Raise those glasses if you too are smitten by the breathtaking views and lush green beauty of the Queen Of Hills, Mussoorie in North India. We have been here a couple of times before as well, but this time around it was all about unwinding, getting away from the hectic city life and traveling back to the 19thCentury era with the famous Rokeby Manor property which is located on the Landour Cantonment area in Mussoorie. Landour also has a long connection with famous writers like Ruskin Bond and Steve Alter who had found an ideal writer’s retreat here. Read on to find why you need to pack your bags, catch hold of your loved one and run towards “Pure Biss”.
Why Rokeby Manor – This luxury hotel is situated right in the middle of the Shivalik hills and the foothills of Himalayas and it is an epitome of the old world charm. Situated at a height of 7,500 ft, it is also popularly known as the colonial retreat of Landour. I love how the management has restored the place to its former glory with their huge stone walls, tea garden, artistically carved bookshelves, wooden floors, Victorian fireplaces, fiery brick arches and wooden panel ceilings. Many moons ago, Rokeby Manor has housed colonial officers, renegade soldier, and missionary church ladies right here. It comes as no surprise why this also happens to be one of the most important landmarks of Landour.
What To Eat At Rokeby – Emily’s Restaurant is located on the first floor of Rokeby Manor. This is an all-day dining restaurant and they have a variety of dishes served here right from Indian to continental and quick bite-sized meals too. This restaurant is named after the author Emily Eden, who has also spent quite some time here as she penned down her journey. I loved coming up here for breakfasts and easting at their wooden floored library which has some of the best books written by authors who visited Rokeby or Landour. What an experience!
Staying Options – The staying options get grand and magnificent at Rokeby Manor. They have retained the old world charm and the 19th Century décor in all their rooms. It’s divided into Rustic Rooms, where each room is distinctive and offers something new, like Sunset Room, Stars & Moon Room, Chestnut Room, Daisy Room, Daffodil room, etc. We also had 2 entrances to our room and our own private garden and sitting area. They also have separate options of lodging with their premium, Deluxe and superior villas which give you complete privacy. The 2 Suites are so luxe and the Valley View rooms offer such amazing views of the entire valley overlooking the city.
Must See Places – You can make the most of the early morning nature hikes or the day trails that are crafted for different intensities. I strongly suggest you take those long walks through these beautiful pine trees (can be found right outside the property) as it is every photographer’s, nature lover’sand bird lover’s paradise. You can also take the village trek or the short and sweet Fleming Nature Trek.
Do check out Landour Bazaar to bring back gifts for your friends and try the various handmade chocolates and the local peanut butter for sure. We always visit the famous “Chaar Dukaan” which has 4 different cafes that sell lip smacking waffles, pancakes, noodles, parathas and more. If you are lucky you might find here Mr.Ruskin Bond, over an early breakfast as this happens to be his favourite place too.
You can include Lal Tibba Scenic View Point too to witness the mighty Himalayas but my suggestion is, it needs to be a clear sunny day or else the clouds and fog will ruin it for you. For all my shopaholics, Mall Road should be a fun place to shop as they allow you to bargain.
My recommendations – I would recommend a visit to the “Clock Tower Café” on one of the days for lunch or dinner and it merely is 15 minutes away from Rokeby. They serve some of the best pizzas in town. My pick – Four Seasons Pizza. For all the people with a sweet tooth, you need to visit the “Landour Bakehouse” which is again merely 2 minutes away from the resort. The kitchen and the seating area will welcome you with it’s preserved 19th century charm and my recommendations from this place are – the crepes, sticky jaw, mud pie, éclairand cinnamon rolls.
Pricing –Rokeby Manor’s Rustic Rooms start from approximately INR6,500, Suites are priced at INR11,900 and the Log Cabin at INR32,725. But on booking well in advance you can grab some amazing discounts on their website or on some of the looking hotel booking sites.
My Rating – 5/5
Mentioning their website for more info – http://rokebymanor.com/
Do let me know your thoughts on the stay, the food and the overall experience if you have been here. If you are planning a stay here with Rokeby Manor, then I truly hope this review helps you out. Here’s to more travels and more adventures.
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