Elgin Silver Oaks, West Bengal

Location

Found in the thin wedge of India that separates Nepal and Bhutan, the town of Kalimpong might be little known were it not for the famous tea-producing regions of Darjeeling and Assam. The foothills make for a varied and fascinating destination, where quaint British colonial retreats are overshadowed by awe-inspiring Buddhist temples. 

Accommodation

The twenty-five spacious rooms at the hotel each offer views over the Teesta valley and the rugged ravines and snowcapped summits of the Himalayas beyond. In keeping with the fashions of the 1930s, the rooms are elegantly appointed with teak window frames and harmonious natural colours. The rooms and communal areas are heated and delightfully cosy during the chilly highland winters.

Dining

Naturally enough, the Tea Lounge is the best place to sample the many delights on offer from the nearby plantations. Stronger drinks can be enjoyed in front of a roaring fire. The Silver Dining Room offers a full range of international cuisines, but local delicacies are highly recommended. Nepalese specialities include gyako soup made with noodles, eggs, chicken balls, black mushrooms and mixed vegetables; churpi, yak’s milk cottage cheese served with green pepper and sweet chillies; momo, steamed dumplings filled with chicken, pork or vegetables; and buttery deep-fried khapsay biscuits.

Facilities

An indulgent wellness centre offers a variety of time-tested Indian health and beauty treatments, including head and shoulder massages and facials. Two scenic walking trails starting out from the hotel allow you to explore Kalimpong’s market and golf course, and a half-hour drive away you can test your nerve with white water rafting on the rapids of the Teesta River. Hotel staff can also organise adventure treks in the foothills, plantation visits and other excursions.