Over 125 years old and once the summer residence of the Maharaja (King) of Cooch Behar, the Elgin Darjeeling is now a luxury heritage hotel. The hotel is situated in the heart of Darjeeling town, 6000 feet up in the Himalayas. A celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations, located in the majestic Himalayan ranges, the Elgin is very much a part of Darjeeling’s colonial history. As you enter, the Elgin warmth hugs you and makes you feel at home with a glass of sparkling cherry liquor and a silken Khada (scarf) draped around your neck.

The Elgin has been restored to its original grandeur, snug and cozy in an interior decked with etchings of G.Douglas, lithographs of Daniell, period Burma teak furniture, oak floor boards and paneling, crackling fireplaces, candle-lit tables and strains of music from the grand piano. You realize the meaning of palpable ‘old world charm’ which has played host to dignitaries like the US Ambassador and the Crown Prince of Sikkim to Dominique Lapierre and Mark Tully. The hotel has stories to tell from the time of its first owner the Maharaja of Cooch Behar to Nancy Oakley in the 1950s.

Built-in 1887 around a beautiful garden, the hotel has been extensively refurbished to restore it to its former grandeur and its history has been kept intact. The rooms offer splendid views of the mountains and valleys. The Elgin Darjeeling is a perfect base from which to explore the spectacular mountain scenery, pine forests and ancient monasteries of this world-famous destination. The Elgin is within walking distance of the famous Darjeeling mall (High street), cafes, restaurants, bars and the Raj Bhavan (Governors House). A well-stocked library, games room and children’s activity centre and many opportunities for nature walks, make this luxury hotel and resort an all season destination.