Rokeby Manor : The English Retreat in Landour

I have been searching for a perfect hilltop during my journeys. I do find many such tiny luring corners in the hills, though a sense of belongingness is missing in those corners. I often wonder why the best creative souls consider this place as their oasis. Leaving behind an overcrowded Mussorrie, the moment I entered the English hamlet called Landour, encircled by the thick forest, hazy layers of hills and an aura of silence, I felt as if my thoughts had got their wings and I had landed at the much desired quintessential hilltop.

img_7889-2

The stillness in the air and quietly standing colonial architectures, transport you to the British Era once again.  Among them, Rokeby Manor –An English Retreat becomes a prominent landmark.  I was there to indulge in the royal hospitality at Rokeby Manor, which is a true symbol of the vintage Colonial Bungalow and still holds the glory of the bygone era profoundly in every corner of it.

img_8024-2

Built in 1840 by Captain G.N. Cauthy, this bungalow changed many hands before it was eventually taken over by the Mars Group and converted into a boutique hotel.  The brick walls, wooden staircase, the fireplace and the colourful lanterns simply make it one of the most desirable places to live. From bookshelves to the tiniest artefacts, everything is aesthetically designed.

img_8026-2-2

The name “Rokeby” also has its share of history.  The inspiration for the name came from the writings of Sir Walter Scott, whose poems describe the heroic battles near the original Rokeby Castle in England.

My Suite

I was overwhelmed on being offered the Rhododendron Suite for my stay. Designed in Victorian style, the luxurious suite is one of the most beautiful suits, having a private balcony with sun loungers.

img_7749

Equipped with all the modern amenities, the old British look of the room simply floored me. The astonishing pink colour of the walls added a vibrancy  to the old charm. I don’t mind being arrested inside a suite like this, from where you can enjoy the unparalleled views of the misty hills and the sound of wind. The joy of finding that space of yours was a delightful moment for me.

Emily’s

img_7794-2

The wooden stairs take you to one of the most celebrated restaurants of Rokeby Manor called Emily’s. I had my first meal at this in-house restaurant which is famous for its delicious and authentic continental and Indian food. Even non-resident guests also come here for its signature dishes like Mustard Chicken.

1c

I have almost tried all the noted dishes during my stay and I can vouch for its authenticity. The best part of the restaurant is that you not only enjoy the scrumptious cuisines, but the luring landscapes surely give you company while dinning at Emily’s.

Wilson’s Chamber

wilsons-chamber

Adjoining to this rustic looking restaurant,the favourite corner for any book lover will certainly be Wilson’s Chamber. One can spend hours reading books in this library where every shelf is filled with a variety of books from all the genres. How about having black coffee with a book in hand?

Highlands

rm-r-experience-outdoor-jaquzi

As the day ended with orange hue in the sky, I decided to step up to the highlands to get a sense of the surroundings from top of the hills. The Highland is basically used for Barbecues, parties, cocktail dinners or wedding functions at the hotel. They also have a heated Jacuzzi where you can have a spectacular view of the valley with a luxurious treat. This is certainly the best place to watch the falling sun down the valley.

Rokeby Residences

bothwell-bank-cottage-low

Apart from Rokeby Manor, there are four luxury cottages under its residency categories. Restored to the original 19th century décor, these cottages with their breathtaking views, will surely give you a serious wanderlust.

Bothwell Bank House

 img_7899-2

With the distinct aristocracy, this English cottage is my favourite in Landour. The Bothwell Bank House is a spacious mountain home with your own private butler.

img_7900-2

The most spacious cottage, designed tastefully to provide an unforgettable experience in the lap of nature.

img_7894-2

With the fireplace, open sky Jacuzzi, private lawn, well equipped kitchen, and modern amenities, you will be pampered like anything during your vacation.

Bothwell Bank Cottage

img_7930-2

Just above the Bothwell Bank House on an elevated hilltop, this log cabin cottage gives you an unparalleled view of the misty mountains.

img_7921-2

Well equipped with a study, sitting areas, verandah and air-conditioning to keep the room cosy, it is a perfect holiday residence for a small family or a couple.

Pine Tree Lodge

img_7937-2

A few meters away from these residences, you will find this perfectly secluded yet stylish two storied lodge with bountiful landscape and tranquillity all around. The interior of the residence is inspired from Scandinavia. This is undoubtedly the most sought residence for creative minds as it celebrates silence all around.

rtfg

Apart from these British holiday residences, the latest addition to Rokeby Manor is the authentic Swiss Restaurant, The Stray Dog – Stübli & Ale House.  I was smitten by the look of this English Pub where I literally had the best time of having a drink with old country songs.

The Stray Dog – Stübli

It simply transports you to those country side English bars where you enjoy everything from the Vintage era. I had an absolutely great time at the Ale House.

img_8132

img_8123

Adjourning to the restaurant cum Pub, another addition to the property is the newly opened, The Little Salon & Spa Shed. Like its name, this little Salon and Spa can pamper you with its relaxing treatments – full body massages, facials, scrubs, pedicures and more.

img_8085

img_8095

If you like reading with a cup of coffee and a plate full of fine baked muffins and cakes, you must spend a couple of hours at Landour Bakehouse.

q

One of my favourite corners in Landour is certainly the Bakehouse. The fresh smell of the goods simply hold you for hours at this place. Don’t forget to turn a few pages of the books written by the authors of Mussorrie here.

img_7967-2

The life seems to be perfect in this tiny English hamlet. With boundless scenic nature, the shimmering sun rays, narrow lanes and a handful of houses, you are surely in the best company. Taking that leisurely walk down the valley, having a candid conversation with the locals at Char Dukan, sharing a laugh with Mr. Anil at his famous cafe with Honey Lemon tea and pancake or just sitting on the edge of the hills and doing nothing, you never get to know the exact moment when this charming town has seduced you.

img_8374-2


I was invited by Rokybe Manor on a press trip.


How To Reach 

By Air : Land at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then hit the road to Rokeby Manor, which is 2½ hours from the airport. Total distance is 65.4 Kms.

By Train : Arrive at Dehradun Railway Station. The drive from the railway station to Rokeby Manor will take 1½ hours . Total distance is 36.9 Kms.

By Road : Take NH 58 from Delhi to Dehradun via Meerut. Mussoorie is just 35 Kms from Dehradun. Take right for Picture Palace from Kincraig (base point of Mussoorie), turn right towards Landour from Picture Palace, cross the Grurudwara, Mulingar and proceed towards Chardukan. Rokeby Manor is 100 meters from Chardukan.


Reproduction of any of the contents, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the Writer is strictly prohibited and a violation of the same will attract legal action.


Be a part of my journey

Spread the love by sharing this post …

Facebook 

Twitter  

Instagram 

Google+

You can subscribe my posts here Email

Previous

Next

34 Comments

  1. Richa Garg

    Thanks for sharing the article. It is very informative and was searching for the content related to the topic.

    Reply
  2. NISHAD NIZAR

    Nice article.interesting one.Wish you a successful new year.

    Reply
  3. Adam, Bite of Iceland

    Such a fantastic retreat 🙂 It must be a big pleasure to relax there. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Sia

    Such a cozy and unique place that can transport you back in time in some of the old period British drama books. You can imagine having an afternoon tea sitting on a fluffy sofa and reading a book. The rooms are gorgeous but my favourite part is the view. Any hotel with a view like that is just perfect!
    Sia recently posted…Christmas Traditions in BulgariaMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Marlene Marques

    What a lovely place! It must be perfect to relax and enjoy the nature surrounding. The heated jacuzzi was the one that caught my eye. Just imagine the spectacular view you must have while your soaking! Great post!

    Reply
  6. Wanderlust Vegans

    Wow, what a beautiful retreat! I love how everything looks so cozy. They should do like a yoga retreat here, it would be so relaxing. Your rooms were very spacious and lovely as well. I will have to add this amazing retreat to our ever growing list of India.

    Reply
  7. Venkat Ganesh

    That is one beautiful resort and I could spend weeks in Landour going on walks, and watching the sun rise and set from behind those mountains and reading books. Perfect way to spend an entire spring or summer more like.

    Lucky you that you gotta stay in such a luxurious suite. Great pictures!

    Reply
  8. Jure

    Now that looks like an incredible place to stay. Love their outdoor spaces and the Wilson’s Chamber!

    Reply
  9. Indrani

    Very well done up. Red seems to be their favorite color I noticed.
    And Wilson’s chamber is my fav.

    Reply
  10. Samarpita Sharma

    What a delightful place! WOW! I’d heard of Rokeby Manor, but didn’t know it was this nice a place!

    Reply
  11. Lee

    Lovely place
    I love the wood and rustic and old feels

    Reply
  12. Joanna

    This resort looks like the perfect place to spend some quality relaxing time. I love the homey feel of it, especially the library dining room. The pool looks amazing too, with that spectacular view behind it.

    Reply
  13. Ami

    Rokeby Manor is such a delight …I loved the Rhododendron suite myself. The cute fireplace stole my heart. It is such a pleasure to just walk around the whole of Landour, isn’t it? Loved your pics.
    Ami recently posted…Why is it a pleasure to visit Mauritius?My Profile

    Reply
  14. Andrea

    Thanks for sharing this with us,it is very interesting.Would you like to travel in Australia? Or maybe you know someone who wants to travel, study, work or live there here’s some tips you can check out, just visit this website for more details http://www.wisyeducation.com/en/

    Reply
  15. Andrea

    Thanks for this post,it is very interesting.Would you like to travel in Australia? Or maybe you know someone who wants to travel, study, work or live there here’s some tips you can check out, just visit this website for more details http://www.wisyeducation.com/en/

    Reply
  16. Andrea

    Perfect spot.By the way, would you like to travel in Australia? Or maybe you know someone who wants to travel, study, work or live there here’s some tips you can check out, just visit this website for more details http://www.wisyeducation.com/en/

    Reply
  17. Christina S.

    Wilson’s Chamber? YES PLEASE! I love books & traveling, so this looks like the perfect place for me!

    Reply
  18. Luca

    Dining on a terrace like the one on the first image, it’s something I wish everyone to try once in a lifetime, because I’m sure it must be amazing. But first, I want to try it myself, this Rokeby Manor seems an intriguing place to go, I’ll add it on my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Luca ..You must visit this place and it will leave you speechless.

      Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Yes , The Rhododendron Suite was absolute favorite of mine. Loved it completely.

      Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Its an absolutely awesome choice for weekend .

      Reply
  19. Joe

    When I first read the title I assumed that this was actually in the UK. What a charming and serene slice of English life in India! Might have to check it out if I’m ever in the area 🙂

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Joe ..Once you land in Landour , you will feel like as if you are in a countryside of UK . Its a English hamlet and a pretty one. A must visit place.

      Reply
  20. Alex Datsev

    I was not even aware of this place, but the manor, the cottages, and the surrounding countryside all look amazing. A great find indeed!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      You must visit this English Retreat. Its a charming one on a quiet hilltop.

      Reply
  21. Antarik Anwesan

    Lovely pictures. It’s such a nice property. Would love to visit it 🙂

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Thanks Lila. You should visit this English Retreat in Landour.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge