HOTEL MADHUBAN HIGHLANDS
Charleville Road,Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
USP: An impressive blend of utility and luxury
As you negotiate a hairpin bend and catch the first view of Hotel Madhuban Highlands, it seems like a huge lump of concrete stuck on a soaring hill. When you stand at the porch, you realise it is sprawling, layered with rooms at varied heights that offer different views.
The best part, of course, is that it is located comfortably away from the twirl of things at the touristy Mussoorie, yet at a distance that can be easily covered.
Owned by the Madhuban Hotel group, the resort's suites are swanky and opulent, but go for the valley view ones, and also those behind its king-size conference hall near the entrance. From these, take in the prettiness of the distant mountains, undisturbed. The resort also has villa rooms with two bedrooms each, ideal for a family of four.
There is Pebble Street, the multi-cuisine restaurant. Besides an a la carte menu with Indian, Continental and Chinese fare, it lays out a buffet spread too. Then, there is the recently-launched Saffire Lounge and Bar if you are looking for a place to relax in the evenings. In the warmth of the sprawling place heated by an age-old bukhaari, and filled with cosy beige sofas, you can nibble at piping-hot starters and pair them with your beverage.
Tariff
The suites are priced at Rs. 10,000 per night; the Studio rooms at Rs. 9,000; the valley view rooms at Rs. 8,000; and the deluxe rooms at Rs. 7,000 per night (taxes extra). An extra bed comes for Rs. 1,000. The resort also has holiday packages for two nights and three days from Rs. 12,999 per couple, besides tailor-made packages for weddings and corporate conferences.
For details, visit www.madhubanhotel.com, contact 0135 – 2635550/53, or mail hotel_madhuban@vsnl.com
How to get there
The resort is 325 km away from Delhi and takes about seven hours by road. The Mussoorie Express and the Dehradun-Delhi Shatabdi Express also take you to Dehradun. From outside the railway station, hire taxis to reach Mussoorie. There is regular bus service too. Regular flights are also available from Delhi to Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun; the airport is 34 km from the resort.
Things to do
The resort has a well-equipped gym besides a spa with a host of rejuvenation therapies. There is also a children's play area.
Check out places of tourist interest such as Kempty Falls, Camel's Back Road, Lal Tibba, Cloud's End, Gun Hill and Company Gardens. You can also go up to Childer's Lodge, the highest peak in Mussoorie. Also, visit Jharipani and Bhatta waterfalls, situated about 8.5 km from the town.
The newly-made Mussoorie Lake on the Dehradun Road offers tourists an enchanting view of Doon Valley and the surrounding areas. Also, you can picnic at Van Chetna Kendra, three km away from the town. Wooded with pine trees and multi-hued shrubs, this is a good place to sight the Himalayan peacock.
