Idyllic and unpretentious, but beautifully kept, on the outskirts of Kalimpong (technically in a village about 10 minutes drive from town), the Orchid Retreat is the gardening enthusiast’s dream getaway. The owners (Ganesh Mani Pradhan and family) have a four-room guesthouse and six more rooms in small cottages scattered on the terraced slopes of their 2.5-acre nursery, facing south over the Relli Valley. Birds and blooms are the main draw, after serenity – no TVs and intercoms to disturb your peace. Mod cons are basic but furnishings quaint and charming.
Tariff: Doubles Rs 3,000-4,500 room only, Rs 4,800-6,300 with all meals.
Contact: 03552-274517, theorchidretreat.com