
Heading for Uttarakhand this summer? Looking for some place to stay away from the usual tourists? Bored of staying at the regular hotels and resorts?
Presenting some hidden and secretly kept destinations in Uttarakhand to cheer your vacation up, and to rejuvenate your soul this summer.
In this issue:
- The Dak Bungalow, Peora
- Fredy’s Bungalow, Bhimtal
- The White Peaks, Nainital
- Mary Budden Estate, Binsar
- Innisfree, Almora
- Kuflon Basics, Uttarkashi
- Cottage in the Hills, Bhimtal
- Maati, Munshiyari
- Itmenaan Estate, Almora
- Jilling Terraces, Nainital
- Himalayan Village, Sonapani
- The Retreat, Bhimtal
After years of dilapidation, the bungalow was leased by Pradeep & Shubha from the District Board in 2005, and refurbished as a homestay. Its original architecture, walls, fireplaces, wooden ceilings and grand verandas were retained, offering an indulgence in colonial royalty, homely hospitality & panoramic Himalayan views.
The Bungalow is a colonial home refurbished into a resort while keeping its authenticity intact and features 4 exquisite rooms with antique interiors to recreate a living in a colonial era. Every element be it interior or exterior is sure to delight the wanderer in you. It’s absolutely worth taking time off to experience a living here while you set out on trails and explore the regions around or survey the in-house butterfly collection.
There is a breathtaking 180-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks at the distance and a peaceful company of varied birds who have made this place a home. One can even go on a day trip to Nainital, which is just an hour’s drive away.
The homestay is one of the privately owned estates, set on 5 acres of land, within the Binsar wildlife sanctuary near Almora. Retaining its abiding charm, the estate is a cozy hideaway to unwind and reconnect with the nature.
The moment you take a small detour from the main road to reach this beautiful hamlet settled in the midst of clouds, mountains and temples, you experience the exhilarating feeling of being free in the mountains. The fragrance of wild flowers & mountain trees next to the Kosi River is a scent that can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet it will conjure up memories of your childhood summer. The Old Bungalow has come alive with the hosts and their warm hospitality.
Indulge in Anil and Sree’s warm hospitality, hearing tales of their adventurous lives in the mountains and their transition from city life. Stroll through the village to meet the friendly mountain folk, sample local and fusion recipes made with local ingredients often found wild in the forest, hike to neighbouring villages that sit atop pretty terraced valleys, trek into the higher reaches of the mountains, and lay back on the “stargazing rock” to spot shooting stars and constellations in a starry night sky.
A home deep in the lap of nature where in the mornings you will wake up to the melodious chirping of the birds singing in the woods with the first ray of the sun knocking your door and in the night you will gaze seamlessly into the sky of a thousand stars.
Priceless views of snow-capped mountains and the valley below make the stay here an unforgettable experience for anyone who’s a traveller at heart.
The homestay is run by an NGO called Maati Sangathan, which focusses on providing the local women a livelihood through an eco-tourism initiative.
This Kumaoni style retreat, aesthetically restored from 100 years old regional stone houses to promote sustainable and eco-friendly living, is nothing less than a fairy-tale setting.
Set in a 100 acres of flora and fauna of Uttarakhand, Jilling Terraces is the perfect weekend getaway from Delhi to abscond to when you just want to curl up and breathe in spectacular views or spend some quality time with your loved ones.
The 12 cottages offered to stay are well connected yet retain their privacy. The venue detaches visitors from the world of television soaps and takes you on a different journey altogether – one that is closer to nature and its virgin beauty.
Give a boost to your appetite with Indian and Continental cuisines in the comfort of a rustic location. This dignified property, home to diplomats across the globe, offers the perfect holiday experience with an ancient touch to it.