After retiring from the government service some 10 years ago, former commissioner from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Home Raikhan was looking for a new adventure.
His story is a testament to the fact that retirement isn’t the end of one’s journey, but rather an opportunity to explore new passions and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Little did he know that a holiday shutdown would inspire him to set up a beautiful Bed and Breakfast (B&B) in the picturesque town of Ukhrul in Manipur.
The idea struck Raikhan during one of his annual visits to his hometown Ukhrul. It was Christmas season and the town was bustling with celebrations.
However, he noticed a significant lack of accommodation options for travelers. Most of the hotels were closed as the owners were into the festive celebrations.
Many travellers including Raikhan himself were left in a tight spot without basic amenities. This gave him an idea to convert his residential plot into a B&B.
“I have personally faced difficulty in finding accommodation in my home town during Christmas season. It can be a challenging time for travelers to secure suitable lodgings, and I seek to fill this gap,” Raikhan said in a recent news conference.
With his years of experience in the finance, Raikhan knew exactly what was required to set up a successful business. He started by installing requisite infrastructures, giving it a modern touch while retaining the natural charm.
He also made sure to include all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, such as hot water, fireplace, Wi-Fi/internet, lounge and breakfast etc.
The Bed and Breakfast, named ‘Wolorim Manor’, which is relatively a new concept in the town, is all set to come up at a serene, scenic spot in Dungrei, Hungpung, and to officially open its doors very shortly.
But what truly sets his Bed and Breakfast apart is its ideal location and as well as its cozy rooms, lush garden, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. On top of this, guests can expect a welcoming and comfortable environment, thanks to the gracious hospitality of Raikhan and his family.
With all these homely amenities, ‘Wolorim Manor’ possesses the right stamp to become a home away from home for many visitors.
The retired bureaucrat confirmed that the soon-to-be opened bed and breakfast facility is nearing completion, with final touches currently being put in place.
He mentioned that the pricing for this facility will be very competitive, although he did not reveal the exact amount.
“Situated on sprawling 64,000 square feet premises, this building comprises multiple rooms and conference halls, occupying a substantial area of 4600 square feet,” he said.
Raikhan also disclosed his plans to introduce additional amenities such as an Amphitheatre and a swimming pool for the guests/visitors’ enjoyment.
“The campus is also home to various wild fruits like wild apples and sumac, which guests can indulge in,” he added.
As Ukhrul township is slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination, ‘Wolorim Manor’ could play a crucial role in showcasing the beauty, culture and hospitality of the town to the outside world. This would go a long way in promoting tourism industry in the district.
When asked about the name of the bed and breakfast, the retired bureaucrat, who hails from Talui village in Western Ukhrul, explained that it is derived from the Talui dialect.
According to him, the word ‘Wolorim’ translates to ‘Beckoning Heights’ or ‘Welcome to the Cliff’. He further elaborated that in Talui, the term ‘Wolo’ means ‘come’, while ‘rim’ is a shortened version of the word ‘arim’, which means ‘cliff’.
Raikhan went on to share that the location of Wolorim Manor in the Dungrei area was once a dense forest. Sadly, due to the development of businesses and residential areas in the nearby Hungpung, most of the forest cover has vanished over the years.
“Still there are still patches of greenery that have managed to survive, and we hope to preserve them by creating an environment that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings,” Raikhan exuded.
Tucked away in a tranquil spot, Wolorim Manor is a family-run bed and breakfast establishment. Guests can look forward to staying in inviting and comfortable guest rooms, each with its own unique character.
A major highlight of this upcoming B&B is the complimentary delicious breakfast that will be served every morning.
Additionally, guests have the option to order customized meals as per their preferences.
According to its website wolorimmanor.com, Wolorim Manor “shares a vision to provide for a comfortable stay with the best of Tangkhul hospitality. We wish you a memorable stay and hope you create lasting memories here at this beloved Manor.”
The website also explains that after careful consideration and extensive research, it was felt that a stone structure reflecting the old as well as the new would best suit the environment, space and atmosphere for the best of Tangkhul hospitality. “The Wolorim Manor was thus born.”
“Please subscribe to stay updated on launch dates, exciting promos and more!” it says.
The Wolorim Manor can be contacted via email Wolorimmanor@gmail.com or phone +91 70056 78182; +91 70440 70179 for bookings and inquiries.
