THE DAK Bungalow – Palampur
Perched amidst the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar foothills and overlooking the storied Bundla Tea Estate, the DAK Bungalow in Palampur is a significant heritage structure that bears witness to the region’s colonial and post-colonial history. Originally constructed as a modest hut in the late 19th century during British rule, the structure was established to serve as the residence for the Tea Estate Manager. At the time, such dwellings were an essential part of the British tea estate infrastructure in India, offering administrative oversight as well as accommodation in remote plantation regions.
personalized service ensure a memorable retreat. Our elegantly designed rooms—each offering unique views of the gardens, mountains, or poolside tea estate—reflect the perfect harmony of luxury and nature. With attentive staff, authentic local cuisine, and a peaceful ambiance, we invite you to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with calm. Discover timeless elegance and modern serenity at Hotel Infinitea Dakbunglow—where every stay tells a story.
The term “DAK Bungalow” itself refers to government rest houses or inspection bungalows built along travel routes during the colonial era for use by British officials and estate managers.
Following India’s independence in 1947, the structure underwent notable architectural development. It was repurposed to house German nationals associated with the Indo-German Project—a significant bilateral initiative aimed at promoting scientific horticultural and agricultural practices in the Himalayan belt. During this period, the bungalow served as a residence and operational hub for agronomists and researchers working to improve local farming systems and crop productivity.
The surrounding Bundla Tea Estate holds deep historical importance as one of the earliest tea estates established in the Kangra Valley. Initiated by British planters in the mid-1800s, the estate thrived due to the valley’s ideal climate and elevation for tea cultivation. In 1860, the Bundla Tea Estate was formally registered as a company and acquired by the Butail family, a prominent local lineage that has continued to steward the land across generations. Today, the DAK Bungalow stands as a restored emblem of this heritage. Under the careful stewardship of Gokul Butail—a sixth-generation descendant of the estate’s founding family—the property has been sensitively renovated and reimagined as an experiential guest house. Melding colonial-era charm with modern comforts, the bungalow invites guests to engage with the legacy of Kangra’s tea culture, its colonial past, and the enduring connection between land, people, and purpose.