Heritage hotels in India reflect the country’s royal legacy and a time gone by that has been carefully preserved for the next generations.
In its previous avatar as the Maharaja’s summer residence, Sterling Park Kalimpong offered a regal escape to its royal occupants. Today, it serves as a unique heritage hotel that allows curious travelers to experience the charm of a bygone era. As a quaint hillside retreat, it blends historic value with stunning natural beauty and modern comforts. Guests can immerse themselves in the property’s rich history while enjoying spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range and surrounding peaks. The hotel’s location also makes it an ideal base to explore Kalimpong’s numerous leisure hotspots. By converting this historic estate into a hotel, the owners have ensured that its legacy lives on, while also providing a memorable experience for modern travelers seeking an authentic taste of the past.
Sterling Park Kalimpong is located close to several interesting attractions in the Kalimpong area, adding to the appeal of the heritage hotel. Guests can visit the Durpin Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in West Bengal, and enjoy panoramic views from its hilltop location. The Pine View Nursery, a private nursery known for its exotic cactus collection, is another unique attraction nearby. For nature lovers, the picturesque Lamahatta Eco Park, with its beautiful roadside garden, is a must-visit. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at white water rafting on the Teesta River, a popular activity in the region. Those looking for a bird’s eye view of Kalimpong can head to Deolo Hill Park, which also offers opportunities for paragliding. With so many leisure hotspots in proximity, Sterling Park Kalimpong provides the perfect base for travelers to explore the best of Kalimpong’s natural beauty, culture and adventure activities, all while immersed in the comfort and historic charm of their heritage hotel accommodation.
As a vintage property, Sterling Park Kalimpong faces the challenge of maintaining and restoring its original floors, walls and ceilings while adapting to modern traveler preferences. Careful preservation of the historic structure and decor is essential, while also ensuring the comfort and convenience that today’s guests expect. This requires a delicate balance and significant ongoing efforts to maintain the property’s heritage character. The property has a heritage block and a contemporary block to help achieve this balance, allowing guests to experience the charm of the past while enjoying modern amenities. The team at Sterling Park Kalimpong is committed to preserving the property’s legacy while providing an exceptional experience to guests.
Situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road, Bal Samand Lake was built in 1159 AD by the Gurjara-Pratiharar rulers, Balak Rao Parihar. Designed as a water basin to distribute water to Mandore, it is a km in length with a breadth of 50 m and a depth of 15 m. While the lake was planned in the 12th century, the exquisite red sand-stone palace came later; built by Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Jodhpur, only in the 17th Century. A private estate of over 60 acres, with sprawling orchards of lime and pomegranate, landscaped gardens that entwine with elegant water channels and a canal, and a beautiful boulevard on the lake, WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace stands as an excellent illustration of traditional Rajput architecture. Wholly constructed in red sandstone, bounded by lush, trimmed gardens, and overseeing the pristine Bal Samand Lake, the Palace reflects prominent characteristics of the blue city, Jodhpur.
Over the years of restoration and modernisation, the 17th century Palace is now fitted with all modern amenities whilst retaining its old world charm. WelcomHeritage Bal Samand is a timeless, world-class heritage resort today, a bucolic getaway from the chaos of Indian urban cities.
10 lavishly appointed rooms that were once the private living areas of the royal family members are a regal treat for guests. The Palace also offers 26 tastefully done customised, Garden rooms with private rose gardens. The croquet lawn, the Lake view and Garden restaurants serving authentic cuisine together with curated activities such as yoga, croquet, and uniquely themed evenings amidst the opulent charm of the bygone era of period furniture and soft, sophisticated furnishings and regal hospitality makes a stay for a truly memorable and rejuvenating experience for all seasons.
Known for celebrating the first rains of monsoon – a tradition developed by the Royal Family Bal Samand Lake Palace is also referred to as the Monsoon Palace. If you are in love with nature and want to enjoy the regal flair, then this is the place to be.
Shimla Taraview is a charming homestay located in a tranquil and offbeat location within the heart of the city. This approximately 155-year-old property is a Colonial architectural gem from the British era. Its rich legacy has been passed on across generations by a multitude of family owners over the years, each contributing their unique charm to the property. The house’s heritage is evident in its preserved furniture, historical book collection, vintage TV, Gramophone CD collection, and handwritten letters, making it a living testament to the past. A gentle slope leads to the reception area, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the property.
Shimla Taraview offers a distinctive blend of heritage and modern luxury. With six spacious bedrooms, it provides a serene escape just a 15-minute drive from the bustling Mall Road. Four rooms, each with its unique character, line the first floor, facing an enchanting glazed veranda that offers perfect views of the Shimla skyline. A few steps below, an open veranda leads to the classic dining room, flanked by two luxurious rooms. Opposite the veranda, two regal lion statues guard the lush outdoors. The green gardens beside the dining area are ideal for enjoying a cup of masala chai or soaking in the mountain sun. This majestic bungalow which till recently was in a decrepit state and closed to guests, finally opened its doors when Seclude took over and initiated a complete restoration, aiming to preserve its vintage charm while adding modern comforts.
Fort Jadhavgadh has been restored and converted into a luxury hotel, offering guests the opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of the region. The fort’s architecture, with its grand gates, ornate carvings, and spacious courtyards, provides a glimpse into the grandeur and splendor of India’s royal past.
The grand entrance through the Maha Darwaza sets the tone with ceremonial rituals like the tilak ceremony and warm Namaskar, embodying the ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. An enchanting audio tour navigates visitors through the fort’s sprawling expanse, leading to charming dining experiences like the Chhajja and cozy kholis offering picturesque hilltop views. Notably, the Premium Rooms with Hill View afford guests majestic panoramas reminiscent of overseeing a kingdom.
Once a historic property has been transformed into a hotel, its value proposition transcends mere accommodation. At Fort JadhavGadh, Pune, we offer guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history while enjoying the comforts of modern hospitality. Our guests don’t just stay at a hotel; they embark on a journey through time, exploring the storied past of our fort while indulging in luxury amenities and services.
Moreover, by preserving heritage while embracing modernization, we create a unique selling proposition that sets us apart in the hospitality industry. Guests are drawn to the authenticity and charm of our property, knowing that they are experiencing something truly distinctive. This not only enhances our brand reputation but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among the local community, who view the property as a cultural asset to be cherished and celebrated.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hospitality Horizon’s Oct-Nov 2024 issue here:
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