INR 2950
Avg. Price / day
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.
Anna Maria Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford, is credited for the creation of the now world-renowned afternoon tea. In the 1800s evening meals were progressively served later and this left the Duchess suffering from a “sinking feeling” each afternoon at about four o’clock. Initially, the Duchess asked her servants to sneak a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs to replenish herself. In doing so, she found that an afternoon snack was the perfect refreshment and began inviting her friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and of course tea.
The afternoon teatime summer sessions proved so popular that the Duchess continued it upon her return to London. She sent cards to her friends asking them to join her for “tea and walking the fields”. Other social hostesses soon picked up the practice of inviting friends for afternoon tea and this has since developed into a traditional pastime.
Selection of Infused Teas
Earl Gray, English Breakfast, Lemon, Indian Masala
Herbal Teas
Chamomile
Selection of Fresh Leaf Green Teas
Jasmine, Jogmaya, Organic Green
Selection of Fresh Leaf Darjeeling Teas
Margrates Hope, Balasun, Hilton First Flush, Hilton Second Flush, Puttabong First Flush, Upperfagu First Flush, Fuguri First Flush, Kanchenview
Selection of Fresh Italian Lavazza Coffee
Cappuccino, Espresso, Double Espresso, Ristretto
Selection of Homemade Sandwiches
Cheese Sandwiches, Egg Sandwiches, Vegetable Sandwiches
Selection of Homemade Pakoras
Cheese Pakoras, Egg Pakoras, Vegetable Pakoras
From the Elgin Bakery
Cakes and Cookies or Scones, Brownies and Short Breads
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