Long before this property became a hotel, it was already a lavish estate meant for royalty. Maharaja Shri Sir Nripendra Narayan of Cooch Behar had this wonderful residence built in 1887 to serve as a summer palace. He later leased it to British families like the Oakleys, who used the estate as a club and hotel. Kuldip Chand Oberoi, of the Oberoi hotelier group, acquired the property in 1965 from the Cooch Behar royal family and Nancy Oakley, marking the beginning of The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Over the years, the hotel has hosted many esteemed guests. This includes internationally acclaimed musicians such as Sting, political leaders including His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and legendary adventurers like Tenzing Norgay.

Built in 1887, The Elgin, Darjeeling, embodies the aesthetics and charm of India's colonial architecture, brought about by the blending of native conventions and traditions and foreign innovation. The cold climes of the Himalayan slopes are perfect for recreating the creature comforts of the British Isles, so expect rooms and suites designed with the same flourishes as Victorian England. Sit in cushy seats and lie in soft beds buried in heavy blankets, all while a crackling fireplace radiates warmth. Aside from the standard suites, there are also special attic suites with a cabin-like finish, creating a rustic and exotic ambiance romanticized by British explorers of the late 19th century.

Even before becoming a hotel, the kitchens of The Elgin, Darjeeling, had prepared banquets and feasts for innumerable guests. From traditional West Bengali cuisine to international favorites, the dining areas of the hotel promise culinary adventures you'll keep coming back to.

The Orchid Dining Room

The main dining hall of the hotel, The Orchid Dining Room features menus of classical Indian and European dishes, so dine to your heart's content on paneers, cutlets, and soups. There are also vegetarian variants available to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or principles.

Opening hours: All day

The Gazebo

A whimsical garden setting where guests can enjoy a light brunch or lunch alongside coffees and teas.

Opening hours: 11 am - 1 pm

The Tea Lounge & Timber Bar

Enjoy a spot of teatime or afternoon coffee at the lobby lounge. There's also a bar corner where they can grab drinks for a nightcap, or to unwind after a long day trip.

Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

With a destination wedding at The Elgin, you can say your I do's with the awe-inspiring Himalayas as your witnesses. The hotel has a skilled and experienced team to call upon for your wedding preparations, including coordinators, chauffeurs, and even dress designers. They can also scale up or scale down depending on the size of your ceremony and reception.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Elgin, Darjeeling, will be happy to set you up with all sorts of adventures while visiting Darjeeling. First on the list should be the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Mountain Railways of India. This railway system still uses classic petite locomotive engines nicknamed Toy Trains by both travelers and locals. Other ways to explore and sightsee around Darjeeling include hiking trips through mountain and hill trails, as well as hot air balloon rides and paragliding from high slopes.

Other Celebrations

The hotel accommodates corporate functions as well as private bookings for celebrations. There are dedicated meeting and conference rooms equipped with a capacity of up to 70 guests and equipped with audio-visual equipment.

For couples and families planning a birthday or anniversary, you can instead book a private table at the restaurant or at the gazebo. Make sure to coordinate with the management and avail of personalized service for the affair.