Lal Kothi: Dehradun's Charm
Nestled on the tranquil outskirts of Dehradun, Lal Kothi offers a serene escape. This three-story abode features exposed brickwork and minimalist interiors
with earthy tones, embodying a wabi-sabi aesthetic. Guests can enjoy common areas including a foyer and a dining-living space complete with a small library. The culinary experience is rooted in traditional Uttar Pradesh and Awadhi cuisine, with a menu curated by instinctive cooks. Ingredients are locally sourced, with a special mention of rajma from Uttarakhand and spices from Aligarh. Signature dishes like mutton shami kebabs and biryanis are highly acclaimed, having impressed notable personalities. Seasonal parathas with fresh fillings and summer specialties like lauki gosht, aam panna, and raw mango dal add to the gastronomic delight. For relaxation, board games and a terrace bonfire with panoramic views of the Mussoorie hills are available. The entire homestay can be booked for Rs15,000, providing an exclusive retreat.
Jungle House: Shimla's Legacy
Perched high on Jakhu Hill in Shimla at over 7,700 feet, Jungle House is a historic cottage with roots tracing back to the British Raj era. Maintained by the same family since 1941, it opened its doors to guests in 2022. The architecture boasts sloping roofs, deep verandahs, tall sash windows, teak floors, and fireplaces, evoking a sense of colonial charm. The interiors feature furniture from the 1930s and 40s, reflecting Art Deco influences. Accommodation includes two large suites, Chelsea and Holly, with shared access to an anteroom and a main lounge, which also houses an extensive library. Evenings are best spent by the fire pit on the patio, while the expansive grounds are perfect for a game of croquet. Guided walks through the surrounding cedar and oak forest offer a gentle introduction to the natural beauty, and adventurous guests can trek to Jakhu Mandir. Unique experiences include a picnic breakfast atop Shimla's highest peak and heritage walks with local historians. For those seeking further exploration, the historic Naldehra Golf Course, Kufri, and the hot springs at Tattapani are within reach. Double occupancy starts from Rs25,000.
The Jungalow: Bir's Views
Located amidst the picturesque terrace fields of Bir in Himachal Pradesh, The Jungalow offers a cozy retreat. This charming three-story home, run by the Dikonda family, provides four bedrooms on the first floor, each with expansive windows and balconies offering breathtaking mountain vistas. The homestay features a shared kitchen and en-suite bathrooms equipped with amenities. Guests have a private entrance to the first floor and access to an upper terrace with 360-degree views of the Dhauladhar mountains, often dotted with paragliders. The meals served are vegetarian and home-style, reminiscent of the Andhra fare offered at the family's Avva's Café. The property's proximity to the paragliding landing site makes it convenient for enthusiasts to book flights or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with a coffee or chai from nearby cafes. Double occupancy rates begin at Rs4,000, making it an accessible option for travelers.
Tanhau Homestay: Corbett's Wilderness
Tanhau Homestay is an intimate, nature-focused retreat situated near Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Spread across nearly 5 acres, it’s located about an hour from the park's main gate in Bhatoli village, accessible via a dirt track through kilometers of wilderness. Perched atop a hill, the homestay provides unobstructed views of the surrounding forests and the national park. It comprises two cottages: Chukar Cottage, a two-bedroom unit suitable for families, and Bagh Cottage, a spacious one-bedroom option. Both cottages feature understated, functional, and homely interiors with large verandas overlooking the forest, ideal for wildlife spotting. Furnishings are crafted from sustainable materials, and the color palette is inspired by nature, using earthy and pastel tones. The walls are adorned with wildlife photographs taken by the host, each with a personal story. Beyond jeep safaris, Tanhau emphasizes low-impact activities like village walks, walking safaris, riverside picnics, and overnight camping. A unique offering is the opportunity to learn camera trapping, with guests sometimes discovering overnight images of wildlife captured on the property. Double rooms start at Rs11,000.
Rajan House: Jaipur's Heritage
Rajan House, a boutique guesthouse in Jaipur's Gopalbari area, is a testament to evolving family legacy. Originally a plot of land acquired by the grandfather 75 years ago, the family home built in the 1990s has been transformed by Kushagra Nigam and Reena Rathore into a welcoming homestay on the first floor. The facade showcases five centenary arches, a distinctive feature of Rajasthani heritage architecture. A spiral staircase leads to the first-floor living room, bathed in natural light from a skylight, creating an indoor-outdoor ambiance. Four rooms, each with unique color schemes, are available. Reena Rathore personally designs the hand-block printed textiles for the bedsheets, duvets, and curtains. Two rooms feature adjoining balconies with seating areas, while a family room accommodates larger groups with bunk beds and a double bed. A fourth room is situated near the kitchen. While rooms lack TVs, a unique open-to-sky conversation pit, inspired by Rajasthani stepwells, is equipped with a projector and screen for movie nights. Double room rates start at Rs6,000.
