A Victorian Summer Retreat
Luxury lies in the details. This luxury homestay in the lap of Himalayas offers a tranquil summer haven with a blend of Victorian charm and contemporary décor.
Planning a holiday to an exotic and tranquil getaway? Escape to a harmonious blend of heritage and luxury nestled in the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh amidst enchanting deodar trees and lush natural landscapes. Elgin Hall, a boutique homestay in the heart of Dalhousie, combines the charm of a homestay with the comforts of a modern hotel, and caters to those seeking a fuss-free yet luxuriously comfortable holiday experience.
You can land at Pathankot Airport and travel 75 km to the picturesque town of Dalhousie in three hours; or just drive 560 km by road from Delhi. The journey from Delhi to Dalhousie is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and dense forests. It offers a delightful combination of natural beauty, colonial charm and thrilling adventures, and takes around 10-12 hours to get there.
A cherished experience
The luxurious homestay in Dalhousie was originally built in 1850 as a summer retreat for British officials. While the original structure of historic British villa remains the same, the interior was tastefully refurbished by the Elgin Group to make it a boutique hotel. The façade mirrors British architectural design from a bygone era complemented by the finest contemporary luxuries.
The century-old property boasts of seven uniquely designed rooms, each with its own distinct identity and aesthetic appeal and graced with a fresh coat of pastel hues like rustic brown, French white, sunset grey, ocean teal, lyon mint, opal blue and soft taupe. The impeccable space is complemented by crisp white furniture, chesterfields, tufted chaises, and other accents inspired by the Victorian era that take you through its 125 years of preserved heritage.
Kavish Khurana, Founder of Elgin Hall, emphasises the importance of preserving the property's heritage while providing a memorable stay. “Every detail—right from the colour schemes to the furnishings-has been carefully selected to ensure both comfort and style, evoking a sense of nostalgia in line with the Victorian-inspired theme. Its meticulous restoration has preserved the architectural aesthetics and heritage of the building, creating an ambience that is both elegant and inviting,” she elaborates.
Surrounded by private lawns, the boutique homestay offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the Himalayas. The outdoor area adds to the charm, featuring a vintage fireplace on the patio.
Culinary trail
Once settled, you head to the dining area where a specially curated culinary experience awaits you. The fine dining blends traditional North Indian delicacies with influences from Asian and international cuisines. What seems amazing is that the homestay supports local businesses by collaborating with expert local chefs who have a deep understanding of global gastronomy.
You find another fascinating exclusive dining experience at the tearoom that invites you to partake in the timeless British tradition of high tea. With a selection of finest teas accompanied by floral upholstery and classic English teacups, the tearoom exudes the luxury of old-world charm and tranquility.
The private lawns become the backdrop for tete-a-tete barbecues, lazy brunches, private gatherings, and British-themed high tea ceremonies. The Tea Room invites guests to immerse themselves in the classic British ritual of high tea, offering 30 varieties of the finest Sancha Tea. With floral upholstery, classic English tea cups, and fine china, the tea lounge exudes old-world luxury.
All in all, Elgin Hall gives you the luxury of Victorian charm, natural beauty, thrilling adventures and a tranquil experience, and is a must-visit destination.
Hotspots you must visit
While at Dalhousie, go sight-seeing to these must-see attractions.
Khajjiar: Known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a picturesque meadow with a small lake surrounded by cedar forests. It is 24 km from Dalhousie and offers stunning views and opportunities for trekking.
Dainkund Peak: The highest peak in Dalhousie, Dainkund offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. A short trek takes you to the top where you can find a temple dedicated to Pholani Devi.
Panchpula: Panchpula is a beautiful spot where multiple streams come together. It is 3 km from Dalhousie, and has a monument dedicated to the freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh.
Chamera Lake: Located 25 km from Dalhousie, Chamera Lake is an artificial reservoir surrounded by the Shivalik Range and a serene spot for boating and picnics.
Satdhara Falls: Satdhara Falls, meaning ‘seven springs’, is at a distance of 3 km from Dalhousie. It is known for its therapeutic properties as the water is believed to have medicinal properties.
St John Chrunch: Built during the British era, St John’s Church situated on Gandhi Chowk is known for its architecture and serene atmosphere.
Subhash Baoli: Subhash Baoli is a perennial natural spring named after Subhash Chandra Bose. It is believed that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent some time here during his self-imposed exile.
Contact:
Elgin Hall Luxury Homestay, The Mall Road, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh - 176304
