Luxebook July 2022

located about 11 km from Darjeeling town, the hill sits at a height of 2500m. Tea lovers cannot leave Darjeeling without a tour of the Happy Valley Tea Estate, the second oldest tea estate in town. Established in 1854, the estate is spread over 440 acres. Guided tours of the estate include a tour of the factory where guests can learn and understand the process of tea making, the different types of tea, and even enjoy a fresh brew at the end of the tour. Take back a piece of the town with you, with handicrafts from the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Here you will find a collection of paintings, woodworks, and photographs, among other artistic creations. Kodaikanal South India truly is a sight to behold during the monsoon, and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is at the heart of beauty. It is one of the few places in South India that are a must visit. Cool weather, lush greenery, verdant hills and pristine water bodies, what’s not to love? Referred to as the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal means “The Gift of the Forest” in Tamil. The town is situated in upper Palani hills of the Western Ghats near Madurai, standing tall at a height of 2,133m above sea level. While there’s no shortage of hotels in Kodaikanal, staying at a boutique hotel like Onondaga Kodaikanal helps you experience the best of Kodaikanal’s rich heritage, culture and warm hospitality. Located in the heart of Kodaikanal, Onondaga is one of the oldest hotels, dating back to the early 1900s. Its strategic location is a bonus for visitors, with popular attractions located nearby. The weather in Kodaikanal ranges anywhere between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal spot for a cosy staycation. If you still want to explore the area, Kodai Lake is the best place to start. Located just 5 minutes from Onondaga hotel, the lake is a manmade water source, which was created in the shape of a star, and is surrounded by spectacular views of the Palani hills and surrounding greenery. Guests can either rent a paddle boat for a ride in the lake, or a bicycle to stroll the lake’s borders. Kodaikanal is a hotspot for adventure seekers. Dolphin’s Nose, perched at a height of 6000m above the totally worth the drive. Drive to Pariyadeva Pashan – a historical archaeological site on the Binsar Almora road dating back to the Megalithic age (1500 BC to 500 BC) – especially if you’re a history junkie. For a truly awe- inspiring experience, take a trip to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, a limestone cave temple which according to folklore, enshrines Lord Shiva and 33 local demi-gods. Aside from these, Binsar is filled with serene forests which make for an excellent trek. Darjeeling A charming city in the north-eastern corner of India, Darjeeling is a green gem of vibrance with wonderful weather, landscapes and attractions. The town is located in the state of West Bengal, sitting around 2,590m above sea level in the lower Himalayas. The name Darjeeling means ‘the land of the thunderbolt’. It gets its name from a combination of Tibetan words, ‘dorje’ meaning thunderbolt and ‘ling’ a place, or land. While Darjeeling is most famous for its tea, the quaint town has so much more to offer. Because of its beautiful weather and attractions, Darjeeling is crawling with tourists and vacationers all year round. The monsoon is one of the only seasons where the town is a little less crowded and beautiful nonetheless, making it a perfect time to visit. While visiting Darjeeling, The Windermere is one of the popular luxury hotels, best known for its colonial aesthetic. Built during the British Raj, the hotel is a heritage property and has been a temporary home to kings, queens, aristocrats and diplomats of the yesteryears. A ride in the heritage toy train is worth the experience. Holding a UNESCO World Heritage status, the infamous toy train follows two routes, a two-hour ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and a seven-hour ride from Siliguri up to Darjeeling. The cable car ride also called The Ropeway, is another popular attraction. One of the longest cable car rides in Asia touring 40 minutes, the cable car rides over the rolling tea estates overlooking the Sikkim hills. Watch the perfect sunrise from Tiger Hill. A lookout Kodaikanal Darjeeling 44| L U X E B O O K | J U LY 2 0 2 2 J U LY 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K |45