Step Into India’s Colonial Past With These 5 Stays That Bring Old-World Architecture And History To Life

India has no shortage of hotels where the building is as much a part of the experience as the stay itself. Some of these properties began as private homes, summer retreats and colonial-era residences, and have since been carefully restored as luxury hotels.

For travellers who like a little history with their holidays, these five heritage stays offer a chance to sleep in old rooms, walk through spaces that have been around for generations and explore the towns and landscapes that surround them. From the hills of Shimla and Kodaikanal to the old streets of Fort Kochi, these are places where you do not have to look too hard to find traces of the past.

Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla

High in the cedar forests of Chharabra, Wildflower Hall sits at around 2,515 metres above sea level. The property was once the summer residence of Lord Kitchener, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army, and its gardens were expanded considerably during his time here.

Today, the hotel retains the feeling of a grand country estate, surrounded by 23 acres of forest. The colonial character is paired with the comforts you would expect from an Oberoi property, making it possible to spend a morning looking out at the mountains before heading into Shimla.

Why Stay Here?

The setting is the biggest draw. The property feels removed from the bustle of Shimla, while still being close enough for a day of exploring. The Lord Kitchener Suite is worth considering if you want a more historic stay, with its fireplace, period-style artwork and views of the Himalayas.

There is also an open-air heated whirlpool overlooking the mountain landscape, which is particularly lovely when the weather turns cold.

What To Do Nearby

A guided walk into the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural addition to a stay here. You can also head into town for the Mall Road and Ridge, visit the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex or spend an afternoon at the former Viceregal Lodge, now Rashtrapati Niwas.

If you have more time, the Kalka-Shimla toy train is another way to experience the landscape around the former British summer capital.

The Information

Address: Wildflower Hall, Chharabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012

Tariff: Around INR 30,000–60,000+ per night, depending on season and room category.

Contact: +91 11 6911 0606, +91 177 264 8585; reservations@oberoigroup.com

Website: oberoihotels.com

The Tamara Kodai, Kodaikanal

The Tamara Kodai traces its history to the 1840s, when the estate was known as Baynes Bungalow, the private residence of British District Judge Mr Baynes. Jesuit missionaries acquired it in 1860 and later used the property as a retreat and place of convalescence.

At around 6,500 ft above sea level, the hotel sits amid the forests and misty hills that have made Kodaikanal a popular escape from the heat of the plains. Its original heavy-stone structures remain, now complemented by newer suites and contemporary facilities.

Why Stay Here?

The charm is in the contrast. Old stone buildings and traces of the estate's earlier life sit alongside spacious suites and modern comforts, giving the hotel a sense of history without making the stay feel overly formal.

Bistro 1845 is one of the places where that past is particularly visible. The French-style restaurant incorporates its original 19th-century cobblestone walls, making it a natural spot to linger over a meal while taking in some of the property's history.

What To Do Nearby

Coaker's Walk is a good place to begin, particularly on a clear morning when the path opens up to views of the plains. From there, head towards Kodaikanal Lake and Bryant Park for an easy afternoon around the town's best-known landmarks.

The Shembaganur Museum of Natural History offers another perspective on Kodaikanal's past. Established by Jesuits, it has collections covering the region's natural history, along with an extensive orchid collection.

The Information

Address: St Mary's Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

Tariff: Around INR 18,000–30,000+ per night, depending on the season and suite category.

Contact: +91 45 4224 8800; reservations@thetamara.com

Website: thetamara.com/kodaikanal-resort

Le Colonial 1506, Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi's history is layered across Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malabari influences, and Le Colonial 1506 sits right in the middle of it. The house is believed to date back several centuries, passing through different colonial eras before eventually becoming a private residence.

Now part of the Neemrana portfolio, the seven-room heritage hotel is filled with period furniture, artworks and antiques. A courtyard garden provides a quiet retreat from the streets outside, while its position beside St Francis Church puts much of Fort Kochi within easy walking distance.

Why Stay Here?

Rather than offering the scale of a conventional luxury hotel, Le Colonial 1506 has the intimacy of an old Kochi home. With only seven rooms, the atmosphere is quiet and residential, and the historic details are impossible to miss.

The courtyard is an especially pleasant place to slow down. Spend an afternoon beneath the trees with a book before heading out to explore the neighbourhood, or simply take some time to look around the old interiors.

What To Do Nearby

St Francis Church is almost next door and is a natural first stop. From there, walk towards the waterfront to see the Chinese fishing nets before continuing through the older streets of Fort Kochi.

For a longer outing, take an auto-rickshaw to Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town. The area is known for its antique shops, spice stores and old buildings, and is an easy way to spend a few hours exploring Kochi's layered past.

The Information

Address: 1/315, Church Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Tariff: Around INR 25,000–27,000+ per night during regular seasons.

Contact: +91 124 4666 166

Website: neemranahotels.com

The Elgin, Darjeeling

Built in 1887, The Elgin Darjeeling was originally the summer residence of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Over the decades, the grand manor evolved into a prominent colonial-era hotel, welcoming dignitaries, royal families and travellers to the hill station.

Much of that period character remains visible today. Victorian architecture, wood-panelled walls, chandeliers and fireplaces give the interiors a distinctly old-world feel, while the hotel's setting brings Darjeeling's misty mountains into the picture.

Why Stay Here?

The Elgin is a place where the atmosphere matters as much as the accommodation. Dark wood, antique-style furniture and fireplaces give the interiors the feel of a grand Darjeeling residence, particularly inviting on cool evenings when the mist settles over the hills.

Make time for the Inverness Lounge, where you can order a pot of local Darjeeling tea and settle in for British-style high tea beside a crackling log fire. It is one of those experiences that feels naturally suited to the setting rather than simply added to a hotel itinerary.

What To Do Nearby

Chowrasta and the Mall are a good starting point for exploring Darjeeling, with old buildings, shops and cafés reflecting the character of the hill station. The town's historic tea estates are another obvious stop, particularly if you want to understand the region's relationship with tea.

You can also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, or set aside a few hours for a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway through the surrounding hills.

The Information

Address: 18, HD Lama Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Tariff: Around INR 15,000–18,000+ per night, depending on the season and room category.

Contact: +91-354-2257226, +91-354-2257227; reservations@elginhotels.com

Website: elginhotels.com

The Ramgarh Bungalows, Kumaon Hills

The Ramgarh Bungalows offer a quieter glimpse into India's colonial-era hill life. This collection of 19th-century residential buildings was originally used as retreats by British administrators, writers and others drawn to the cool climate and peaceful setting of the Kumaon Hills.

The restored bungalows retain details such as fireplaces, wooden beams, period furniture and private verandas. Beyond them, orchards and forested hills form much of the landscape, giving the stay a distinctly rural character that feels far removed from the grand hotels of the larger hill stations.

Why Stay Here?

The appeal here is its simplicity. Rather than a grand colonial hotel, the bungalows feel like old country homes where the day can unfold without much of a plan. Read on the veranda, walk through the orchards or spend an afternoon looking out at the hills.

The Writer's Bungalow is particularly interesting for those drawn to the literary history of the region. Its association with Rabindranath Tagore adds another layer to a property already steeped in the history of Kumaon's old retreats.

What To Do Nearby

Ramgarh is known as the Fruit Bowl of Kumaon, and an orchard walk is one of the simplest ways to experience the area. Depending on the season, apples, apricots, peaches and plums can be found across the surrounding landscape.

For a longer walk, follow the trail towards Tagore Top and explore the area's literary connections. Nainital and Bhimtal are also within reach for a day out, offering lakes, cafés and a change of scenery before you return to the quieter hills of Ramgarh.

The Information

Address: The Ramgarh Bungalows - 19th Century, above Nainital, Ramgarh (Malla), Kumaon Hills, District Nainital, Uttarakhand 263137

Tariff: Around INR 7,600–15,000+ per night, depending on the room and season.

Contact: +91 94 1110 8156; reservations@neemranahotels.com

Website: neemranahotels.com/the-ramgarh-bungalows-kumaon-hills-nainital

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