MAYFAIR Hill Resort — Hotel in West Bengal

The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is a splendid enclosure housing a wide variety of animals. Also known as Darjeeling Zoo, this is a haven for animals of all kinds and a huge centre of attraction for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. The zoo is known internationally for its breeding and conservation programs and also includes an off-display breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas. In addition to these rarer species, the zoo is also enriched with Asiatic black bear, barking deer, leopards, blue and yellow Macaw, Eastern Pangolin, Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Wolf, Lady Amherst, Leopard Cat, Macaw, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Panda, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer, Temminck's Tragopan, Yak, and many more. This attraction was set up in 1958 and was named after the former governor of West Bengal, Padmaja Naidu, who was also the daughter of Sarojini Naidu. Witha n average elevation of a whopping 7000 feet, it is the largest high altitude zoo in India. The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda. The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India's red panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Owing to its unyielding efforts to repopulate these endangered species, the Darjeeling Zoo has been awarded the prestigious honour of "The Earth Heroes" in 2014 out of over 300 zoos worldwide.

The Darjeeling Zoo has many endangered species of animal that you might not get to see any place else. Tibetian wolf, Snow leopard, the Siberian tiger is noted crowd attraction and has been garnering tourists here since the very beginning. The exotic zoo includes an off-display breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas which is a great attraction for many animal lovers. There are Siberian Tigers, Yaks among other animals. You can also witness the Himalayan Black Bear roaming about as you walk a little ahead. The zoo also maintains Himalayan flora that brings many nature lovers to the place.

The layout of the Darjeeling Zoo has been made such that it somewhat imitates the living conditions of the Alpine animals that are bred here. As you enter through the main gate, you are welcomed with a huge aviary that houses many different kinds of birds such as Rose Ring Parakeets, Hill Mynas, Ring-Necked Pheasants, and Blue Gold Macaw. From here on, there are roads that span into every direction possible, and you can choose your pick. If you decide to take the straight road uphill, you will see a flight of stairs which are supposed to be taken on your journey back and not into the zoo. After you walk a few paces, you will be able to spot a few Himalayan Black Bears lolling around which are originally native to the mountains of Tibet, Nepal and China.

A few steps beyond the bears' enclosure, if you peer to your left over the fence, you will see Yaks which are native to Himalayan and Southcentral Asia spending a quiet time here. Keep walking uphill, and you will encounter the upper section of the zoo. Take the road on the right and you will see a number of big cats such as Indian Tigers, Snow Leopards, Black Leopards and Clouded Leopards in open spaces but bound by wires. A prized possession of the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is its very rare Siberian Tiger, which can be seen here as well. The section on the right has Tibetan Wolves in an open area, and a section next to it houses Jackals.

Once you reach the bottom of the zoo near the aviary, you will be able to see the Red Panda Conservation Section, where a suitable environment has been created for them to be able to live a healthy life and repopulate their species. Among other animals that you can see on this stretch are Sambar Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Barking Deer, Goral...

During my recent stay at Mayfair Darjeeling from the 21st to the 24th, I found the experience truly memorable. The resort is ideally located across from the Governor's residence and only a 10-minute walk from both the Darjeeling Mall and the scenic Kanchenjunga View Point.

The building is classified as a heritage structure, and Mayfair has preserved its original architecture and character. It served as the summer retreat for the royal family of Nazargunj before being acquired by Mayfair in 1997.

The resort’s unique positioning on a hillside means guests enter from the road and descend either by a beautiful walk or via an elevator that feels like an experience in itself. As the glass elevator travels up and down the slope, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, making each journey feel like a scenic adventure. Even at the top section near the entrance and security cabin, the breathtaking views make it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Accommodation and Facilities: I stayed in Lloyds Cottage, a well-appointed room, although not with the best mountain view. However, rooms like 105 and 106, as well as the top-row bathrooms of the cottages, offer mesmerising vistas of the mountains. The resort is well-maintained, with lush greenery, numerous seating areas for families and friends to gather, and a dedicated games area for added entertainment. Additionally, a basic gym is available in the resort.

Culinary Delights and Personalised Service: One of the highlights of the stay was the buffet breakfast. The spread included a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with live counters for dishes like dosa, poori, and paratha, complemented by fresh juices and fruits. On one occasion when papaya was not part of the menu, the staff promptly prepared a fresh bowl upon my request. I also follow a specific dietary regime, and the kitchen team was accommodating enough to prepare noodles I brought with me to my preferences, showcasing their commitment to personalised service.

Unique Mayfair Touches: Mayfair Darjeeling has some distinct features that enhance the guest experience:

A complimentary Hi-Tea is hosted every evening with tea, coffee, and snacks, creating a cozy and hospitable ambiance. Drinking water is free and available throughout the resort, thanks to their in-house water treatment facilities. The complimentary munchies and beverages in the room are replenished daily, with the snacks being homemade and of excellent quality. Free-to-use rubber slippers are provided in the room – a thoughtful gesture often not found in other hotels, where such amenities might incur additional charges.

Ambiance and Experience: The resort’s warm decor and attentive staff make it a place where guests feel at home. Once we stepped in, the need to venture outside vanished, as the serene ambiance provided the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Overall, traveling from Hyderabad to Mayfair Darjeeling was an ideal choice to disconnect from urban chaos and enjoy a relaxing, fulfilling vacation in a well-rounded resort that caters to all needs.

PS: The resort does not have a...

Review: Mayfair Hill Resort, Darjeeling (October 2025 Visit)|My recent stay at Mayfair Hill Resort in Darjeeling during October 2025 was a mixed experience. While the property maintains the signature elegance associated with the Mayfair name, certain aspects fell short of expectations, especially when compared to other Mayfair properties across India.|The hotel itself is relatively smaller in size. The rooms allotted to us, 307 and 308, were quite compact. After placing an extra bed in one of them, there was barely any space to move around comfortably. One major disappointment was the lack of a mountain view. The glass window side was blocked by new private buildings, limiting visibility. Keeping the curtains open was uncomfortable, as the nearby buildings faced directly into our rooms, compromising privacy.|Unlike other hill resorts in Darjeeling, the property does not offer a view of the Kanchanjangha peak from anywhere within its premises. Its location is another drawback—it is quite far from the Mall Road, which is the most happening area of Darjeeling. Other hotels like Windamere or Ramada are far better located in this regard. Even reaching the nearest viewpoint requires walking about 100 meters to the main road, whereas properties like The Retreat offer easier access.|Food quality was average—standard but not outstanding in either variety or taste. Additionally, getting local taxis near the hotel proved inconvenient, as the resort lies within a high-security zone near the Raj Bhavan. Guests either need to hire vehicles through the hotel or walk a fair distance out of the security perimeter to find transportation.|Considering all these factors, the stay felt overpriced at around ₹20,000 per room per night. While the property has an old-world charm, the lack of views, limited accessibility, and smaller rooms make it less value for money compared to other luxury options...