A Home in the Hills: The Oak Retreat Experience - GetBengal Story
“There is always a certain charm about a hill station… the slow-moving clouds, the scent of pines, and the way silence feels like music.” – Ruskin Bond
North Bengal has always had a special place in the heart for Bengalis. Whether it's the hills wrapped in mist, the dense jungles, or the expansive views from the hills, every turn invokes poetry. And inside this eternal beauty lives Lamahatta—a little village in the Eastern Himalayas, with Kanchenjunga rising on one side, and a pine forest sharing its secrets on the other.
Nestled at 5,700 feet, and merely 22 kilometers from Darjeeling, lies The Oak Retreat, a boutique hilltop retreat that seems like a dream meticulously crafted for those who seek reprieve from the chaos of Kolkata. Whether you are visiting for a quiet weekend escape, or for an extended period, Oak Retreat and the welcoming Lamahatta Café make each visit memorable.
Also read : As tourism grows, Lamahatta says no to plastic
It is not just the stunning views that elevate Lamahatta, it is its stories. The Lamahatta Eco Park attracts travelers from all corners of the globe, with other alluring destinations like Kalimpong, Tinchuley, and Takdah all in close proximity, and offering endless opportunities for exploration. But the real wonder of Lamahatta is how it offers adventure alongside stillness—you can explore the woods, sit by a mountain stream, or take a moment to breathe by a wayside shrine, and it will feel as if the mountains are speaking to you.
With 3 boutique rooms filled with the comforts of home and a professional curated stay, The Oak Retreat offers both. Every window offers a view of the Kanchenjunga capped in snow, nestled in deep green pine forests. All comforts are blended into the oppression of nature's strangeness and comfort. The café has its own charm, with a mouth-watering spread ranging from classic Indian and Nepali dishes to European, Oriental and Italian - guaranteeing that in addition to falling in love with the mountain air, you will enjoy the discoveries of multiple cuisines and how differently they incorporate local ingredients!
While popular hill stations overflow with tourists, Lamahatta feels like a sanctuary; a retreat from the crowds. And Oak Retreat is at the centre of this oasis, which allows you to escape and not just visit the mountains - to live them. It is just as much of an experience as it is a boutique hotel - filled with warmth, comfort and hospitality - and here, you will surely feel at home in the hills!
So whenever the mountains beckon, don't just respond to the call in Darjeeling - the busy streets - make the quiet choice in Lamahatta. Oak Retreat patiently looks for your experience of its special stories, comforts and inexhaustible charms of the Himalayas.
