Built in the 1920s, this heritage hotel was originally the summer retreat for the royal family of the Manikya dynasty, the rulers of the neighbouring state of Tripura.
Location
Found in the hills above Shillong, Tripura Castle was originally the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Tripura.
Rooms
We love the sparkling character held in each of the hotel’s rooms, ranging from warm wood-panelled Deluxe Rooms to the sweeping 1,200 sq ft Royal Apartment. The blend of antique furniture, high ceilings and modern touches (Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms) gives every stay just the right balance of history and comfort. You will love waking to valley-views and the gentle rhythm of the hills outside your window.
Amenities
The hotel offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. A cosy bar housed in the original Maharaja’s stable is one of our favourites. Dine at four in-house restaurants offering Indian, Chinese, North‐East and Continental dishes, wander the gardens, gather in the library lounge, or simply enjoy the views from your balcony as the mist drifts through the pines.
Activities
You will find a rich variety of experiences. Early-morning walks through the property’s gardens and pine forest set the mood, and the hotel can arrange trips to waterfall hikes or local markets. Guests particularly love the chance to pause on their terraces with a cup of tea and simply absorb the Shillong valley vista.
Sustainability
The hotel recently played host to a UN-backed workshop on preserving Meghalaya’s living root bridges, an event that underscores its engagement with cultural and environmental conservation. By staying here you’re indirectly supporting a property rooted in heritage and nature.
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When to visit India
Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!
- Kite Festival in Gujarat
- Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan
- Republic Day 26th January
February
February sees all the fog clearing in Northern states and it is regarded as one of the best months to travel as the whole country is warm and sunny. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle are amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
March
One of the more popular months to travel, March is great for both weather conditions and cultural experiences, including Holi celebrating the victory of good over evil. If you're looking to go hiking, March is perfect in the Western Ghats. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Holi Festival - world famous paint throwing celebration.
April
April sees temperatures sore country-wide, making it one of the driest and best months to go elephant and tiger spotting. As daytime temperatures can reach over 40 degrees we recommend excursions based in the mornings and evenings.
May
Temperatures and humidity continue to rise in May, reaching 45 degrees, which can make it uncomfortable. But wildlife viewings continue to be at their best as animals search for water sources.
June
From June, Ladakh is accessible offering incredible scenery and a complete contrast to the rest of India. Days are warm and bright, but you will need to pack layers for added warmth.
We recommend not travelling to Southern India and the Himalayas as humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent as the country awaits the monsoon season.
July
Much like June, July offers incredible views across Ladakh whilst elsewhere monsoon season rains are imminent.
August
August is the perfect time to cruise along the Ganges thanks to the monsoon and its increased water levels.
September
September marks the end of the monsoon season and weather can still be unsettled across the country. If you're looking for good value travel, there can be some good deals in Rajasthan. Travel to Ladakh comes to a close as the season ends.
October
October is peak travel season, the rains end and the north of the country is warm. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Mahatma Ghandi's birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.
- Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of lights dazzles and illuminates the sky.
November
November is one of the best months to travel anywhere in India. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing in November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
December
Southern India is sunny and warm in December, making it a popular option for yuletide celebrations. If you want to delve into northern culture, daytime temperatures as beautiful, however mornings and evenings can be cold and sometimes foggy.
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Nia
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