Lounging in the landscaped gardens in a profusion of colors, one is treated to breath-taking view at the Silver Oaks, Kalimpong. The natural décor is characteristic in the imposing Kanchenjunga which can be seen on a clear day, blooming petunias and asters, the serrated violet edges of iris, iridescent butterflies flitting through colourful azaleas, drooping geraniums, proud orchids and heaven, temporarily descends on earth. Sitting in one of the quaint gazebos, the tea seems to be flavoured by the refreshing winds of the Himalayas. The Silver Oaks was built in 1930 and once belonged to the prominent architect Frederick Desraj who built the old Teesta Bridge.

A mesmerizing vision of rich hues and shades in glorious asters and petunias with colourful butterflies straddling the open-air awaits you, as you step into the garden or the little gazebo to take a sip of the finest Darjeeling tea. The ground floor of the house was built in 1930 by a British jute magnate, who later sold the house to Fredrick Deshraj, an architect and builder, who also built the Teesta bridge.

The house was then bought by Mr. Diamond Oberoi in the early 1980’s from Fredrick Deshraj. Mr. Oberoi added an extra floor as a natural extension of this style of architecture with added windows, allowing a better assortment of lights filling in the indoors and hallways. The Elgin Silver Oaks is now a luxury boutique hotel and provides the best luxury and comfort by integrating modern amenities tastefully with its heritage décor.

This residence is also decked with lithographs of old masters, period furniture, bookshelves with handpicked publications and a bar to ease the spirits and help relax. The soft tunes of the piano and the aroma of the food stir up a languor that is perfectly acquainted with a sedentary holiday mood.