAN, NAINITAL
Located away from Nainital's touristy bustle, Abbotsford Prasada Bhavan dates to 1876 and offers two separate accommodations—the three-room Wordsworth Cottage and the five-bedroom Apsley House. With their white faades, red roofs (with chimneys) and pine wood flooring, both cottages look straight out of an Enid Blyton book. Rooms are fitted out with colonial furniture, art and artefacts. Head out on forest trails or go birding with the inhouse naturalists and return to sumptuous Kumaoni dishes and international favourites at Caf Chica.advertisementDoubles from Rs 9,000; abbotsfordnainital.comTARAGARH PALACE, PALAMPUR
Located in the foothills of the magnificent Dhauladhar mountains, Taragarh Palace was built in 1951 as a summer resort for the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir, and was developed as a heritage hotel in 1971. Its European-inspired architecture with colonnaded patio, pavilions and landscaped gardens makes a pretty picture fringed by 15 acres of woodland and manicured tea estates. The palace's 26 rooms and suites feature vintage furnishing and tiled floors, and come with garden or polo grounds views. The Imperial dining hall offers a mix of Indian, Continental and Chinese fare as well as the traditional Himachali Dham (ceremonial multi-dish vegetarian meal).Doubles from Rs 7,000; Taragarhpalace.comWELCOMHOTEL BY ITC HOTELS, THE SAVOY, MUSSOORIE
Built in the Gothic style, The Savoy opened in 1902 and was a favourite retreat for the British. This luxury hotel has been managed by ITC Hotels since 2009. After extensive interior refurbishment in 2013, the hotel's 80 rooms and suites offer a mix of classic charm and modern conveniences; expect high ceilings, wooden furniture and vintage dcor, not to mention views of the Himalaya from most rooms. Take your pick between three dining options, including the multicuisine Grand Dining Hall, The Royal Afghan serving North-West Frontier cusine and the colonial-style Writer's Bar.Doubles from Rs 28,000; itchotels.comSubscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
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The Hidden Economy of Valleys: Why This Matters Beyond Instagram Traveling Sikkim in summer isn't just about pretty views. It has a ripple effect. You support homestays, local guides, and artisans in remote villages. You reduce pressure on overcrowded tourist hubs like Gangtok. You give value to landscapes, helping communities preserve forests and traditions. Every step you take leaves an imprint—not on the earth, but on how the earth is cared for. Final Thought Sikkim doesn't call with words—it calls with trails. When summer heats up elsewhere, find your escape not in crowded streets but in its blooming valleys, flowing rivers, and quiet monasteries. Don't just visit Sikkim. Let it guide you, change you, and become part of your journey.
