The Art Mile Story

Art Mile brings together the varied interests & experiences of its founder, Virgil Vihaan Sequeira  - Music, Culture, Architecture, Environment & Education - under one concept. 

He visited Kalimpong in 2010 for a project and fell in love with the Hills. Very soon, he blended with the people and the local culture, discovering new things everyday. Now he cannot imagine life outside Kalimpong’s villages. 

In the Hills, localities are named after the distance in miles. Art Mile is therefore a destination as well as a journey. 

Art Mile began as an arts organisation teaching Music & Drama in Kalimpong & Darjeeling before it metamorphosed into a Hill Resort for those who really want to experience the natural beauty of Kalimpong’s villages and the warmth of its people in the most responsible way possible - in the best interest of our planet as well.

We are starting out with two cottages for young couples and the young at heart - Oong Lee (Water House) and Long Lee (Rock House) named in the local Rongring (Lepcha Language), slowly adding more to cater to older guests, families and persons with accessibility needs.All our cottages are designed blending the indigenous architectural knowledge with modern features, without disturbing the terraces where paddy were once grown. The primary materials used are timber, bamboo and mud.

Our Rooftop Dining Area with the view of the main peak of the Kanchenjunga, sacred to the Rong people (known as Lepcha), caters humbly to your tastes and introduces you to our local cuisine with mostly local produce. While breakfast is complimentary, do let us know if you would like other meals.

While staying at Art Mile, you can, enjoy a bonfire/ barbecue, walk through the villages learning about the local culture and discovering the rich flora and fauna, visit the famous music centred Gandhi Ashram School nearby, visit the main town with its local farmer's market, churches, monasteries, nurseries, handmade paper factory, cafes and restaurants. 

If you are the on-the-move kinds and planning to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim, we suggest planning to visit Kalimpong last on your itinerary before you leave the Hills. We will gladly assist you with making your itinerary.

Looking forward to sharing the wonder of Kalimpong with you!