The Ramgarh Bungalows

The Ramgarh Bungalows is a collection of heritage houses built during the British Colonial Period, when soldiers and settlers established a foothold in Uttarakhand after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Today, these properties are managed by the Neemrana Hotels group, opening the collection as a quirky non-hotel after restoring each bungalow and cottage. The brand has been a long-time advocate of preserving historic properties around India, acquiring and restoring all sorts of landmarks, such as the eponymous Neemrana Fort-Palace in Rajasthan, and the Tower House in Kerala.

For Neemrana's Ramgarh Bungalows, the six houses are designed and decorated with a specific theme. The same goes for their rooms, as each accommodation is given a specific name and style inspired by its history or environment.

The most venerable in the collection is The Old Bungalow, built in 1830 as a dak bungalow for traveling British settlers and soldiers. All rooms of the bungalow are equipped with a fireplace, perfect for warding away the chill of autumn and winter. Of its chambers, the largest is the Kumaon Suite, decorated in autumn colors, while the Kashmir Suite is named after its Kashmiri crewel work embroidery.

Another one of these dak houses is The Writer's Bungalow, which was built in 1860. This bungalow is famed for accommodating India's intelligentsia, including the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and the esteemed writer Rabindranath Tagore. This house also stands out for its fairytale-like architecture, featuring a vine-covered exterior, picturesque bay windows, and a structure made of orange brick. The Vista Villa is named for its scenic location and features three rooms with a porch and a garden that overlooks the valley. Its three rooms are named after flowers that grow natively in Ramgarh: Lemon, Iris, and Fuchsia. Of these, the largest is the Lemon room and features a sit-out patio with mountain views.

The Rose Cottage is also a three-room abode, situated between the Vista Villa and the Old Bungalow. The Fig and Rose rooms provide fantastic views of Uttarakhand through their large windows. The much larger Magnolia room has two levels and is more suited for a family or group who would like to stay together.

Built much further away from the other houses, The Cliff House stands atop the hill right next to a steep slope. It was once a two-story gatehouse and cowshed, which is why it is located a fair distance from the other bungalows. While it only has two rooms, the relative seclusion is perfect for travelers who would like to have a bit more privacy.

Another option for groups and families is The Blue Cottage, which sits on a promontory overlooking the valley. Aside from privacy, the house has a terraced garden growing peaches, plums, and apples.

Relish in the flavors of Uttarakhand, especially the delicacies of Nainital, when you dine at Ramgarh Bungalows' on-site restaurant. True Neemrana Hotels' goals, the group also promotes the culinary culture and traditions of their hotels' regions. Indulge in rich North Indian cuisine prepared by native chefs from Nainital. They also prepare the occasional Continental and Oriental dishes, sometimes in a buffet service, and given their own regional twists.

While Neemrana's Ramgarh Bungalows are made up of multiple guesthouse accommodations, they can be privatized together for a large event such as a wedding. Nainital traditions like native music and dance performances will help create the perfect festive atmosphere for your special day. The management can also arrange floral decorations and even fireworks shows to herald your happily ever after. The catering will also be handled by the on-site restaurant, treating your guests to wonderful North Indian cuisine, along with familiar international favorites.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Even though Nainital and Ramgarh are not bustling cities, their communities are just as rich in heritage and culture. Moreover, you could also say they have an edge over other tourist destinations as their environment is conducive to nature retreats and intimate romantic getaways.

Lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of mountain trails to explore, often leading to scenic vistas such as Tagore Top. It is here that the renowned literatus Rabindranath Tagore wrote some of his works, inspired by the natural beauty around him. The areas around Ramgarh are also filled with fruit orchards, some of which are open to visitors.

If you'd like to go on a jaunt around town, Nainital has plenty of local attractions. Enjoy a romantic boat ride on Naini Lake, or go shopping for gifts and curios at the Tibetan Market. Animal lovers can also drop by the Nainital Zoo and meet its many denizens.

Other Celebrations

Neemrana's non-hotels provides an unconventional take when it comes to corporate retreats and private gatherings. Take your teams to the mountains of Uttarakhand and experience adventures that will foster closer bonds. Neemrana's Ramgarh Bungalows even has two venues for conferences and seminars, should you need them. The indoor hall has a capacity for 20 attendees, while the outdoor space can accommodate 30 guests. Equipment rentals for laptops, projectors, and sound systems are also available at a surcharge.