Budget hotels in Gangtok--The Tamarind Residency

The tagline says &ldquo&hellipa place that will listen to you when you need some comfort&hellip&rdquo, and comfort and rest were the two things on my mind as I arrived at Gangtok&rsquos Tamarind Residency after a long Delhi-Bagdogra flight, followed by the drive to Gangtok. As I entered the spacious and stylishly turned out lobby, proprietor, Mrs. Pema Lhamu Lamtha, graciously offered me Sikkim&rsquos famous cherry brandy, and I knew I had arrived at the right address. The only family-owned and run hotel in the 4-star category  in Gangtok, the hotel, at first glance, exuded the serene atmosphere of the pristine mountain range that overlooks it.

Soon, I retired to my suite named The Orchid. Talk about class and the room &ndash with a sitting room of its own &ndash fits the bill perfectly. The Tamarind Residency has both single and double deluxe rooms as well as single and double suites. The spacious room had an LCD TV, a work-desk, a working wi-fi connection, a room heater (in my case, on request I even got a steam inhaler &ndash thanks to my sinusitis).  I was delighted to note that the well-fitted bathroom had a nice bathtub too. The winding road to Gangtok had wound my nerves tight and I decided to unwind with a long, steaming-hot soak in the tub.

The Tamarind Residency has a decently stocked bar sporting international wine labels as well as the local varieties (when in Sikkim, enjoy the tax-free drink). The food is good the banana honey pan cake &ndash large and fluffy &ndash is a must have. The hotel&rsquos restaurant has on offer a wide range of continental, Chinese and Sikkimese dishes.

The view from the Tamarind Residency  was gorgeous right from my window, I could gaze on the lush forest-covered mountain ranges. A little walk down the road from the hotel can give you a beautiful view of the majestic Khangchendzonga. The hotel is located on the ridge, a spot very popular with tourists Gangtok&rsquos Ridge Park, 5mins from the hotel, also happens to be the gateway to the beautiful Changu Lake and Nathu La.  

Among other services, the hotel offers travel and tour packages, car rental and mountain trekking packages. So. if you are travelling to Gangtok, a stop at the Tamarind Residency may provide you with the means to satisfy many of your travel requirements.

The information
Location The Tamarind Residency, Nathula Road, Gangtok, Sikkim
Tariff Rs 5,145 &ndash 11,000 (excluding tax)
Contact For reservation 91 3592-204878/203836 91 9800700755 info@tamarindresidency.com and booking@tamarindresidency.com