Raj Bhavan, Darjeeling

Raj Bhavan is a colonial residence in the Darjeeling hills featuring large windows, symmetrical lines, and broad porches throughout its facade. The structure uses locally sourced materials and was specifically designed for the cool mountain climate.

The residence was built in 1879 during British rule as a retreat for officials seeking escape from the hot plains. The building represents a period when colonial power shifted administrative centers toward the mountain regions.

The building shows how British builders worked with local craftspeople and adapted their designs to mountain conditions. You can see this in the carefully made details that blend European and Indian influences throughout the interior.

The property can only be visited during organized tours on designated days. Visitors should inquire in advance and be prepared for restricted access to certain areas of the estate.

The house preserves a collection of original Victorian furniture that offers insight into how British officials lived during that era. A private chapel with stained glass windows from the 1880s still stands in the building.