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Location: Google maps
Hotel website: Kaziranga Golf Resort
Tip: Try to stay at the chalets closer to the main clubhouse
My trip to India’s North-East was full of adventure and excitement as I got to discover some hidden gems in this scenic part of the country as I enjoyed my journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes that I have seen during my extensive travels across the country.
Holiday Guide review includes:
- The Good Parts
- Salient Features
- Our Opinion
- Dining
- Facilities
- How to Get There
- Photos
- Ratings
THE GOOD PARTS
After a hectic tour of Tripura visiting various tourist attractions like the the enchanting Neermahal, Rudrasagar Lake, I finally found myself in the wilderness of the Kaziranga National Park located in the northeast Indian state of Assam. After a hectic tour across the region, I decided to take a pit stop at the famous Kazaringa Golf Resort located in Jorhat, a peaceful, serene, yet easily accessible location 75 kilometres from the Kaziranga National Park.
The drive from Kaziranga National Park to the golf resort was in itself a pleasurable experience as we passed through quaint small towns and villages and drove through lush green fields to finally reach our destination – perched in the midst of acres of greenery and tea plantations. Once there, I was transported back in time to a world reminiscent of the tea plantation days of the colonial era.
The main Club House which houses the reception and dining areas was once known as the “Burra Sahib’s Bungalow” (Big Boss’ House) and belonged to the manager of the surrounding tea estate. Remnants of the colonial days are still visible in the club house building in the form of historical memorabilia that adorn the walls of the main building.
The Club House also houses a spacious Heritage Deluxe Room which gives you a glimpse of the good old days of the affluent landlords that owned this place – complete with period furniture and décor of the colonial era.
Salient Features
Kaziranga Golf Resort enjoys a remote location in one of India’s most scenic natural settings. The property is set within the lush green expanse surrounded by beautiful tea estates and a well manicured golf course. During weekdays, groups of local workers can be seen picking tea leaves and collecting them in their basket, which makes for an awe-inspiring sight.
The challenging 18-hole, par-71 golf course in the midst of a tea garden is a first of its kind in the world and is spread over 150 acres. The golf course is designed by Ranjit Nanda, one of the leading Golf Course Architects in India and a prominent name in the International Golf scene. Nanda also represents Gary Player Design Company established by the legendary golfer Gary Player.
The property features an impressive yet intimate layout. The access road to the resort crisscrosses miles of tea fields and rolling hills before ending at the lodge’s main entrance, where hotel staff welcome guests upon arrival in traditional Indian style. Sitting on the verandah of the club house, the main pavilion features dark stone floors, soaring ceilings and walls adorned with local Assamese art work. It houses the property’s public facilities, including the reception area, a stylish boutique shop, several rustic seating areas, a dining room, and a large outdoor terrace overlooking the surrounding lawns.
Inspired by the the vast vegetation and wildlife of the surroundings, the resort’s timeless design pays tribute to Assam’s traditions and rich cultural heritage, while the architecture accentuates the spectacular scenery of the surrounding area. The picturesque natural surroundings are as though framed by large, floor-to-ceiling windows in the chalets.
During my visit I was staying in one of the chalets next to the main clubhouse building. The chalet’s highlight was the contemporary décor fused with traditional design elements, such as Assamese paintings and art works, perfectly showcasing the local traditions with warmer tones of light browns, ambers, creams as well as earthy tones.
Offering a blissful sanctuary inspired by nature, the resort’s intimate Wellness Center comprises an elegant spa house (with two treatment beds), a well-equipped gym, indoor games, and an outdoor pool overlooking the vast lush green lawns (with the occasional sighting of monkeys).
The Tea Tour to the adjacent tea estate and tea factory was a learning experience for me where I got to know more about the tea-making process. Assamese tea is a thin-bodied, light-coloured infusion with a floral aroma. On the morning tea tour I learnt about the various steps that go into making the perfect cup of black tea – withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting. The experience ends with the tea-tasting session of the day’s brew.
ROOMS / ACCOMMODATION AT KAZIRANGA GOLF RESORT
Accommodation is provided at colonial style cottages that are built further down the main club house building. These cottages are built with British colonial exterior and verandahs with sloping roofs and provide a panoramic view of acres of flower bedecked garden and the sprawling Golf Course. You can choose from a total of eight Cottages and 16 Superior Cottage rooms.
I stayed at one the well-appointed cottages just next to the main Club House. The interiors were soothing and modern and the housekeeping department had done a good job in keeping the chalets clean and tidy.
DINING OPTIONS
Breakfast is served in the restaurant within the main building and you can even opt to have your meals served in the lawns in front of the main building. The food is cooked using local organic produce and is a perfect choice for healthy lifestyle freaks for all antioxidant benefits you get from organic food. I specially liked the local Indian dishes that were dished out by the chef – the daal makhani and vegetable curry, to be more specific.
From sunrise to sunset, farm-to-table cuisine is served in the resort’s atmospheric dining room with its plantation-view terrace. The cuisine is inspired by the incredible natural flavours of Assam, prepared using age-old traditional recipes and served with contemporary flair. Bespoke private dining experiences are also available with a choice of spectacular locations and hidden vistas.
OUR OPINION
Kaziranga Golf Resort is one of the most scenic resorts in this region and offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Assam by showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam in idyllic settings. The accommodation on offer is world-class and room rates are reasonable and affordable. Truly an oasis of peace, calm and tranquility.
AMENITIES
- Airport Pick-up & Drop
- 18 Hole Championship Golf Course
- Driving Range & Golf Academy
- Fine Dining Restaurant
- Lounge Bar
- DTH
- Swimming Pool
- Club House
- Indoor Games
- Well equipped Conference Hall
- Wellness Centre
- Gymnasium
- 24 hours Running Hot & Cold Water
- Tea Tour
- Services of a Tour Guide.
- Laundry
- Doctor on Call
HOW TO GET TO KAZIRANGA GOLF RESORT
Located in a quiet, serene and peaceful area of Jorhat city the Kaziranga Golf Resort is yet easily accessible and is just an hour’s drive from the Kaziranga National Park. A short car transfer of 45 minutes can also be arranged from Jorhat Airport to the resort.
