Wildflower Hall

Set within 23 acres of pine and cedar forest, Wildflower Hall is located about 13kms from Shimla with dramatic views over the valleys below Shimla. It was once the estate of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, who took over the estate in the early 1900s as he rather relished his house being a little higher than that of the Viceroy down in Shimla. It was unfortunately destroyed by fire in the early 1990s and taken over by Mr Oberoi who spared no expense in creating the definitive Himalayan retreat. At an altitude of 8,250 feet, the views are simply magical, although don’t expect to see really close snow-capped peaks as Shimla is very much in the foothills – you can see them in the distance on a clear day.  It does get pretty cold in December and January, and there might well be snow appearing, all the more magical!Wildflower Hall acts as a luxury retreat from which you can do as much or little adventure as you want. You might want to just sit back, relax and enjoy the views with a short visit down to Shimla, or maybe immerse yourself in nature walks, rafting or cycling in the hills. Many guests stay for three or more nights, using it as a peaceful end to a tour of India. The overall feel is like a Scottish baronial retreat, and expect to find sumptuous rich interiors, an abundance of teak wood-panels and colonial fixtures and fittings. You half expect to bump into Lord Kitchener wandering around the corner, whisky and cigar in hand.

There are 87 rooms and suites at Wildflower Hall, all classically furnished in somewhat of a Scottish baronial feel. They lead in with Deluxe or Premier Garden View Rooms, but we really suggest you opt for at least the Premier Mountain View Rooms, because after all, that is why you come to Wildflower Hall!  They are perfectly comfortable en-suite rooms (with separate bath and shower) with superb views. The Deluxe Suites have the added benefit of a separate living room, or the ultimate indulgence opt for the Lord Kitchener Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and the best Himalayan views.

The food is wonderful, and generally served up in the Restaurant, but guests can opt for special dining experiences such as under the Gazebo, or a breakfast picnic along the Wild Strawberry Trail or Sanctuary Experience. Our favourite experience is driving up to an old colonial bungalow called ‘The Peak’ and a luxury picnic. The Cavalry Bar is the place to retreat to after a long day, and it absolutely makes you feel like you are in Scotland. The Spa is world-class, and Wildflower has a large indoor pool and fitness centre. Nothing though quite beats a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi that has dramatic views over the rolling valleys of the Himalayas followed by ordering a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea to have on the terrace.