Nestled in the clouds, high above humanity, lies the extremely picturesque The Elgin Mount Pandim in Pelling. This erstwhile summer escape of the Royal Family of Sikkim offers you impeccable views of the Himalayas in a very quaint and colonial setting.
Head To This Lovely Hotel For A Quaint, Colonial Style Getaway
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What Makes It Awesome
With a lush landscape, gushing waterfalls, this property has views that look as heavenly as they sound—especially when it’s dusk. On the inside is an elegant living room done in soothing shades of cream and maroon (don’t miss the old-school fireplace) along with an inner sanctum which houses exquisite pieces of royal art collection.
The service here is efficient and unobtrusive, and the meals are an elaborate affair, starting with gentle soups and proceeding to heartier local and Indian mains and ending on a more colonial sweet note. For me, the breakfast service was especially memorable. We sat for hours savouring a spread of fresh fruit, hot puris, poached eggs and endless cups of golden Darjeeling tea.
The resort is an easy walk away from the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery, which is perched atop a little hillock and offers a spiritual escape. Also, a few kilometres down the road, just before the tiny town of Pelling, lie the ruins of Rabdenste, the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim. A slight trek that journeys through a lake and forested hills brings you to the remains of this historical royal abode.
What Could Be Better
In case you're planning a road trip to this place straight from the capital, take note that the journey is a bit treacherous with its time—you'll be meandering through charming local villages, verdant tea gardens and awe-inspiring rainforests.