CHOOMTI TRAVELLERS ~ Tours ~ Himalayan Foothills ~ Oberoi's Wildflower Hall


Location Wildflower Hall is a luxury mountain resort, set in the pine-scented hills of the lower Himalayas at Mashobra in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,250 feet), Wildflower Hall is a picturesque 45-minute drive through forested hills from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The resort is a serene and relaxed getaway offering an experience of nature on a grand scale. It also provides an ideal base for exploring the Himalayan region. One-time home of the British Commander-in-Chief, Lord Kitchener and later a historic hotel, Wildflower Hall is set in 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with a forest cover of over 3,000 trees.
	From its vantage point on top of a knoll, the hotel looks out onto a magnificent vista of rugged mountains offering a panoramic view of 1000 miles of the Greater Himalayas, snowy peaks and cedar forests. The Resort is surrounded by 20 acres of Himalayan cedar woods and wildflowers.

Accommodation The hotel has a total of 85 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, each with superb views of cedar-clad hills and snow-capped mountains. All rooms have spacious bathrooms with separate shower cubicles and walk-in closets. The Lord Kitchener suite includes a private sitting room with a fireplace and two guestrooms. All rooms occupy enjoy magnificent views of the mountains, beautiful valleys and cedar forests.

Rooms & suites All our rooms come with the following standard features: Satellite television & DVD player, Wired broadband internet access, Separate walk-in closet with electronic safe, Direct dial telephone with voice mail, Personal bar, 24 Hour Butler service. Guest rooms are appointed with teak floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings which reflecting the colonial heritage of the hotel and respect the traditional skills of local craftsmen. The rooms and suites offer spectacular views over the cedar forests, mountain ranges or the gardens. Every room has a spacious marble bathroom with both a bathtub and a separate shower cubicle with deluxe toiletries. Three interconnecting sets of rooms are available at the resort.

Premier Rooms The Premier Garden View Rooms come with large bay windows offering views of the beautifully landscaped gardens. Premier Rooms – Mountain View The Premier Mountain View Rooms come with large bay windows offering views of the surrounding mountains and the cedar forests. Deluxe Suites Each Deluxe Suite has a separate living room and bedroom. The living room features a fireplace and has an additional guest bathroom. The Suite comes with large bay windows offering views of the surrounding mountains and the cedar forests. Lord Kitchener Suite Located on the 4th floor, The Kitchener Suite offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. It features a separate living room and two bedrooms with dormer roofs. This grand suite has a four-poster bed in the master bedroom. The living room has a fireplace and an additional guest bathroom.

Guestroom Amenities Cable/satellite TV Bathroom telephone Climate control Complimentary newspaper Air conditioning Minibar Telephone Multi-line phone Internet access - dial-up Voice mail Bottled water in room (complimentary) Wake-up calls Housekeeping Turndown service	Private bathroom Bathrobes Complimentary toiletries Hair dryer Extra towels/bedding Direct-dial phone Separate sitting area Cribs (infant beds) available Desk Television Iron/ironing board In-room safe Smoking rooms Non-smoking rooms


Dining
	Dining options at Wildflower Hall include a brasserie that seats 110 and opens on to a large terrace, serving pan-Asian as well as Continental cuisine. The Indian restaurant has an innovative menu that includes a Himachali thali of local delicacies, and specialties of the Raj period in addition to traditional Indian favourites. An intimate Bar, with leather-upholstered chairs and a welcoming log-fire in winter, offers a classic snack menu as well as a selection of wines, spirits and cigars. Children (over 12) have their very own restaurant with special children's menu and entertainment.
The Restaurant The Restaurant has a large open-air terrace offering panoramic views over the mountains. The menu includes a varied range of Pan-Asian and Continental dishes. Guests can dine here looking out over the most spectacular scenery in the world. The Cavalry Bar Reflecting its gracious past, the Cavalry bar with its wood paneling and original artwork creates an aura of old world charm. Offering a full range of fine wines, spirits and cigars, it is just the spot for a before and after dinner drink. 24 Hour in-room Dining If you prefer the privacy of your own room or suite, there is of course the option of 24 hour in-room dining and butler service.


Spa & fitness overview
A world class Spa opened recently at Wildflower Hall, bringing the resort right into the top league of luxury destinations. The Oberoi Spa offers holistic treatments based on Ayurvedic, Asian and Western therapies to relax, rejuvenate and inspire. With tranquil views through lush green cedar and pine forests, the Spa Pavilions offer stressed out guests a peaceful haven in which to revitalise themselves both inside and out. Our state of the art gym offers the very best equipment to burn off those calories.


Recreation overview Situated at an altitude of 8,250 ft in the Himalayas, the Wildflower Hall presents a picture of breathtaking natural beauty. Set amidst thick cedar forests with spectacular views of mountain ranges and panoramic valleys, the resort is a 45-minute drive from Shimla. It is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating flora and fauna of the region and embark on your adventures.
Guests can avail of any of the following recreations : Swimming, Mountain biking, Ice skating, Bicycle rentals, Tennis, Cross-country Skiing, Hiking/Biking trails, Helicopter/Airplane sightseeing, Rafting, Horse riding/rental, Running track/path. The Wildflower Hall will provide: Qualified and experienced guides and a naturalist, Safety Gear, Picnic hampers (to order), Binoculars, First-aid kit, Transportation and porters can also be arranged.

Fill your senses with the scent of the earth as you trek through mountain trails. Thrill to the rush of water as you raft over the surging River Sutlej. Ride with the wind on a mountain bicycle through picturesque paths that take you on a journey of discovery. Fire up your energies with an invigorating horse ride. On the other hand you could just enjoy the spirit of the mountains within the exclusive environs of the resort. Try your skill at croquet, billiards and archery or spend an evening in the Card Room. At the end of a hectic day, relax in the magnificent heated indoor swimming pool or indulge in the exclusive Spa. Whether you are in quest of adventure or an easy-paced vacation, the Wildflower Hall promises a holiday full of surprises and unforgettable memories.

Scenic walks Miles of unspoilt countryside, apple orchards and wild flowers in spring create the setting for Wildflower Hall. Let the region work its magic on you as you explore little known paths and follow tracks into the forest. We have mapped out trails that suit everyone, so you could go on a challenging walk, stroll along woodland lanes or take a route that offers a glimpse of colonial history. Not bound by clock or calendar, the world will be yours alone.

Mountain bicycling The landscape beckons the adventurer as the bicycling trails pass through woods of cedar, spruce and pine. In spring, wild flowers set the hillsides ablaze in a riot of colour. Choose a challenging trail or pick an easy-paced ride.

Cross local hamlets where life has followed a steady pace for years. Pass through forests whose majestic trees have stood undisturbed for centuries. The experiences of a single day allows you to take back memories for a lifetime. The Wildflower Hall has imported mountain bicycles. Elbow pads, knee pads and helmets are provided.

Horse riding A ride on horseback through forest trails in the bracing mountain air sets your pulse racing. The undulating trails pass through apple orchards and dense groves of cedar and oak trees. Feel the invigorating power of the mountains as each new bend and turn in the path reveals panoramic views. In the clear light of the morning sun or in the glow that paints the hillsides a burnished gold in the evening, Nature and you are in complete harmony. The resort has its own stable of horses and ponies.

River rafting Riding the rapids is to experience the thrill of an encounter with the powerful forces of wind and water. Originating from the fabled Mansarovar lake on the western highlands of Tibet, the river Sutlej slices through several Himalayan ranges, carving out some of the deepest gorges in the world. Through magnificent canyons, fields, hamlets, and pristine sandy beaches, the river makes its panoramic passage. Discover the secrets of the river as you follow its course. The Wildflower Hall has 3 rafts, one 17.5 footer and two each of 16 feet. All rafts can comfortably seat 6 each, the 17.5 footer can accommodate 8. American Coast Guard life jackets are used, reputed to be the best in the world. Paddles, oars, frames, wet suits and safety equipment are of the highest quality available internationally. The equipment also includes 3 kayaks –one hard shell and two inflatable ones, which act as additional safety boats, if required.

Safety All activities are conducted by trained guides. Minimum age for participation is 12 years (except in the activities specifically planned for children). At the start of every trip, a safety briefing is given to all members. Communication equipment is provided as a safety measure during the entire duration of the trail. The rafts on the river are in communication with each other at all times through wireless radio and with the land-based unit. The Wildflower Hall strictly follows international safety standards and guidelines for white water rafting. The river guides used by the Wildflower Hall are highly qualified with vast experience on most of the Himalayan rivers. They are trained in first-aid and to deal with emergency evacuation and river safety. A minimum of two rafts/kayaks are always on the river as a standard safety procedure. Minimum age for participation in the rafting trip is 12 years. Children above 12 but who weigh less than 40 kg are not permitted. All rafters are provided complete personal safety gear. Precautions: Persons with medical problems are advised to participate only on the advice of a doctor. Alcohol will not be served and may not be consumed during the activities. Alcohol should not be consumed for at least eight hours prior to a rafting trip. We reserve the right to cancel any trip depending on prevailing conditions.

Other activities Set amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, the Wildflower Hall is the perfect getaway for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a host of activities within the resort, from billiards and archery, to ice skating and croquet. Give yourself up to the pampering treatments at exclusive Spa pavilions surrounded by cedar groves or soak away your cares in the heated indoor swimming pool. Indulge all your senses in the elegance and luxury of the Wildflower Hall. Golf Tee off from Asia’s highest golf course at Naldehra, a 45 minute drive from the Wildflower Hall. This nine-hole course was designed by Lord Curzon in 1904 and was a favourite camping ground for the Viceroys in the late eighteen hundreds. The course is cleverly laid out and is decidedly tricky. A round takes about an hour to complete. The Wildflower Hall provides quality golf clubs on hire and also arranges entry to the course. Swimming pool and outdoor heated whirlpool The magnificent heated indoor swimming pool with beautifully detailed mosaic floors and chandeliers offers splendid views of the mountain ranges. Attached to the indoor heated swimming pool is an outdoor deck that offers an infinity whirlpool. Soak in the sun on the deck outside with a refreshing drink while you admire views of the majestic Himalayas. Croquet Travel back in time to the days of the Raj as you try your hand at croquet on the lush green lawns at the Wildflower Hall. Archery Sharpen your skills with bow and arrows in the shade of a cedar grove. The resort provides the required equipment. Ice skating Whirl to the music of the mountains in the skating rink at the Wildflower Hall. The rink is operational from mid-December to mid-March. Billiards Take your cues at the green baize table in the warm ambience of the Billiards Room. Card room The intimate ambience of the Card Room makes Bridge or Scrabble more than just a game. Library Located in the Card Room, the Library offers a varied selection of books on the Himalayas, India, wildlife, fiction and biographies among others. This beautiful room provides a restful place to unwind after an active day.

Policy This hotel does not accept reservations for families travelling with children younger than 12 years of age, because it is located in mountainous terrain which could be unsafe for young children. Extra person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy. Rollaway beds may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply. Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges. Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in.
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