RI KYNJAI- SERENITY BY THE LAKE
Ri Kynjai, a resort presiding over the picturesque Umiam Lake, translates from Khasi as ‘land of serene environs'. With the backdrop of the enchanting Khasi hills, Ri Kynjai is set amidst groves of majestic pine, lush paddy fields and a small organic tea garden. The architecture is inspired and derived from the original Khasi thatch huts, which make a symbolic presence as a cap on the roof of the cottages. The resort reflects the warmth of Khasi hospitality, their eco - centric culture and captivating architecture combined with modern convenience and luxury. Each cottage and room is designed with its orientation to the east, capturing the view of the lake and the rising sun.
Sao aiom
Sao aiom ('four seasons') is a restaurant which opens the doors to the kitchens of the north - eastern communities. The Ri Kynjai dining experience starts with a drink on the platform of the sao aiom bar overlooking the azure blue water of the umiam lake. After which one can choose from a variety of exotic dishes. We specialise in traditional north - east Indian specialties, ranging from smoked pork with bamboo - shoot to rice fried in turmeric and the famous cherrapunji chicken cooked with freshly grounded pepper. The restaurant also serves Indian, chinese and continental cuisine. The interiors showcase textile and crafts from around the north east region. Sao aiom is as much a fine dining experience as it is a cultural one.
Nature, walks and water
Ri Kynjai offers something for everyone. For trekkers, the legendary and religious peaks, 'lumsohpetbneng' and 'lumdiengiei' are a few kilometers away. You can also while away your idleness ambling through verdant pine forests along the water. An extra gift may be an orchestra of nature’s inhabitants. For the more adventurous, a boat ride on serene umiam lake or even a hamper picnic in one of the islands is a veritable option.
Conference retreat
A beautiful outdoor conference pavilion nestled between pine groves with a panoramic view of the lake, is an ideal setting for business with pleasure. An indoor meeting room is also available and both venues seat 40 people. Ri Kynjai provides all the necessary facilities for a conference retreat. Food and drinks can be held at sao aiom (restaurant and bar).
The Shillong golf course
Ri Kynjai has a tie - up with the Shillong Golf Course and all guests can play and avail the facilities of the Golf Course. The 18-hole Shillong Golf Course has the distinction of being one of the oldest golf courses in the world, and the second oldest in Asia. Comparisons have been often drawn between the Shillong Golf Course and the Gleneagles of Scotland. In fact, it is often referred to as the "Gleneagle of the East" at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum. Set amidst lush greens and nestled among pine trees, the Golf Course provides a beautiful panoramic view. First developed in 1898 as a 9-hole course, it was later expanded to an 18-hole course in 1924. Since then, it has stayed unchanged for the larger extent. The Golf Course and the stately building that house the Golf Club is a reminder of the old colonial glory that used to be Shillong.
Ri Kynjai - Spa
Khem Janai - the spa at Ri Kynjai ferries you to the ancient world of herbal cure and serenity. Equipped with state - of - the - art hydro therapeutic facilities, "Khem Janai" offers traditional Khasi massages and herbal treatment. The unique feature of the spa is its "Khasi bath". The Khasi bath is a water massage which leaves you feeling rejuvenated and recharged. The Science of Traditional Herbal medicine and Therapeutic massage of the Khasis one of the most ancient Tribes of the Indian Sub - Continent is as old as the Hills and the Tribe itself.
The West Khasi Hills of the State of Meghalaya is a veritable Treasure trove of Medical Herbs and an overwhelming majority of the practitioners of Ancient Herbal Medicinal care and particularly the Therapeutic masseurs come from this principality. Intriguingly the Art and Science of Massage is a gift of a very selected few. It is neither taught nor learnt.
The Khem Jah Thait deals with the general toning of the muscles and enhancing circulation as is common practice everywhere. However the technique is different in the sense it is a specialized pressure point massage unique to this region.
ROYAL HERITAGE TRIPURA CASTLE
Built in the early 1920s by Maharaja Bir Bikram, who came to Shillong at the age of 16 for his military training and fell in love with the place, Tripura Castleis the symbol of the Maharaja’s romance with Shillong. Though the Castle does not resemble a ‘castle’ in the British or European sense of the term, it does reflect the regality of a royal home – from its tiered gardens and marvelous collection of orchids, including an underground bomb shelter and tunnel opening out into the rose gardens dating back to World War II, to its splendid interiors, one is immediately struck by the quiet grace of a by-gone era.
Within the Castle’s walls are a wonderful collection of artwork and antiques collected over the ages. Centuries old Chinese furniture, art deco and Victorian objets d’art, blend in with paintings and photographs by members of the royal family. The large private library has several rare manuscripts and valuable first editions.
A serpentine road lined with pine trees, bamboo groves and cherry blossoms leads up to the Royal Heritage - Tripura Castle, summer retreat of the Maharajas of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. The first "heritage" hotel in the north-east, it was opened in 2003 in the Castle's Annexe. The horse-shoe shaped gate, symbolic of good luck and a royal tradition for entrances to residences invites you in.
An air of regal elegance coupled with an old world charm reflects the ambience of the Hotel. The warm tones of wood, cane and brass are the architectural refrain.The blend of European and Oriental influences that is the hallmark of the Castle, has been subtly worked into the Hotel.
In remodelling the Annexe and guest rooms, local materials have been used to great advantage. Pinus Khasiana, indigenous to Meghalaya, for the woodwork is complemented by the paving in the courtyard, white Cherra Stone from nearby Cherrapunji (once known to have the highest rainfall in the world).
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The Tea Lounge is a connoisseur’s delight and a favourite relaxing area. On offer is a wide array of fine teas – from full-bodied, strong Assam to light, fragrant Darjeeling and a whole range of herbal teas.
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The place to adjourn to in the evenings is the wood-panelled bar. Aptly calledMezzanine, and well-stocked, it has a casual atmosphere.
The Tea Lounge is a connoisseur’s delight and a favourite relaxing area. On offer is a wide array of fine teas – from full-bodied, strong Assam to light, fragrant Darjeeling and a whole range of herbal teas.
The place to adjourn to in the evenings is the wood-panelled bar. Aptly calledMezzanine, and well-stocked, it has a casual atmosphere.
At The Rice Court the standard menu is Chinese with a wide choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. But if you are a guest, a special treat awaits you – authentic Khasi cuisine – ‘jadoh’ (a rice dish), ‘dohkhlieh’ (a spicy pork salad), ‘tungtap’ (dried fish chutney) among other exotic preparations. The décor includes interesting lithographs, some dating back to 1857, and an 18th century Chinese bed.
Each of the 10 spacious and tastefully appointed Guest Rooms retains its old world ‘heritage’ character – carefully selected pieces of furniture from the Castle, a gleaming brass fire-place, coupled with all the modern amenities – attached bath with running hot and cold water, cable TV and video. On clear, crispy winter mornings, the view of snowcapped peaks is spectacular, while after dark, the lights of Shillong make for a pretty backdrop. The Maharaja Suite strikes a special chord. The ornately carved mahogany bed is the very same one used by India’s first Noble Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore – who shared a long and close association with four generations of the Manikya dynasty.
Among the other facilities available are a 30-seater Conference Room – Manikya Hall, a Holistic Therapy Centre, laundry services, doctor on call and car parking facilities within the grounds.
Reservation & Enquiry:
Among the other facilities available are a 30-seater Conference Room – Manikya Hall, a Holistic Therapy Centre, laundry services, doctor on call and car parking facilities within the grounds.
Reservation & Enquiry:
Royal Heritage – Tripura Castle
Cleve Colony, Tripura Castle Road
Shillong- 793 003
Phone No. +91 364 250 1111/ 250 1149
Fax No. +91 364 250 1149
HIGH WINDS
HighWinds is a century old property - The original British bungalow still stands nestled at the foot hills of evergreen pine forests. The Lady Hydari Park and Crinoline Swimming Pool are in the immediate vicinity thus providing for ample opportunities for leisure walks and swims. The guest house is an annex with 18 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites. The emphasis is on providing our guests safe, and secure home for their family vacation. The management discourages smoking and alcohol is not served in the campus. The kitchen provides wholesome home made food. Tea/Coffee maker is complementary provided in every room.
FACILITIES:
- Running Hot and cold water
- Flat Screen TV
- Telephone Service
- In house PCO facility
- Car Parking.
- A-la-carte Dining
- Internet on request.
- Conference rooms.
- 24hrs stand by generator
- Pickup and sight seeing services
