The Elgin Norkhill

Elgin Nor-Khill-Gangtok ("the house of jewels") is known for its traditional and ethnic Sikkimese ambiance. The Kanchan garden affords a rich view of the hills with Kanchenjungha in the background, which inspired the Chogyal of Sikkim to paint for hours.

The Nor-Khill was built by the King of Sikkim in 1932 and is the oldest heritage hotel in Gangtok, which entertains guests like his holiness The Dalai Lama, the US Ambassador to India His Excellency John Galbraith, movie stars and you and your family. The lobby is resplendent in the bright folk art, design motif depicting dragons and flame symbols to thankas, the ornate bachu and chocsue and traditional jewellery available at an in-house curio shop.

Elgin Nor-Khill-Gangtok is an exponent of typical Sikkimese architecture in the midst of a serene atmosphere and greenery in the heart of Gangtok. Each of the 32 rooms affords a taste of the luxurious lifestyle and offers a magnificent view from the windows. They are done up in vivid colours to showcase the design elements that surrounded royalty of yore. The rooms are quiet, elegant and expansive with an air of serenity about them, which reflects a typical Sikkimese ambiance.

Room types

• Deluxe room
• Suite

Dining
Whether it is a hearty meal at midday or the finest traditional cuisine for dinner in an environment overhung with the aroma of exotic spices, the Shangri La is the place for eating out in style at Gangtok. The Dragon Bar is cozy and well stocked in a range of Sikkimese drinks like Tongba(Millet Fermented Beer).

Other facilities

• Attached private bath with showers.
• Running hot and cold water - 24 hrs.
• Telephone with International dialing and Net-connectivity
• Colour television with satellite channels
• Multi-channel music in public areas
• Round the clock room service
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• Currency exchange
• Safe deposit lockers
• Baby sitting arrangements
• Travel desk
• Doctor on call
• Car parking area
• Banquet and conference facilities
• Communication : fax and e-mail

The drive up to the Elgin hotels from the airport at Bagdogra, or the railway stations at New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri is not without its share of beauty. Surprises lurk behind every bend. Steep cliffs loom on one side as the swiftly flowing Teesta far below on the other side, past the precipice on one side of the road, keeps gurgling company en-route.

Horticulture not just comes easy in these climes, but it is raised to an art form. Rare orchids grow wild and are collectively reared to be exhibited in flower shows throughout the year. The daring and adventurous prefer to go down to the Teesta for exhilarating the white -water rafting. Mountain biking is gaining popularity in the rugged terrain as trekking remains the universal favourite, with thousands of meandering tracks through pine woods leading to nowhere.

The travel desk at the Elgin hotels would be happy to assist you in getting to know this Himalayan region better. And after all the traveling adventure sports and sight-seeing, the guests do nor trudge wearily back to the hotels, rather they eagerly look forward to the delightful comforts that await to pamper and recharge them for another day.