Chonor House, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Chonor House, designed and built by British architect David Porter, is a charming little upmarket guest house. Despite being located in the heart of Mcleod Ganj, the setting remains peaceful and yet it is a stones’ throw from the Dalai Lama's temple and walking distance form whatever you may wish to discover in McLeod Ganj. The style was intended to blend with the natural environment of the hills overlooking the Kangra valley and indeed, the stone and slates were obtained from the surrounding hills and carried by mule to the site which was at that time inaccessible to motor vehicles. The design and location of the building preserved the large pine & cedar trees which dominate the garden and dining area at the back of the building. There are eleven well-appointed rooms decorated according to a unique Tibetan theme, with murals featuring regions such as Kham, Amdo and Central Tibet and the flora and fauna of the Land of Snow. These striking wall paintings are complemented by traditional hand-knotted carpets and carved and decorated wooden furniture, all created by the Norbulingka craftsmen at the nearby institute.  A stay here is to truly immerse yourself in Tibetan culture.