Set high where they lord over the surrounding countryside, or tucked in wooded nooks, or placed by elegant promenades, Himachal has an enormous range of Heritage properties. These range from ancient forts that breathe of a tumultuous past, colonial mansions that speak of an age of leisure and graciousness. There are palaces that belong to a time when opulence marked the lifestyles of India's princes - and there are century old hotels that are maintained in a pristine glory, which have been painstakingly restored.
This spectrum offers a range of decor and ambience - and a richly varied experience. From time-worn battlements, where the very stones speak of glory and courage, you can move to a lush countryside and savor the traditions of 'haveli' life. Just as easily, you can slip into distinctive mansions where time seems to have stood still for decades and where an easy elegance wafts under the watchful weave of priceless tapestries. Then there are hotels that justly pride themselves for years of tradition and service and whose guest-list reads like an international who's who.
With nostalgia and comfort skillfully interlaced, here is a window that invites you to share a bygone era and hold its enduring charms.
ALPINE HERITAGE INN, SHIMLA :
Restored and modified, this is a colonial bungalow that has a considerable measure of the character that marked Shimla's architecture. Period furniture and artifacts have been tastefully blended with modern facilities.
CHAPSLEE, SHIMLA :
With the comfortable elegance of an English country manor, Chapslee was originally built in 1835. With major refurbishing done at the turn of the century, Chapslee has a magnificent interior with priceless artifacts. Ornate brass beds, Belgian chandeliers, drapes from the Doge's palace in Venice, delft tiled fireplaces and exquisite rugs, all combine to evoke the heyday of another age. Even the Burma teak used in the paneling, belongs to the same shipment that was used for the interior of the Viceregal Lodge at Shimla. In time, Chapslee became the property of Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala, whose descendants now run it as a select hotel.MADAN KUNJ, SHIMLA:
Once called Khud Cottage, this colonial cottage in western Shimla, has a flavour of the past. During World War II, when Burma was under Japanese occupation, this was the summer residence of the Governor of Burma.
THE OBEROI CLARKES, SHIMLA:
Towards the eastern end of Shimla's Mall, where the row of shops ends, is the Clarkes. Its neat Tudor- framed structure with window boxes, started life in the early part of the 20th century as the Carlton. In the 1920s, the hotel was taken over by Ernest Clarke and named after him. While over the years, major modifications have gone into the structure, it retains the character and warmth of an English country inn.WOODVILLE PALACE HOTEL, SHIMLA:
Backed by a hillside covered with trees of tall Himalayan cedar - the fabled 'deodar' - Woodville is a stately art-deco mansion. From 1865 to 1881, the site held the residence of the British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army. In 1938, Raja Sir Bhagat Chandra of Jubbal, had the old house removed and in its place, the present structure was created by a body of Pathan and Chinese workmen. The terraced lawns and a facade bearded with trimmed Virginia vines, is complemented by an evocative interior - complete with select objets d' art, hunting trophies and even signed photographs of Hollywood's 'golden age' stars.
HOTEL SPRINGFIELD, SHIMLA:
In the last quarter of the 19th century, at the site of the Cecil - towards the western stretch of Shimla's elegant Mall - stood the small 'Tendril Cottage'. Its most famous occupant for a 'season' in 1885, was the writer Rudyard Kipling. The estate went on to provide the location of the Cecil - which since its creation in 1902, has been a major focus of Shimla's social life. As a guest clerk, it was here that the well -known hotelier, M.S. Oberoi started his remarkable career. The hotel which has hosted variety of dignitaries over the years, has recently been exhaustively renovated. Warm woodwork is set-off by elegant furniture and furnishings. There is a full range of suites, rooms and facilities that are comparable with the best in the world. The hotel has the coveted classification of 'Heritage Grand'.
TPALACE HOTEL, CHAIL, SOLAN
The little 'hill station' of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India, after a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief's daughter in the late 19th century. Facing Shimla-at Chail-the smarting Maharaja decided to build his own 'summer capital'. A splendid mansion surrounded by picturesque cottages, soon took shape. Chail is encircled by forests of 'deodar'—Himalayan cedar-trees and has splendid views on all sides. In 1972, the property set in about 75 acres of land—including orchards, tennis courts and cottages—passed into the hands of Himachal Tourism, and is now run as a popular Heritage Hotel and a full-fleged destination resort.
FORT RESORT, NALAGARH, SOLAN :
Strategically placed at the foothills of
the Himalayas, Nalagarh was the capital of the state of Hindur. This area witnessed some fierce
fighting during the 'Gurkha Wars' in the first quarter of the 19th century. Spread over
considerable acreage, the fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are
mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are
now a quality heritage resort.
the Himalayas, Nalagarh was the capital of the state of Hindur. This area witnessed some fierce
fighting during the 'Gurkha Wars' in the first quarter of the 19th century. Spread over
considerable acreage, the fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are
mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are
now a quality heritage resort.
HOTEL ROS COMMON AND THE HOTEL ALASIA, KASAULI, SOLAN :
The small town of Kasauli has an enormous
amount of 'character'. Attractive cottages with gables set in neat gardens, narrow cobbled paths
shaded by oak. pine and massive horse- chestnut trees, make it picture-perfect. In this quaint
town, are two properties that hold considerable measure of what is nostalgically called 'old
world charm'. Himachal Tourism's Hotel Ros Common is a modified bungalow, while the Alasia dates
back several decades as a hotel.
RAJMAHAL PALACE HOTEL, MANDI :
A manor built in the colonial style-and
still owned by the former ruling house of Mandi the hotel lies partially concealed from view by
other buildings. With corridors lined with arms and portraits, its interior echoes another age.
Striking pieces of ornate furniture appear at every turn and fill every nook and corner of the
palace.
