Windamere Hotel
Overview
What it is: The Windamere Hotel is one of the oldest colonial hotels in Darjeeling, renowned for its vintage charm and heritage ambiance.
When it was built: Originally established as a boarding house for British tea planters in the 1880s, it was converted into a hotel in 1939.
Where it is located: Located on Observatory Hill, just off Chowrasta Mall, with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
A Living Museum of Colonial Elegance
The Windamere Hotel is not just a place to stay it's a living relic of the British Raj, complete with fire-lit lounges, period furniture, and colonial-style cottages. Divided into two wings The Windamere and The Snuggery the property transports guests to a bygone era.
Key features include:
- Authentic fireplaces, four-poster beds, and Victorian bathtubs.
- A drawing room serving afternoon tea, just as it did for tea planters 100 years ago.
- Staff trained in heritage hospitality with personalized service.
- Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga from the garden and select rooms.
The hotel has hosted royals, celebrities, and scholars—from the Maharani of Cooch Behar to famous mountaineers. Its history is so intertwined with Darjeeling that staying here feels like being inside a historical novel.
A Heritage Stay at Windamere – 24 Hours in Colonial Comfort
8:00 AM – Wake Up to Kanchenjunga Views: Enjoy morning tea on the veranda as the Himalayan peaks light up at sunrise.
9:00 AM – Colonial Breakfast in the Dining Room: Start your day with a British-style breakfast: eggs, toast, and Darjeeling tea served in porcelain ware.
10:00 AM – Walk to Nearby Heritage Sites: Visit St. Andrew’s Church, just next door. Walk to Bhutia Busty Monastery and Chowrasta Mall within 5–10 minutes.
1:00 PM – Lunch at the Hotel or Nearby Café: Either dine in-house or try Glenary’s, a nearby heritage bakery.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea at the Drawing Room: Experience the Windamere’s signature high tea with scones and biscuits, served in British style.
5:00 PM – Relax in the Library or Garden: Browse through old books or simply unwind with a sunset view over the hills.
7:00 PM – Colonial Dinner with Live Piano (on request): End the day with a multi-course dinner and soft instrumental music, just like in the 1930s.
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