Four decades on the same slope, three generations behind the front desk, and the same conviction Shree Dhian Chand ji had in 1984 — that Kufri deserves a proper place to stay.
Kufri Heritage Resort was founded in 1984 by Shree Dhian Chand ji — former General Manager of Himachal Pradesh Tourism. He picked the slope long before Kufri became a name on every travel itinerary. At the time, the area had one or two guesthouses and a public viewing point. He thought it could become something more.
The original building was a colonial-style hill bungalow with eight rooms. The kitchen ran on a single coal-fired tandoor. Most of the staff were from the village in Theog. Most of them still are — or their children are.
Over four decades the property grew: more wings, the spa, the banquet hall, the conference rooms, the Royal Suite. The bones of the place are still recognisable in old photographs — the lawn is the same, the deodar grove behind the kitchen is the same, the road that climbs up from Shimla is paved better now but takes you the same way.
The next generation took over day-to-day operations in 2008. the resort — who you’ll likely speak to if you call — handles hospitality today, alongside the family that has run the property since 1984. Three generations in, the family is still here.
Shree Dhian Chand ji opens the property with an eight-room hill bungalow and a coal-fired kitchen. First season serves 200 guests.
Twelve more rooms added in the west wing. Banquet hall built — the original Himalayan Grand Ballroom — kicks off the wedding business.
In-house Ayurvedic spa opens. First Panchakarma programme run by therapists trained in Kerala.
The next generation of the family takes over day-to-day operations. The resort doubles down on heritage positioning over expansion-for-its-own-sake.
HRACC 5-Star certification confirmed. The Royal Suite with private Jacuzzi is added — at 2,400 sqft, the largest unit on the property. Teakwood floors from a restoration job find a permanent home here.
the resort, of the founding family, runs front-of-house and reservations. Heated indoor pool on the expansion list. The lawn is still where it was in 1984.
Most of the team have been here for over a decade. You’ll see the same faces on your first stay and your fifth.
Of the founding family. Runs reservations and front-of-house. The person on the other end of WhatsApp.
Joined as a front-desk trainee in 2003. Knows every guest who’s stayed more than twice. Runs operations.
Came up through the Himachali side of the kitchen. Author of the Dham masterclass and the man with the Sidu recipe locked in his head.
Trained at the Kerala Ayurveda Institute. Runs the spa programmes and pre-wedding bridal sessions.
The lawn, the deodars, the room with your name on the door for a couple of nights. Send your dates — we’ll be ready.