Away from the hustle bustle of the city life, homestays have become the new go-to destination for the modern traveler
Mary Budden Estate Binsar
Set up on five serene acres of land, at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Mary Budden is located in a cozy corner of the Kumaon village, in the magnificent middle Himalayan Mountains. Mary Budden is one of the five private estates in the Binsar wildlife. The fully restored heritage property still holds its original charm and offers comfortable and elegant living–thus allowing you to reconnect with the nature at this family-run luxury homestay. One must try the fun and leisure filled day walks, which is unlike most other sanctuaries, where you might have to take a jeep or elephant safari into the forest.
Tariff per night: INR 19,000
Himalaica
Vacation home set by Shalini and Uttam Dave, with beautiful architecture, the interiors and the gardens. The property has a unique character that blends the traditional country style with modern comfort. Unlike most homestays in India, Himalaica offers a lively and functional ambience with full time staff, pets and a benchmark that says you will be offered freshly-brewed coffee anytime you walk in.
Tariff per night: INR 9,000
Dalar Homestay
A picture perfect Homestay, Dalar Homestay is located in one of the eleven villages in the Binsar WIldlife sanctuary at about 6,500 ft above the sea level. The spacious rooms offer a beautiful view of the Dalar ranges.
Typical village mud walls and the traditional craft of wall painting called aipan, grace the walls and though every point of comfort along with an ensuite bathroom is part of this home, one is transported into an authentic village experience.
A day trek into the village, exploring the village life and getting to know other villagers is an exciting experience of the stay. Kumaoni village cuisine and a chance to sit around a fire in the evening to the sound of a flute or a possible music recital by some villagers are some of the highlights of this homestay.
Tariff per night: INR 19,000
Shakti Ladakh
Shakti has eight houses in Ladakh, each different from other. The client itinerary is tailored specifically to suit their interests. Though the very area of Ladakh has long been on the map for backpackers, mostly staying in and around Leh, it is has not yet come on the radar of the adventurous luxury traveler. As such, Shakti Himalaya has designed a village house experience that avoids the over commercialisation of Leh and takes you out, off the beaten track to the untouched villages in the Indus valley.
Tariff: INR 1,43,000 for 5 days
Shakti Kumaon
The most fun part of the Shakti chain is its Village walks. They are at the heart of any Shakti experience, enabling you to enjoy the villages and rural life in remote mountain regions. Accompanied by local porters and guides, you step out of the modern world, walking between villages that are remote, and staying in traditional village houses, which Shakti has spruced up to provide proper comfort without compromising their authenticity. You can enjoy gentle 4-day (or longer) hikes through stunning Himalayan foothills or the Kumaon village walks, immersing yourself in village life with authentic homestays.
Tariff: INR 1,43,000 for 5 days
