5 Himalayan Luxury Homestays to Escape to in Summer
Summer has arrived, and most of the cities of India are panting for some cold air to breathe. The chaos of traffic and crowd isn’t making the situation any better. No matter how much we hate the summers, but they are here to stay for another five months at least. Instead of ending up in malls again and again on weekends, why not pick up your car or take a train to some of the weekend destinations in Himalayas for a respite from the summers. Take a break in secluded villages surrounded by pine forests and hidden lakes, and enjoy a relaxing stay at one of these luxury Himalayan homestays in North India.
1. Himalaica Homestay
Why stay in five star hotel when you can get the same luxury and pampering in a homestay? Whether you are a couple or a family, nothing compares to having your own place to stay for the weekend. Take a picnic lunch near Kosi river or drive down to Mukhteshwar for half a day from Himalaica homestay. Building a housing structure in the mountains can affect the ecology. However, Himalaica takes special care to construct around existing trees instead of cutting them down. Read More…
How to Reach
Himalaica stands in Shyamkhet village on the Mukteshwar Road after Bhowali, about 306 km from Delhi. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Shyamkhet village.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
2. The Retreat
The colonial bungalow built in British style is situated in Bhimtal. It is located in the midst of Chedar, Oak and Pine trees that house variety of bird species. You can take day trips to Nainital, Mukhteshwar or trek in the forest and explore old British churches.
How to Reach
The Retreat is situated in Bhimtal which is about 300 km from Delhi. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Bhimtal.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
3. Keanna Village Home
This pretty little homestay with an attic room seems to be out of a fairy tale book. Since it is not on anyone of the main roads, it is surrounded by orchards of Apple, Peach & Plum. Best part about this Himalayan Luxury Homestays is to sit in its beautiful garden and read a book. You might not want to go anywhere all day.
How to Reach
Keanna village home is situated in Nathuakhan village which is about 340 km from Delhi. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Nathuakhan.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
4. The White Peaks
Sit in front of the cozy fireplace and play a board game or grab a book to read on the terrace that directly overlooks snow covered peaks of Panchchuli mountain range. White Peaks homestay is pet friendly and right up the little mountain trail that starts in Gagar village. You can go for short walks in the nearby mountains of Rhododendron flower trees and Silver oak forests.
How to Reach
White Peaks homestay is situated in Gagar village which is about 315 km from Delhi. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Gagar.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
5. Innisfree
The royal descendants of the Kumaoni Chand dynasty and a Burmese princess run Innisfree Forest Estate. They have built the house on a mountaintop, making it an ideal retreat for solo travelers, writers, artists, couples, and anyone seeking peace and solitude.
How to Reach
Innisfree Forest Resort stands in Hawalbagh village, about 375 km from Delhi. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Hawalbagh.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
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About the author:
Gaurav Bhatnagar is a Software Engineer turned professional Travel Writer, Photographer, and Public Speaker on Responsible Travel @ The Spunky Traveler. Published in National Geographic Traveller, The Hindu, Travel Secrets and Huffington Post. Director at The Folk Tales, a company specializing in Responsible Rural Travel in India