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 amidst pine forests and hidden lakes, while getting pampered in any one of the following luxury homestays of northern India –
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.
When a housing structure is built in mountains, it definitely takes toll on the ecology. But special care is taken in Himalaica to construct around existing trees and not cut them down.
How to reach – Himalaica is situated in Shyamkhet village which is about 306 km from Delhi on Mukhteshwar road after Bhowali. You can drive down or take a train up to Kathgodam followed by taxi to Shyamkhet village.
Train – Ranikhet Express (15013)
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)
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 homestay 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)
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)
Innisfree:
Innisfree forest estate is run by the royal descendants of Kumaoni Chand dynasty and Burmese princess. The house is situated on a mountain top and is ideal for solo travelers, writers, artists, couples and anyone seeking peace and solitude.
How to reach – Innisfree forest resort is situated in Hawalbagh village which is 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