The warmth of Prabhakar instantly makes one feel at home. The owners Sheila and Mahesh Bora, who converted their ancestral family home into a homestay, have played hosts to many travellers from across the globe. What makes it so special at Prabhakar is the unwavering commitment of Sheila, a retired professor who dishes out delicious homely Assamese meals and Mahesh, a retired mining engineer who never tires of gardening. No wonder, the property is awashed in natural beauty. There are more than 250 varieties of orchids that Mahesh has lovingly nurtured. The compound is dotted with seasonal flowers. Whether you sit out in the balcony or in the garden, you will always have birds and birdsongs for company.

The four rooms in the property are well-furnished and tastefully decorated in bright colours. Perched on a hill above the busy town of Guwahati, Prabhakar is where you can look forward to wholesome meals and a good night's sleep.

Facilities

• Flat-screen TV with 24-hour cable beam
• International newspapers and varied magazines
• 24-hour laundry service
• Home-cooked meals
• Provision for babysitting
• Airport transfer
• Car Parking
• Local sightseeing

It’s a family home lovingly transformed into a guesthouse retaining all the warmth of a home.  A Jaguar perpetually parked in the front driveway only adds to the charm of the place. Guests who come from all over the world love it for the sheer ambience that’s coupled with hospitable and efficient service. Set in the heart of Shillong, the cottage is surrounded by plants, fruit trees, orchids and many blooming seasonal flowers all through the year.

Personalized service under the supervision of owner Sharlene who leaves nothing to chance is perhaps the defining character of the place. Minute little details are important to ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal. The handcrafted beds in all the five well-appointed rooms that come with crisp yet soft cotton linen are inviting. Whether it is the home cooked meals complete with wholesome breakfast, freshly-baked cookies with tea that’s served either in the garden or the spacious balcony if not in the dining room only heightens the experience. The in-house library, wireless Internet on demand and a wellness studio ensure guests have plenty of options.

Conveniently located in the prime area of town, guests can ramble around the local market and go shopping. Those looking to explore the hidden sights of Shillong and beyond can rely on Sharlene who specializes in customizing programmes and activities to the unknown spots of Meghalaya.

Located in the heart of West Sikkim, in Darap, Daragaon Retreat is a home away from home. Allowing visitors to appreciate the local culture, this charming home retreat is just a 10 minute drive away from Pelling on the Yuksam-Khechepari road, and is run by Shiva and his wife Radha. The retreat is ideally suited for couples and families who want to enjoy a cozy environment along with some mouth-watering local delicacies. Visitors here can choose from two deluxe rooms, two cozy cottage rooms and tented facilities that ensure that ensure that one is taken away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Early risers can enjoy a brisk walk up to the limbo village (about 800 metres uphill) to see the Kanchendzonga – the world’s third highest peak – at sunrise.

For sightseeing, Pelling is only 5 kilometres away from Darap, from where most visitors start their tour of Sikkim. It is easy to get shared jeeps from Darap to Pelling (Rs 20) though the walk is beautiful. Most places of interest are within walking distance from Pelling, and it will takes about 6-7 hours to cover all of them. Furthermore for those interested, the hosts organize a trip to the local village to give visitors an insight into the local culture and a chance to interact with the locals. For further trips and treks and throughout the state through the Northeast, Shiv is a mine of information. Often sitting with guests at dinner, his stories about Sikkim are an ideal way to pass the evenings.

The place is comfortable but do bear in mind that it is a home retreat and those expecting hotel style amenities such as room service, mini-bar should look elsewhere. Indeed for dinner, it is Radha who does the cooking herself and hence it is courtesy to tell her the hours at which you will dine beforehand, and also to eat dinner as early as possible. Also, bear in mind that this retreat, considered one of the best in Sikkim is in a mountainous region and located atop a steep path, for which elderly guests in particular may take getting used to. However, bearing in mind that this is the Himalayas, it is unlikely that you will receive this authentic experience of the mountains anywhere else.

How to reach Darap:

Darap is easily accessible by road by any part of Sikkim. It is a four to five hour drive from the nearest stations like Siliguri, Gangtok, Bagdogra, Kalimpong. You can take a jeep or reserve a taxi from Siliguri. If asked, the hosts can provide a pick up and drop to the airport or to the nearest railway station.

The former home of an aristocratic Sikkimese lady that’s converted into a 12-room boutique hotel, is a charming place to rest your tired head.  The two-floor property is accessed through thick bamboo groves heightening guest’s experience. High on aesthetic and comfort, the property in designed in sync with the local environment. Situated just above the Mall Road, it is located in the heart of the capital Gangtok, making it ideal for couples and for those with small children. Owners Purna & Raju Rai provides a personalized and friendly service. And the staff is especially efficient at arranging tours, and other places to stay, for guests who are traveling through Sikkim. Thanks to its ideal location, guests will not have to rely on local taxis to get to the Mall Road. This is especially ideal for those who wish to sample the local delicacies of Sikkim. For those who wish to sample a local flavour, there are good eating options serving local flavours.
Apart from the location, the hotel’s other USP are the stunning views of the

Kanchenjunga, which is some of the best views guests, can hope to obtain from any hotel in Sikkim. Guests should also note that the hotel has a small lawn where one can sit and enjoy morning views of the Kanchenjunga.

Here’s a tip for a memorable stay: valley rooms are especially good, but if it is not raining, do ask for valley rooms on the topmost floor. Those who are traveling in large rooms and are prepared to stretch their budget, opt for the Deluxe Valley View Room. This suite with its stunning views will make the guest’s stay worthwhile. Internet facilities are on offer, while those wishing to do business can avail of conferencing facilities, available along with the hotel’s restaurant. On the whole, the experience feels more like a stay with old friends, rather than in a hotel in a strange city.

Contact: +91-9735054125
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.thebamboogrove.com/

Facilities

Tea/coffee maker (deluxe & suite)
Car park for 12-15 people
Restaurant with conferencing facilities
Lawn and garden

Location:

By Air:
Go to Bagdogra Airport and from there take a taxi (4 Hours Ride) to Gangtok. Or take a helicopter service provided by Pawan Hans. The cost of the ticket is approx. Rs 2000 per person and it is a 35 minutes ride from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok Helipad. It is a five seater single engine helicopter and allows only 10 Kilos of luggage per passenger.

By Train:
The nearest train station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (120 Km) which has direct connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities in India.

It’s a family home lovingly transformed into a guesthouse retaining all the warmth of a home.  A Jaguar perpetually parked in the front driveway only adds to the charm of the place. Guests who come from all over the world love it for the sheer ambience that’s coupled with hospitable and efficient service. Set in the heart of Shillong, the cottage is surrounded by plants, fruit trees, orchids and many blooming seasonal flowers all through the year.

Personalized service under the supervision of owner Sharlene who leaves nothing to chance is perhaps the defining character of the place. Minute little details are important to ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal. The handcrafted beds in all the five well-appointed rooms that come with crisp yet soft cotton linen are inviting. Whether it is the home cooked meals complete with wholesome breakfast, freshly-baked cookies with tea that’s served either in the garden or the spacious balcony if not in the dining room only heightens the experience. The in-house library, wireless Internet on demand and a wellness studio ensure guests have plenty of options.

Conveniently located in the prime area of town, guests can ramble around the local market and go shopping. Those looking to explore the hidden sights of Shillong and beyond can rely on Sharlene who specializes in customizing programmes and activities to the unknown spots of Meghalaya.

If you are looking for comfort while visiting Guwahati, this is quite the place to check in. Located in the business area of the city, SS Road in Lakhtokia, Hotel Dynasty is a four-star property that guarantees a homely-yet professionally-run-hotel feel of a place. A touch of art work, fresh flowers, pleasing upholstery make all the 76-rooms add to the décor. There are also provisions for opting non-smoking room.

Located within a km range from the Guwahati Railway Station and 24 km from the airport, it is within a close range of shops and local markets.

What’s adds to the guests experience are the F&B outlets that are emphasizing more and more on local dining experience. Therefore, expect the chef to cook up a meal with freshly-caught fish from the Brahmaputra, greens from local garden adding up to quite a unique experience.

At the Palms, for instance, one can savour Continental treats in this 24-hour dining restaurant. At Tandoor, it’s all about North Indian flavour. At the Roof Top, the seasonal rooftop barbeque restaurant that opens only from October till March, it’s the ultimate experience to sip the in-house signature cocktail and watch the stillness of the mighty Brahmaputra River.

And what with a spa, the property is truly gearing up to welcome more and more discerning guests from all over.

Location: 25 kms from Guwahati airport, 1km from railway station

Address:
Hotel Dynasty
SS Road , Lakhtokia
Guwahati - 781 001

The Classic Hotel in Imphal has transformed the hospitality industry and set the bar high for other hotels in the capital city to match. Conveniently located in the heart of the city just 8kms away from the airport, many of the tourist attractions are merely a walking distance from the gates of the hotel. The must-see Kangla Fort in all its historic magnificence, against a backdrop of the Eastern blue skies, can be viewed straight out of the hotel room windows. Short distances serve an even greater purpose in Imphal, in particular, because even though Imphal may be bustling throughout the day, the city falls into a slumber as soon as it is nightfall.

ROOMS

Being the first three-star hotel in the state, the Classic Hotel is a pioneer in staff hospitality and maintenance. The hotel has frequently received outstanding reviews owing to the value for money. To suit varying budgets, options available to visitors range from Standard rooms to Presidential Suites- all of which have been equipped with modern amenities and elegant interiors.

Rooms are spacious- even the mid-range options providing a separate common area and adjoining balcony. The cleanliness of bathrooms, prompt housekeeping and services provided during your stay can be comparable to other major cities- which in itself can be considered an incredible feat around this region. The Classic Hotel even goes the extra mile in terms of hospitality, with an impeccably courteous staff and a complimentary welcome gift made of local fruits and cookies.  

DINING

Complimentary breakfast is served in the Classic Cafe- the main dining area of the hotel. Cuisines vary from Continental to Intercontinental- this is only one of the few places in the region known for serving an array of North Indian dishes. For the adventurous soul, the local cuisine provides ample opportunities to pique your interest. Some of the authentically-Manipuri dishes on the menu include boiled food, eromba(a signature chilly-based dish made of mashed vegetables like potato, French beans etc), utti(a dish made of peas and cooked with a sprinkle of rice), fermented bamboo shoots and the famously mind-numbing chutneys made of the world’s hottest chili-Bhut Jolokia or locally called U-Morok which is also, astonishingly enough, a regular in the plates of the locals.  

The hotel’s coffee shop (known as the “Rita Cafe”) offers a relaxed and informal setting apt for enjoying a warm conversation over coffee and baked treats. Dipping its feet in the emerging cafe culture of the region, the Rita Cafe is open to unplugged music sessions and loungers looking for a casual bite without compromising on comfort and quality.

EXPERIENCES

For those travelling on business, conference rooms and a boardroom are conveniently available within the hotel for hosting meetings and gatherings. Due to its’ close proximity to local markets and other attractions, walking to explore the bustle of Imphal is very much an option. Take a trip to the famous Khwairamband Bazar or Ima Keithel, for instance. This all-women market catering to everything under the sun is a sight to behold – local food cooked live, souvenirs, clothes and more, are vying for attention.  Taxis and auto rickshaws are aplenty in front of the hotel gates itself. Enquire at the front desk to book a vehicle and driver to guide you around the city. The nearest bus station is a walking distance, and the Imphal International Airport is at a short distance of 8kms.

Tariff

INR 2700/-onward, per night, exclusive of taxes

Location

THE CLASSIC HOTEL,
North AOC , Kaboleikai,
Imphal west, Manipur

How to reach

By Air: The nearest airport in Imphal is 8 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or make a booking in advance to avail the pick-up and drop services of the hotel.

It’s a royal retreat built by the then Maharaj of Tripura, Maharaja Bir Bikram in the early 1920s. Since then it was used as the summer retreat of the Maharajas of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. In 2003, the young and visionary Maharaj Bir Bikram Manikya Deb Burman, the present Maharaj of Tripura, converted it into the region’s first heritage hotel. Royal Heritage - Tripura Castle naturally transports you to an old-world charm.  It’s tucked away in the midst of thick pine trees and bamboo groves and the sprawling nine-acre forest is dotted with exotic orchids and the rose garden has a tunnel opening into it that dates back to World War II. Seeped in history, each room reflect a past glory with warm wood interiors, brass fireplaces and art deco furniture. Art work, antique collection and photographs by the royal family sum up the décor. The most sought-after Maharaja suite boasts of an old writing desk used by Rabindranath Tagore during his many sojourns. A well-equipped conference hall, multi-cuisine dining room, tea lounge, Mezzanine Bar, billiard room and a therapy centre with holistic and indigenous herbal treatment feature in the property.

Services

• Conference and meeting facilities
• Therapy centre offering holistic and indigenous treatments
• Recreational Corner (Billiard Room)
• Doctor on call

Website:www.royalheritageshillong.com

From your room, watch tea planters plucking tea leaves in unison. The sight of an endless stretch of tea garden is a visual delight. At Iora The Retreat, get real and be at one with nature. The 20-acre resort located just off the National Highway 37 on the Guwahati Dibrugarh Sector is surrounded by tea gardens from all sides. The 42-rooms are spacious and come with a balcony each that overlooks the lush greenery. Blending comfort and style, the luxury resort offers genuine Assamese hospitality without being intrusive. If you make this your home, there are plenty of things to do. Go on a safari, ride an elephant or simply lounge around the property by being in the pool side, or play billiards, rent a DVD with endless cups of fresh tea leaves. The Assamese thali prepared by the in-house chef is a must-try.

Are you are looking for a hidden paradise? Head here and soak yourself in the natural setting of Wild Mahseer. Set amid lush and sprawling 22-acre tea garden on the north bank of the Brahmaputra (220 kms from Guwahati) in Sonitpur district, Wild Mahseer is one of Assam’s best-kept getaway secrets. And old Colonial plantation bungalow of Addabarie tea Estate established by the British Assam Tea company in 1864, Wild Mahseer is steeped in history. The Victorian architecture combines with spacious rooms, manicured lawns, and well-maintained garden accentuate an old-world charm. While the resort itself is named after one of the toughest game fish in the world, the bungalows are named after different tea leaves. There are three-bedroom Heritage bungalows, four other independent bungalows and an additional 11-double room each with its own independent bathroom.

Its breathe-taking view, historic setting and attentive staff have drawn many discerning travellers from different parts of the world. Guests can delight in the homely and casual atmosphere and look forward to sumptuous local food lovingly prepared by the in-house chef who can also rustle up an Anglo-Indian meal. At the First Flush, a spacious dining pavilion, tea tasting is a regular affair where guests get to sample freshly-brewed tea.