Elgin Silver Oaks – Kalimpong’s Timeless Colonial Gem Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and towering pines, Elgin Silver Oaks is an elegant boutique hotel that captures the spirit of the British colonial era. Originally built in 1930 as the home of a jute baron from Calcutta, the property has since been lovingly restored by The Elgin Hotels group into a luxurious yet tranquil mountain hideaway. Where Time Stands Still The architecture and interiors of Elgin Silver Oaks immediately transport you to another age: Ornate wooden staircases and polished floors, Vintage fireplaces with carved mantels, Floral wallpaper and antique furniture, Framed colonial photographs and oil paintings, Wraparound verandahs and bay windows with valley views. Each space in the hotel feels like a refined colonial drawing room – quiet, tasteful, and comforting. Rooms with Nostalgia and Comfort The rooms at Elgin Silver Oaks blend classic decor with all the amenities of a modern hotel. Room options include: Deluxe Rooms – with garden or hillside views, Attic Rooms – uniquely charming and tucked beneath old wooden beams, Suites – featuring sitting areas, writing desks, and extra space All rooms feature: Elegant four-poster or carved wooden beds, Tea and coffee makers with in-room selection of Elgin teas, LCD TVs with cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, Room heaters and plush bedding for chilly nights, Private bathrooms with modern fittings and hot water- Vintage art, lamps, and writing desks for a serene ambiance Dining: Colonial Elegance on a Plate Guests can enjoy meals in the wood-panelled dining room, lit by soft chandeliers and warmed by attentive service: Buffet breakfasts include English and Indian fare, a la carte lunches and dinners offer Continental, Tibetan, and local Nepali dishes, Afternoon tea with cookies and house-blended teas served on the verandah, Private dining can be arranged for special occasions Garden Walks and Quiet Corners One of the most beloved features of Elgin Silver Oaks is its terraced garden, filled with: Rhododendrons, ferns, and Himalayan orchids, Benches for reading or sipping tea, Pathways that wind gently through flowering beds, Birdsong and views of distant hills and valleys. A Heritage Stay for Discerning Travelers Elgin Silver Oaks is especially ideal for: Couples and honeymooners seeking intimacy and grace, Writers, poets, and artists who need inspiration and quiet, Elderly travelers who value comfort, history, and slow travel, Families wanting a safe, elegant, and enriching space, Solo explorers looking for calm and personal space. Cultural & Local Experiences The staff at Silver Oaks can help arrange: Visits to Durpin Monastery and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Guided walks to Deolo Hill, Cactus Nursery, and local markets, Trips to Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Center, Pine View Nursery, and more, Excursions to Teesta Valley tea estates or onward travel to Darjeeling/Gangtok, Folk performances or bonfire evenings on request (seasonal). Location & Accessibility: Just 10 minutes from Kalimpong town center, Around 2.5–3 hours from NJP or Bagdogra Airport, Parking available on premises. Best Time to Visit Spring (Mar–May): Blooming gardens and pleasant temperatures Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies and golden sunsets Winter (Dec–Feb): Cozy fireside stays and quiet charm Monsoon (Jul–Sept): Misty and green – ideal for introspection and reading