Does the name Dooars conjure up visions of smoky blue hills, emerald green tea plantations, wisps of cotton clouds, a promise of mystery just beyond the calming vista? You got it right. The name Dooars, gateway to Bhutan and the Northeast, was apparently derived from the word doors.
Does the name Sinclairs ring a bell? That too would be right — the chain extends from Sinclairs in Siliguri to Ooty, Port Blair and Darjeeling and the baby of the bunch, Sinclairs Retreat, Chalsa, pampered in its luxuriant setting.
This property of 20 acres is, in a word, attractive. The landscape artist and the gardeners are to be congratulated. The 66 cottages and three suites, laid in a winding and staggered line, each with a rear patio, overlook sculpted hedges, beds of blushing flowers, immaculate lawns and sheltering trees.
The cheerfulness of the surroundings continues into the rooms with their gaily-coloured tables and lamps, bedposts and TV cabinets painted with curves and curlicues in colours reminiscent of the Buddhist arts. The only puzzlement is the bathrooms, which though clean and functional, are lack-lustre. This faint dismalness extends to the Health Club, but close your eyes and get a massage, soaked in warm ayurvedic oils. There is a perfectly inviting large pool in the centre of the health complex but, partially hemmed in by buildings, the poolside does not quite entice to lingering.
One could linger, however, in the Banyan Tree restaurant, where the affableness of the staff complements the tasty Indian menu. Besides indoor and outdoor entertainment from billiards to tennis, the conference rooms are truly noteworthy, with fabulous views and top-notch facilities.
The ideal period to visit the Dooars is between October and April, when the wildlife parks in the vicinity (Gorumara, Chapramari and Jaldapara) are open to the public.
The information
Location: Chalsa Hilltop, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Accommodation: 66 cottages, 3 suites
Contact: Tel: +91-3562-260282/200179, www.sinclairshotels.com/dooars/