Visiting The Queen Of Hills? Here Are 12 Places You Can Choose To Stay In

High in the mountains, this sophisticated hotel is 2 kms from both Darjeeling train station and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Their polished rooms have traditional wood furnishings and fireplaces (very Brit!). You have free Wi-Fi ofcourse. They even have a library, playground, play room (for toddlers) and a game room. It’s the perfect option if you’re travelling with little ones. 

Offering views of Mount Kanchenjunga, this upscale hotel is a 15-minute walk from Darjeeling train station. Popular tourist attractions such as the Peace Pagoda and Zoological Park are at a stone’s throw away from here. Room service here is the actual deal. Amenities also include an in-house restaurant, a casual cafe with a terrace, and a bar with a pool table. There's also a gym, a sundeck that offers stunning mountain views, and a cosy lounge with a fireplace. Need we say more?

Stay at Elgin Hotels for its old-world charm. Period furniture (Burma teak), oak floor boards, paneling, and fireplaces, will take you back to the colonial times. Giving you that perfect royal feel and treatment you want on your vacay! The hotel rooms offer splendid views of the mountains and valleys. Best part? The Elgin is within walking distance of the famous mall road.

Pop-culture fans! Stay at this seriously hip place named after the well-known Beatles song, Revolver. You will love the Fab Four-themed posters, books and other memorabilia strewn around the place. Wake up and look up at a young John Lennon smiling down at you from a poster! The quaint hotel has five rooms in all, named after the Moptops and their manager Brian Epstein. If you want privacy, you can book Paul, George or Brian. For a view, book John – you can see the amazing Kanchenjunga peaks from the bed. Ringo is a smaller room but with a double bed.

This one’s located right amidst the lush greenery, offering spectacular views of the Singalila National Park. You will love taking a liesurely stroll in the vast garden area surrounding the lodge. The cottage is ideal for both families as well as couples. You can choose from the suites and family rooms. Car parking space is provided close to the property. They also have an in-house restaurant so you don’t have to step out everytime for a meal or a snack. Best part? Bring your furry friends along as pets are allowed here. 

This summer palace for maharajas from Burdwan could be your elite getaway to the scenic natural beauty of the hills while enjoying modern amenities. Located about 10 kms from Tiger Hills, the Burdwan Palace is surrounded by alluring scenery. As the name suggests, the palace belongs to the erstwhile royal family of the Burdwan province. The residency has a number of amenities including a garden, terrace and free WiFi, yet the best part is their deliciously cooked homely meals. 

This is one of the most talked-about family cottages in Darjeeling. A mud house, a herb garden, a backpacker hostel, TIEEDI is your best opportunity to connect back to nature and with the local community. Stay in their Earthy Dwelling - mud cottage within their organic forest garden. Or give voluntourism a try and lend a hand with their several projects which look after the forest ecosystem. TIEEDI is located 10km away from the Neora Valley National Park and 30km away from the Bagdogra airport.

Located in the Takdah Cantonment of the Darjeeling district, Sambhala Heritage is a homestay, perfect for a short getaway to the hills. The bungalow has the charm of the British colonial days coupled with a cosy ambience and some great tea, of course. You can opt for their junior suites or deluxe ones. The rooms are spacious, equipped with amenities and a beautiful colonial-era style fireplace. Treat yourself to tasty and organic food and sip on some freshly brewed tea from the neighbouring gardens. 

Want a genuine throwback stay in the hills? An experience that will make you feel like you are back in the British Raj era? Book a stay at the Ivanhoe Heritage House in Darjeeling. Situated just 50 metres from the famous Mall Road, it was conceived as a summer retreat when it was built in 1841. Today it is a charming B&B with several deluxe doubles and singles and a couple of large suites. The golden wood-panelled halls, cast-iron fireplaces and gingham and chintz at the windows will make you feel like you are back in the early 1900s.

Enclosed within 1,000 acres of private land and with two rivers running through it, Glenburn’s colonial Burra Bungalow and the Water Lily Bungalow overlook the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and overlooking the town of Darjeeling. Stay in the suites or the campsite lodge at the estate. Whatever you do don’t miss the tour to see how tea journeys from the garden to your cup. 

A premium resort located on the fringes of Darjeeling, perched atop a serene cliff, Chamong Chiabari offers spacious rooms and spectacular views of the lush green tea gardens. It’s also a paradise for bird watchers and photographers alike. The staff is very friendly and will provide you with fresh organic vegetarian food. Go bird-watching by the river side or sit outside in the lawn to enjoy high tea, this resort is perfect for a tranquil and experiential stay. 

Owned by a Tibetan family, the Bellevue Hotel combines the peace and gentleness of the Tibetan culture in everything they offer. Well-furnished rooms are panelled throughout in warm juniper and pine, with polished wooden floors. All rooms have attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Log fires are available in the guest rooms in winter. A well maintained garden graces the back of the building. Their courteous and able staff are always willing to assist you in every way, be it sightseeing, treks, tours, transport or food.