Tourist Recreation
Situated at an altitude of 6,000 ft in the Himalayas, Elgin presents a picture of breath-taking natural beauty, with spectacular views of mountain ranges and panoramic valleys. The hotel is in the heart of Darjeeling town and is a perfect base to explore the fascinating flora and fauna of the region and embark on your adventures.
Fill your senses with the scent of the earth as you trek through mountain trails. Thrill to the rush of water as you raft over the surging River Teesta. Ride with the wind on a mountain bicycle, through picturesque paths that take you on a journey of discovery. On the other hand you could just enjoy the spirit of the mountains within the exclusive environs of the hotel garden. Indulge in the exclusive Elgin Spa.
Whether you are in quest of adventure or an easy-paced vacation, the Elgin promises a holiday full of surprises and unforgettable memories.
Tourist Recreation
Situated at an altitude of 6,000 ft in the Himalayas, Elgin presents a picture of breath-taking natural beauty, with spectacular views of mountain ranges and panoramic valleys. The hotel is in the heart of Darjeeling town and is a perfect base to explore the fascinating flora and fauna of the region and embark on your adventures.
Fill your senses with the scent of the earth as you trek through mountain trails. Thrill to the rush of water as you raft over the surging River Teesta. Ride with the wind on a mountain bicycle, through picturesque paths that take you on a journey of discovery. On the other hand you could just enjoy the spirit of the mountains within the exclusive environs of the hotel garden. Indulge in the exclusive Elgin Spa.
Whether you are in quest of adventure or an easy-paced vacation, the Elgin promises a holiday full of surprises and unforgettable memories.
SCENIC WALKS
Miles of un-spoilt countryside, tea gardens and wild flowers in spring create the setting for Elgin. Let the region work its magic on you, as you explore little known paths and follow tracks into the forest. We have mapped out trails that suit everyone, so you could go on a challenging walk, stroll along woodland lanes or take a route that offers a glimpse of colonial history. Not bound by clock or calendar, the world will be yours alone.
Trail 1 - The Darjeeling Birch-Hill Walk
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Grade: Easy
This is an easy-paced, 45 minutes walk that skirts Birch Hill with the Raj Bhavan (Governors House) – a beautiful colonial bungalow used by the Governor as a summer retreat. The trail descends from a hill adjacent Shrubbery Nightingale Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo, which offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, deep tea valleys and Darjeeling Town. It then winds back through oak forests and tea gardens dotted with colonial cottages.
Trail 2 - The Darjeeling Mall Walk
Distance: 2 km
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Grade: Easy
A pleasant walk covering two kilometers, skirting. The trail loops around below the Observatory hill and the Darjeeling Gymkhana club through a lush green forest reserve and is suitable for the elderly on account of its gentle gradient. This trail is also a wonderful introduction to the flora of the Himalayas and offers some great views of the Lebong cantonment area, tea gardens, the Snow capped Himalayan ranges and Mt. Kanchendzonga – “the 3rd highest peak in the world”.
MOUNTAIN BICYLING
The landscape beckons the adventurer, as the bicycling trails pass through woods of rhododendron, spruce and pine. In spring, wild flowers set the hillsides ablaze in a riot of colour. Choose a challenging trail or pick an easy-paced ride. Cross hamlets where life has followed a steady pace for years. Pass through forests whose majestic trees have stood undisturbed for centuries. The experiences of a single day allows you to take back memories for a lifetime.
Trail 1 - The Darjeeling Birch-Hill Bicycle Trail
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 25 minutes to ½ an hour
Grade: Easy
This is an easy-paced, 25 minute cycling trail that skirts Birch Hill with the Raj Bhavan (Governors House), a beautiful colonial bungalow used by the Governor as a summer retreat. The trail descends from a hill adjacent Shrubbery Nightingale Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo, which offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains deep tea valleys and Darjeeling Town. It then winds back through oak forests and tea gardens dotted with colonial cottages.
Trail 2 - The Darjeeling Mall Bicycle Trail
Distance: 2 km
Duration: 20 to 25 minutes
Grade: Easy
A pleasant trail covering two kilometers, skirting. The trail loops around below the Observatory hill and the Darjeeling Gymkhana club through a lush green forest reserve and is suitable for the elderly on account of its gentle gradient. This trail is also a wonderful introduction to the flora of the Himalayas and offers some great views of the Lebong cantonment area, tea gardens, the Snow capped Himalayan ranges and Mt. Kanchendzonga – “the 3rd highest peak in the world”.