Hotels in Kalimpong - Hotel Silver Oaks

A member of Heritage Elgin Group of Hotels at Kalimpong in Himalayas. There can be only one word to describe this mansion that reminds one of the leisurely ways of an era not so long ago yet whose traces are difficult to come across in today's maddening headlong rush towards modernity: "idyllic".

Lounging in the well-kept garden that is a riot of color all year round, one is treated to a magnificent view. When the sky is clear, the imposing peaks of the Kanchenjunga range can be spotted past the rolling blue green hills, the bottom of one's frame of vision ablaze with blooming petunias and asters, the serrated violet edges of iris, iridescent butterflies fitting through multi-colored azalias, drooping geraniums, proud orchids, lavender camilias…it is heaven on earth. The bracing mountain air adds to the flavors of the Darjeeling tea that you sip, sitting in one of the quaint gazebos that dot the sloping gardens of Silver Oaks.

The ground floor of the imposing building that is Silver Oaks today, was built in the 1930s by a British jute magnate, who later sold it to Fredrick Desraj, an architect and builder who also built the old Teesta bridge. The present management extended the building and built a first floor as a natural extension of the old style of architecture. It is a building with more windows than walls, which allow the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors to fill the indoors with the light and quiet energy prevalent all around. The only member of the Elgin Heritage hotels in Kalimpong, Silver Oaks, rated a 4-star hotel, provides the best comforts and luxury to the hill station's discerning tourists, with modern amenities tastefully integrated with the charming Victorian décor.

Watercolours and lithographs by old masters adorn the walls. Period furniture offers comfort as well as adds to the old world opulence of the interiors. The effort is validated when our guests visit us again and again. Choose Kalimpong. We would love to welcome you at the Silver Oaks.

City Information

The first thing that strikes the traveler visiting Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.

There are a number of places of tourist interest in Kalimpong. Kalimpong has three important gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa. The Tharpa Choeling Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to this sect, which was founded in the 14th century in Tibet. The Tongsa Gompa is located near the Tharpa Choeling Gompa. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and was founded in 1692. The present building is constructed over the ruins of the original monastery, which was raised by the Gurkhas, in the pre-British era. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located 5 km south from the town center. It was consecrated by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.

Kalimpong is an important flower producing center and it produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. There are numerous nurseries in Kalimpong, which excel in production of orchids. Travelers can visit some important nurseries across the town and look at their collection of flowers, orchids and cacti.

Other places to visit in Kalimpong include the Sericulture Research Institute, Dr Graham's Home and the adjoining chapel (located on the slopes of Deolo Hill), and the Nature Interpretation Center (located on Rinkingpong road).