Amber Vermont Estate - Mussoorie

The Amber Vermont Estate

Hatipaon Road, Mussoorie

USP: Mountain magic

M ussoorie. The name is sufficient to recreate an image of its crowded Mall Road where hordes of noisy tourists jostle about aimlessly. So, needless to add, The Amber Vermont Estate, Mussoorie, initially invokes in me a half-hearted response. What gives me hope, however, is its distance from Mall Road. I gather that the estate is on a quiet patch along Hatipaon Road, towards Cloud's End.

Starting quite early from Delhi, I wheel down a good part of the journey watching little towns and villages across Uttar Pradesh waking up to the day's work. Passing by Dehradun and up through Mussoorie town, I stand at the threshold of Vermont Estate after clocking good seven hours. What awaits me is an inviting sight. The Sun plays hide and seek with a range of mountains tipped with snow white clouds. A strong breeze slaps my face and goes on to rustle the leaves of the pine trees nearby, and those of the adjacent dark green deodar trees too. Immersing myself in Nature's bounty, I take the top-down view of the estate, the first sight reserved for any visitor. The sprawling estate, built in 1846 by an Englishman, is way down the road, and presents a panoramic view of a manicured lawn with ornate wrought iron chairs, and of green rooftops that blend with the surroundings. By the time I settle with a cup of coffee in the little sit-out attached to my room, I'm convinced I'll have a fine vacation.

Each of the 10 rooms here is a beautiful blend of period furniture and technology, including WiFi connectivity and a flat screen television with DTH satellite TV connection. Wood has been used generously here, and the lighting is perfect.

The property also has a smart suite with a cosy private sit-out. Besides the common dining hall, there is also an elegant private dining room. If only they can make available even half the variety the beautifully designed menu promises!

The heritage resort is replete with old-world relics — old maps of the Pauri area here, some Company art there. Then, there are enough beautiful rugs and throws laid down all over.

My evening is spent playing table tennis and enjoying a light meal in my room. Waking up fresh, the entire morning is well spent at the resort deck attached to its elegant lobby. Here, you can stretch out on a comfy deck chair and stare at the mountains for hours together. The resort serves you breakfast at the deck on request, a must-do. You can also steal a marvellous view of the Himalayas from its sprawling lawn. If you are the type to holiday without an itinerary, use the mid-morning or early evening for a lazy walk — the road snakes down to Cloud's End. Stop and stare at the splendid sights presenting themselves every now and then. I do all of these, and before I know it, it is time to go home.

How to get there

Vermont Estate is a seven-hour drive from Delhi. There are private and State-run buses to Mussoorie from Delhi and Dehradun. A convenient way of reaching the property is to board the early morning Dehradun Shatabdi from New Delhi Railway Station and hire a taxi (Rs. 800 approx) to Hatipaon Road. There are also regular flights between Delhi and Dehradun.

Tariff

There is a promotional rate of Rs. 13,000 for a double room with breakfast for two nights and three days. An extra bed comes at a additional cost. For bookings, write to the manager at arvind@theamber.in

Things to do

For a touristy experience, take the resort shuttle to Mall Road and go around on foot or on horseback; pick souvenirs for friends and family; and take the ropeway ride at the Mall. On request, the resort arranges trips to Dhanoulti, Yamuna Bridge, Sahastra Dhara, Kempty Falls, Clouds' End and Landour. Between March and June, it organises rafting trips. Also, its spa will open soon.

Within the resort, there are enough nooks that can give you a quiet moment. Use the telescope at the resort deck for a close peek at the mountains. Children can make use of the play area. There is also a table tennis board besides a home theatre room.

SANGEETA BAROOAH PISHAROTY

Source: The Hindu