For his honeymoon, SRK stayed at this Darjeeling hotel. A night's stay costs...

Shah Rukh Khan took Gauri to Darjeeling for their honeymoon while filming Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman. They stayed at this beautiful property with Victorian charm which is located right in Darjeeling's Chauk Bazaar.Shah Rukh Khan's Darjeeling connection goes back to his early days in Bollywood.An ardent fan of Shah Rukh Khan? This birthday, you might be able to live a piece of his life, at least indirectly.The actor, who turned 61 this year, has a Darjeeling connection which goes back to his early days in Bollywood and if you're planning a trip to the hill town, here's a heritage hotel with a royal past where the actor stayed with his wife Gauri Khan during their honeymoon. Yes, it's still there and you can live your fan dreams.SRK has built a career out of grand romantic gestures on screen. But one of his most memorable real-life romantic stories involves a honeymoon that was supposed to be in Paris and ended up in Darjeeling instead.At an award show in 2019, Khan recalled how he had promised his wife, Gauri, a trip to Paris after their wedding. The problem? He couldn't afford the air tickets. When he travelled to Darjeeling to shoot a song for Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, he took her along and jokingly told her they were in Paris. The couple travelled to Darjeeling around 20–30 days after their wedding in October 1991, according to Khan's account. A picture of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan from their honeymoon in Darjeeling. More than three decades later, the anecdote remains a charming part of their love story. And for fans who want to explore the hotel and the hill town in West Bengal associated with the couple's honeymoon, this is your cue.A royal residence turned heritage hotel The hotel in which SRK stayed with Gauri during their honeymoon was built in 1887, The Elgin was originally a manor house owned by the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Today, it operates as a heritage hotel in the heart of Darjeeling, offering visitors a stay steeped in the town's colonial-era history.The property retains elements of its old-world character, including polished wooden floors, antique furniture, traditional interiors and fireplaces. Its setting and architecture offer a different experience from that of a contemporary hotel. The Elgin, Darjeeling - Heritage Resort & Spa was built in 1887. For travellers who enjoy heritage stays, the appeal lies in the atmosphere as much as the accommodation. The Elgin brings together the character of an old hill-station residence and the amenities of a hotel. The Orchid dining room at the hotel. And not just Shah Rukh Khan, French author Dominique Lapierre, journalist and writer Mark Tully, and model-actor Milind Soman, have also stayed here.How much does a stay cost?If you're planning a Darjeeling getaway, room rates at The Elgin vary according to the room category, travel dates and meal plan.Online listings show prices starting at around Rs 12,000 per night on some dates, although rates can be higher during busy travel periods. These are indicative prices, not a fixed tariff, and travellers should check the hotel's official website for the latest rates before booking. What a Deluxe Double Room looks like in The Elgin, Darjeeling. The hotel offers several room categories, including deluxe rooms, attic rooms and suites. The final cost will depend on the accommodation selected and the inclusions offered with the booking.For current rates and reservations, visit The Elgin's official website. Prices start from Rs 12,000 a night, excluding taxes. What else can you do in Darjeeling?A trip to Darjeeling offers more than a heritage hotel stay. The hill town has plenty to keep travellers occupied, whether they're planning a romantic break or a holiday with family and friends.Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan RailwayThe Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the region's best-known attractions. A ride on the toy train offers a chance to experience the hills at a slower pace. Toy train stationed at Darjeeling's Ghoom. (Photo: Getty Images) Walk around ChowrastaChowrasta, also known as The Mall, is a popular spot for a leisurely walk, browsing local shops and taking in the mountain views when the weather is clear.Visit a tea estateDarjeeling is synonymous with tea, and a visit to one of its historic tea estates can offer a glimpse into the region's tea-growing heritage. Happy Valley Tea Estate, established in 1854, is one option to explore.Catch the sunrise at Tiger HillFor early risers, Tiger Hill is famous for its sunrise views of the Kanchenjunga range. Weather conditions determine how much of the mountains you can see, so it is worth keeping your plans flexible.Are you tempted already or not?- Ends