Top 10 Summer Retreats For Your Next Vacation

The summer holidays are almost here, and so many of us are already in the hills … at least mentally! We are often told that it’s the journey that’s important. I beg to differ. The drive up to your chosen haven may be breathtaking but if the lodging isn’t good enough, the experience nosedives. So unless you’re embarking on a leisurely road trip, give the destination a leg up over the journey! To help you get started, here’s our list of ten spectacular properties that do the best travel destinations of the Indian Himalayas complete justice.

Rokeby Manor, Landour, Mussoorie

Getting a place for the night anywhere in Landour, the coveted satellite hamlet of Mussoorie was next to impossible. There’s a freeze on new constructions, so no hotels can be built here. The area’s elevation (about 8000-feet), its protected forests, the cemetery made famous by Ruskin Bond’s pen, the illustrious Woodstock school, and cosmopolitan atmosphere (because of the School for Languages) place Landour firmly in its own league. Those in the know coaxed locals into sub-letting rooms, but quality lodging was unavailable. That was till a British-era villa, The Rokeby Manor, was taken over by a Mumbai-based hospitality-chain. The 1840-vintage construction was given a loving makeover. Modelled after a cosy Victorian lodge, the manor is straight out of a fairy tale. Room rates are steep. It’s a small price to pay for a night in the most perfect lodge, in the most pristine settings, otherwise out of bounds for stay over tourists.

 

Book Your Stay at Rokeby Manor, Landour, Mussoorie

Nandadevi Estate, Binsar

Luxury and farm stay are never a part of the same sentence. The owner of the Nandadevi Estate, a heritage homestay hidden away in the Binsar sanctuary, offers a novel combination of the two. The 25-acre farm has a 155-year-old bungalow, complete with antique furniture and crockery first shipped up from England by the original inhabitants. This building, and another out-house in the farm, can each accommodate four adults and two kids. Its exclusivity and privacy make it a perfect honeymoon destination. Though there is electricity, guests are encouraged to use kerosene lamps and the fireplace, after nightfall. Most of the food is prepared with organic ingredients, grown on the farm. The cottages have views of Garhwal’s Char Dham peaks, the Nandadevi, Nandakot, Panchachuli and the Nepal peaks. The farm is within the sanctuary’s core area, so sighting animals like leopards and deer are common.

 

Jilling Estate, Padampuri, Kumaon

This is no luxury resort but an affordable wilderness retreat where you can enjoy pastoral bliss. The Jilling Estate is built and run by a retired Army man, who shares the farm with like-minded guests. He has four cottages on a hundred-acre sprawling estate. Therefore, there are no typical eyesores like constructions, plastic litter or deforestation in sight. You can pretend to be the only person in all of Kumaon! The cottages have several woody accents, and spread out living spaces. There’s also an extensive library. It’s a great place to travel with kids because the hosts encourage activities with farm animals. The rates are on a full-board basis.

 

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Our former summer capital is much maligned as one of the ugliest hill-stations mostly because of the scale of construction and volumes of visitors. Most hotels haven’t channelled the city’s heritage or preserved its fading beauty. The one property that gives us a taste of Shimla’s past glory is the Oberoi Cecil. Burma-teak panelling, common in many constructions of the same vintage as The Cecil, is intact and a highlight of the hotel. A grand heated indoor swimming pool is also a part of the premises. The Vice Regal Lodge, Gorton Castle, Annandale, the Shimla Secretariat, the wonderfully restored Gaiety Theatre all transport you back to Shimla of the heyday and the Oberoi Cecil keeps you there for the duration of your stay.

 

Book Your Stay at The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Raju Bharti Homestay, Banjar, Kullu Valley

Many have hailed him as the king of hospitality in all of Kullu and Manali. Mr. Bharti, the unassuming owner of the homestay in question, has the kind of mouth-of-word publicity no PR machinery can buy. Once you get here, you’ll understand why. First, you’re made to sit in a metal basket, and pulled across the icy Tirthan river on the banks of which stands the wooden house. This exhilarating ride gives you a taste of things to come. Then, you will marvel at the exquisite local architecture of the family home, adorned with beautiful Kullu carpets and strewn with a wealth of reading material, some dating back to the ‘50s. Help yourself to as much fruit from the family orchard, as you can and discover the taste of real apple nectar like you’ve never tasted before. And do feast on Mrs. Bharti’s cooking; her legendary fried trout, baked casseroles and local recipes. This is the ideal place to start a trek to the Great Himalayan National Park. Or just vegetate. To enjoy these inexpensive luxuries, call Raju on 09418149808 or send an email to goshaini@yahoo.com.

 

Houseboat New Golden Flower, Srinagar, Kashmir

Bobbing on the Nagin Lake, these houseboats provide the comfort of a hotel, with the experience of living on the water. Though there are several other options, this one’s rated best by travellers. You can enjoy courses of a Kashmiri Wazwan meal in the intricately carved wooden dining-room, hop onto a passing shikara for a ride, or just laze on the veranda overlooking distant snows, with a book. If it’s value for money you’re looking for, this is a good bet.

 

Book Your Stay at Houseboat New Golden Flower, Srinagar, Kashmir

Shakti, Ladakh

The Shakti chain markets village walks, and remote locations as a major part of their experience. In Ladakh they’ve glamorised local houses to create luxury in real settings. This gives the traveller a glimpse of the indigenous way of life, food, cultural traditions and hospitality. Porters, for luggage, accompany guests on foot to these locations, up to 14,000 feet above sea-level. Vacation package deals are available from May to September each calendar year.

Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya

This hotel is located 20 kilometres away from the hustle bustle of Shillong, and prides itself for showcasing Khasi architecture and the tribal way of life. Opening out onto views of Umaim Lake, the 45-acre grounds comprise of lush undulating hillocks. Though it’s a large hotel, its novelty lies in the fact that it doesn’t insulate visitors from local culture. The property’s furniture, food and beverage, hospitality practices and entertainment encourages tourists to forge a better understanding of the destination, without compromising on luxury or comfort.

Book Your Stay at Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake, Shillong, Meghalalya

Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling

The erstwhile summer home of the Maharaja of Nazargunj is now open to tourists. The best way to enjoy this quaint town and a cup of its most famous tea, is from this decadently ornamented abode. It’s got lovely views of snow peaks and densely wooded valleys. The rooms are done up in imperial style, with extensive wooden panelling, lithographs of pre-partition India and antique style furnishings. Even though modern creature comforts like a spa, health-club and banquet are in place, they don’t interfere with the hotel’s old world charms. Staying here is a well-deserved extravagance. Reserve a room well in advance. Last Minute Deals are also available on MakeMyTrip.com.

 

Book Your Stay at Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling

Summit Norling Resort & Spa, Gangtok, Sikkim

Though a full-fledged hotel, the resort isn’t of the scale that intimidates the tourist. This 3-acre resort is within close proximity to the city centre, but offers calm and tranquil environs. There’s a bamboo grove and a pond with feeding fish and poetic charms, ideal for an affordable spa vacation. You can also check out some great value rates on this resort on MakeMyTrip.com!

Book Your Stay at Summit Norling Resort & Spa, Gangtok, Sikkim

These summer retreats are just a few clicks away! Plan and book your vacation only on MakeMyTrip.com!