For many people in India, second homes were once seen as symbols of comfort, weekend escapes, relaxed family retreats, or long-term investments. But over time, as people began spending extended periods away from crowded metros, the true value of a second home became clear. Life surrounded by clean air, quiet landscapes, and open skies didn’t just feel good, it felt necessary.
No one understands this better than architect Nilanjan Bhowal, a Delhi resident who moved to the hills nearly 20 years ago. Wanting a studio by the lake, he built his own home overlooking the water, a decision that marked the beginning of a more grounded and healthier way of life. What started as a personal shift soon grew into a deeper purpose. After experiencing easier
breathing, mental clarity, and the calming presence of nature, Bhowal began helping others experience the same transformation by building communities in the hills. Through the homes he designs, he has shown countless families what it truly means to live well in clean air, not just on weekends, but every single day.
Today, in cities like Delhi, where winters bring hazardous air quality and families constantly discuss when they should “leave until things improve,” this shift feels more urgent than ever. Parents are questioning how long they can continue raising children in such conditions. Children are developing respiratory issues. Elderly family members remain indoors for weeks at a time. Even otherwise healthy individuals are struggling. What once felt like an environmental concern has now become a pressing and deeply personal health crisis.
In this context, second homes in the hills particularly in Uttarakhand, given its easy accessibility via a 5–6 hour drive from Delhi are emerging as a sensible and uplifting alternative. These homes offer what metros currently cannot: clean air, clear skies, abundant sunlight, and space to breathe. They allow families to relocate temporarily, even for a few weeks, to recover, reset, and restore both physical and mental well-being.
A second home can also become a meaningful gift to family and friends. Even when you’re not there, trusted loved ones can stay and experience the restorative benefits of fresh air and serene surroundings. It’s a way to share wellness, create lasting memories, and extend care beyond yourself, turning a home into a space of healing, connection, and long-term value.
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