The Elgin Nor-Khill, Gangtok

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Oozing with Sikkimese royalty and folklore, this heritage property was built in 1932 as a royal guesthouse. The hotel is decorated with bright folk art, dragon motifs, flame symbols, and thangkas. It sports period Burmese teak furniture, oak floorboards and panelling, fireplaces, and a grand piano. Facilities include a well-stocked library and games room; there are also trails nearby for nature walks. Twenty-five elegant deluxe rooms and suites, the Elgin Spa, and a bouquet of wellcrafted experiences await you here. Tuck into hearty local and international cuisines at The Shangri-La Dining Room, enjoy snacks at Gazebo at the Garden, and sip Sikkimese drinks like tongba (fermented millet beer) at The Dragon Bar. The resort has been host to the likes of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, music composer A R Rahman, and Hollywood actors Richard Gere and Michael Douglas.

Address: Paljor Stadium Rd, Upper Sichey, Arithang; starts from 8,500/ USD112; elginhotels. com

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