The Himalayas are always beautiful, but dare we say they are more beautiful in the winter. Here's a roundup of 18 unique homestays in Himachal Pradesh—from Shimla and Kotkhai to Kasauli and Dharamshala—that offer the quintessential mountain experience:
Sanjiv's Aira Holme Retreat, Shimla
In 1870, the British built this stone-walled, wood-panelled home and called it Morefield Grange. As the family home was passed on from generation to generation, it acquired its vintage charm and the warmth of a lived-in home. Tastefully decorated with attention to authenticity and detail, the home is managed by the friendly Mr. Billy (short for Birinder Singh), his daughter Panita and their two gorgeous dogs Pemma and Lilo. Mr. Billy has a vast collection of books. If you're not busy browsing through them, you may want to sit back with a hot cup (of tea, coffee or perhaps something stronger) and gape at the breath-taking views of the valley beneath.
Doubles from Rs5,400* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website .
Spirits Unplugged! Farm and Orchard Retreat, Shimla
Surrounded by pine forests and orchards, Spirit's Unplugged gives guests a chance to reconnect with nature and leave that busy city life behind. Comfortable rooms open up to the homestay's manicured garden and overlook the lush Karyali Valley. During the winter months, the fireplaces in the rooms and common areas warm up the space. Spirits Unplugged is managed by the owner-caretaker duo, Nivedita and Pyarelal Ji. While they're not busy looking after the culinary needs of guests, they take them sightseeing to the nearby villages, or unwind with them under Himachal's star-studded night sky.
Doubles from Rs3,950* per night for double occupancy (exclusive of taxes). Website
Khaddu's Den, Shimla
If you're looking for a budget-friendly room that doesn't skimp on comfort (or views), Khaddhu's Den is a great spot. The mud-plastered walls and wooden interiors will give you the feel of a traditional Himachali home completed with modern amenities such as a 32-inch LCD TV and a heated bathroom. The lodge also offers sumptuous Pahari meals on request.
Doubles from Rs2,750* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website
Our Place Himalayas, Kullu
Being outdoors in the grand landscapes of Himachal is invigorating, but Our Place Himalayas makes cosying up indoors just as enticing. Surrounded by orchards and gardens, this estate exudes luxury and warmth. The property is managed by Anita Khullar, and her husband and orchardist Ashok Khullar. Their devotion to maintaining their estate shines through its four cottages, each complete with an operational kitchen and dining and living area.
Doubles fromRs8,800* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website
Wilderness Home, Jibhi
Situated in the tiny hamlet of Jibhi in Kullu, Wilderness Home is the perfect homestay for those looking to experience and interact with the local culture of Himachal Pradesh. The three-acre home has a private pond and a waterfall, 500-metres away. The four hosts of the home ensure guests have a chance to participate in the village's social events and festivals, with their family-run adventure tourism company that organises excursions to the Great Himalayan National Park and other hiking spots.
Doubles from Rs3,000* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website
Meena Bagh, Ratnari
A short walk off the main road to Ratnari leads to this blissful abode in the hills. Perched on a slight height, Meena Bagh overlooks the massive apple orchards beneath and the staggering Himalayan range above. The four-bedroom, eco-friendly home is done up to resemble traditional Himachali houses—with a fireplace, colourful furniture, sun-roofed ceilings and warm lighting. If you're visiting, don't forget to step out after it's dark to catch an unhindered glimpse of the moon, or even better, gaze at it through the telescope they keep in the living room.
Doubles from Rs30,635* per night. Website
Darang Tea Estate, Kangra
Set against the backdrop of the spectacular Dhauladhar mountain range is Darang Tea Estate, the home of Neeru and Naveen Bhandari. The 150-year-old tea plantation has four cottages with private verandas, a kitchen and modern amenities. There's a wonderful library on the estate for those who wish to catch up on some reading, and there are vast forests, mountain streams and tea gardens for those who would like to explore. Don't forget to slot in some time to play with Casper, Diana and Brandy, the friendly resident dogs.
Doubles from Rs3,800* per night for a cottage room (exclusive of taxes). Website
Gone Fishing Cottages, Tirthan
Gone Fishing Cottages are family homes located on the banks of the Kalwari stream and in the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imbued with the austere yet rustic charm of a forest cabin, each of the cottages have brick walls, views of the valley and warm lighting. Hosts Upendra and Dimple Kamra accompany guests on fishing trips to the Tirthan river, visits to the nearby Sarchi village and guided tours to the surrounding orchards and waterfalls.
Doubles from Rs6,200* per night for a cottage room (exclusive of taxes). Website
The Apple Farm Stay, Kotkhai
This farm stay promises to introduce guests to Himachal Pradesh—its land, culture and cuisine. The Apple Farm Stay was originally built in 1920 and then restored in 1955 with traditional home furnishings, wooden interiors and stone exteriors. Be prepared for exceptional home-style food, star-gazing, bird-watching, the warm hospitality of Digvijay and Bashita Jinha and the rejuvenation that comes with staying at a tranquil abode in the hills.
Doubles from Rs11,999* per night for a cottage room (exclusive of taxes). Website
Himalaya Retreat, Manali
A 50-minute walk leads to Himalaya Retreat, a secluded homestay in the midst of "The Valley of the Gods", as the area is called. The granite and wood home has a garden, balcony and dining room. Hosts Ashima and Scott have opened up the ground floor of their home so that guests can enjoy the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the nearby waterfalls, birdsong and the neighbourhood village Vashisht. A traditional Himachali home, the interiors are simple but comfortable and perfectly complement the beautiful outdoors.
Doubles from Rs4,086* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website. Temporarily closed.
The Chalet, Kasauli
The Chalet is designed like a machan or a treehouse with spacious wooden interiors and ample mountain views to keep you company. In the winters, a pleasant fog may creep in through the windows and in the summers, the warm sunlight. The owners and hosts Arvind and Kiran endeavour to bring to guests, a traditional Pahari experience at their home, offering home-cooked meals with ingredients sourced from their own organic garden and a chance to interact with families in the neighbouring villages. The Chalet is an eco-cottage which means that it uses solar electricity and recycles used water.
Tariff: Starting at Rs3,500* per night for double occupancy (exclusive of taxes). Website
Taara House, Manali
Taara House is a stunning mountain lodge that offers calm and solitude in the lap of the Himalayas. The artistic interiors are a mix of traditional and modern. The Himachali home sports a glass-ceiling entrance that invites the blue sky in during the day. You can laze around on the fenced sit-out to watch the mountain fog drift by or fancy the pretty furniture and artefacts that adorn the home. Also, prepare to be greeted by an army of resident dogs who are just as warm and friendly as the caretakers of the home.
Doubles from Rs16,000* per night for two bedrooms and four people (exclusive of taxes). Website
Navek La Country Home, Dharamshala
Hailing from Punjab, Brigadier and Mrs. Sandhu travelled across India before they settled down in Dharamsala. Their heritage-style home is inspired by the places they stayed at during their travels. While Mr. Sandhu is enthusiastic about the arts and loves to entertain guests, his wife is passionate about hospitality and décor. Together, they designed the colonial-style Navek-La and welcome guests to this regal abode, which is as homely as it is luxurious. The grey stone house has well-furnished rooms and modern bath fittings. Each room has a small kitchenette and private sit-outs for privacy.
Doubles from Rs2,000* per room per night (including breakfast; exclusive of taxes) for double occupancy. Phone: +91-8191900084. Temporarily closed.
The Mirage, Andretta
Located at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, The Mirage serves many purposes. The heritage property is not only a homestay but also doubles up as an artist's residency, yoga retreat or pottery studio. The Mirage houses three individual homes, each designed for complete privacy. The homestay serves regional-style home-cooked food made with organic ingredients. Unwind indoors in their cosy mud-cottage, get some shut-eye in your airy room or soak in the history of Andretta with visits to the nearby art galleries.
Doubles from Rs6,140* per room per night (including breakfast; exclusive of taxes) for double occupancy. Website .
Southgate, Kasauli
Located in the serene mountains yet close to the main town, this B&B offers the best of both worlds. The family home has four spacious rooms, two living rooms with balconies that open up to sweeping views of the hills, and a garden area which is the perfect place to unwind after a long day outdoors. Guests are free to use all the spaces except the kitchen. You can also enjoy some BBQ hot off the grill or just relax by the bonfire if you request for the facilities in advance.
Doubles from Rs14,000* (exclusive of taxes). Website
Jedi Green Forest Home, Naggar
This warm, cosy and rustic home are tucked away in the apple orchards and lush pine forests of Naggar. You can sunbathe in the spacious verandah that overlooks the surrounding beauty, take a walk in the garden home to a variety of vegetables and herbs, or just sit back and watch the world go by in the garden. With a heater and electric blankets, the home is fully equipped to take care of you in the winter months.
Doubles from Rs1,800* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website
Lakshmi Nandana, Sirmaur
Lakshmi Nandana situated in a remote village of Himachal is perfect for a family getaway. The town is sparsely populated with very few humans in sight. The closest town of Nahar is nearly an hour away from the property, so you can enjoy your privacy along with spectacular views of the valley. The home is airy, spacious and flooded with sunlight due to its large windows. When you peep out, all you can see is the surrounding greenery. The property is pet-friendly.
Doubles from Rs4,700* per night (exclusive of taxes). Vegetarian meals cost Rs250*. Website.
Santila, Countryside Home, Kasauli Hills
If you wish to master the art of doing nothing, this homestay is the place for you. A far departure from Kasauli's traffic and noisy areas, Santilla is located in the midst of a forest close to a dirt road. The rooms completed in wood sport a mix of Himachali-Anglo design, and while they are comfortable, they are completely fuss-free. There's a daybed, a humble collection of books, a satellite TV for a movie night in, and a fully stocked kitchen if you're in the mood to whip up a meal. Or there's always the perfectly manicured lawn if you still wish to do nothing.
Doubles from Rs5,500* per night (exclusive of taxes). Website
*Prices are subject to change.
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