From hotels that offer a stunning 180 degree view of the Himalayas to the quaint colonial homes that have been converted into the boutique hotels to the establishments nestled in the dense forest, LC brings you the best ones to stay this summer
Whether you want your vacation to be action-packed, or just want to rejuvenate yourself, surrounded by the surreal landscape and majestic views of mountains, you won’t regret a trip to Uttarakhand. Picturesque hill stations, beautiful Himalayan ranges for hiking and trekking and adrenaline pumping adventure activities, the place has it all. The Luxe Café curates the list of best boutique stays in Uttarakhand that offer the most stunning views of the Himalayas and the forest and clouds that float below.
The Kumaon
The sustainably- designed luxury retreat is tucked away in Kasar region of Uttarakhand. Sprawled over 2 acres, the artisanal property has 10 magnificent chalets placed in pairs, one atop the other, each overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful Nanda Devi range and Mt Trishul. Upper chalet has bay windows that stretch out into a long terrace and lower suites have an outdoor sitting. Highlight of the property is the cantilevered dining area with floor-to-ceiling glass that overlooks the magnificent Himalayan range. You can spend the day exploring the local surroundings, walking through the forest and enjoying the curated picnics organised by the hotel. Doubles from Rs27,000. Getting there: The Kumaon is a 3.5 hour drive from Kathgodam railway station, and 4.5 hours from the Pantnagar airport. Drive from New Delhi is 375 km (9 hours)
Villa in the woods at RAAS Devanya
This three-bedroom quaint stay is situated on a hill slope between the towns of Bhimtal and Mukteshwar. Managed by RAAS hotels, the villa is part of the larger sustainably designed, eco-conscious development called Devanya. Built on stilts and across three levels, the indoors give you the feel of being in a tree house. Large windows, some extending from floor to ceiling, and transparent skylights, bridge the distance between the indoors and the outdoors. Surrounded by fruit orchards and virgin forest, the property provides endless picturesque views and is amongst the most instagrammable properties in Uttarakhand. Doubles from Rs1,00,000 plus taxes ( inclusive of all meals). Getting there: The villa is a 75 minute drive from Kathgodam railway station, and 2.5 hours from the Pantnagar airport. Alternatively, you could fly to Bareilly airport directly from Mumbai and Bangalore. Drive from New Delhi takes about 6.5 hours to reach Devanya.
Te Aroha
Nestled in Dhanachuli, a quaint village in the Kumaon hills, Te Aroha is an ideal summer getaway for those looking for peace and tranquility in the Himalayas. A colonial-style summer house converted into a boutique mountain hotel, Te Aroha (which means “the mountain of love” in Maori) is surrounded by magnificent mountains of Dhanachuli, scenic surroundings and lush forest. All the suites and the rooms in this hotel are different in character and design and offer impressive views of the snow peaks. Huge decks and terraces, glorious collection of antiques and high ceilinged lobby transports you back to the colonial era. Go on a trek or take a leisurely village walk organised by the hotel, or just spend a quiet evening with a book at the tea lounge at the attic level while enjoying the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Doubles from Rs9000. Getting there: Road Tripping from New Delhi to Dhanachuli could take 7 -8 hours depending on the traffic condition. You could also take a morning Shatabdi to Kathgodam station that lies about two hours from the resort. The nearest airport Pantnagar is 3 hours from the property.
Mary Budden Estate
A rustic mountain home turned into a boutique hotel inside the Binsar wildlife century. The retreat is named after a 19th century British woman who lived in this tiny corner of paradise. Spread across 5 acres of pristine forest of the Himalayas, the retreat houses a private cottage that can accommodate up to 6 people and 4 lodges with capacity of two in each. Each room evokes an old warm charm with its high wooden ceiling and a bukhari to keep you warm. You can dine at their all day al-fresco seating while being mesmerized by the majestic views of the Himalayas. The hotel curates a couple of interesting treks including one to the zero point where you get epic views of the Himalayan peaks. Doubles from Rs27,700 per lodge and Rs62,000 per cottage, inclusive of meals. Getting there: Take a morning Shatabdi from Delhi to Kathgodam and then a 4 hour drive to reach Mary Budden Estate.
Rokeby Manor
Situated in the heart of Landour, Mussorrie, this colonial style boutique hotel has the most stunning views of the Doon Valley, snowcapped Himalayas, and cedar and oak forests. Perched at 7500 feet, the hotel has been restored to its original 19th century décor. The character of the estate can be found in its brick arches, alcoves, and intricately worked stonewalls. From nature walks to mountain biking, day picnics, to sunset strolls, there’s plenty to do at Rokeby Manor. You can relax in their open air Jacuzzis after the day’s excursion while you watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Doubles from Rs16,000. Getting there: Drive from New Delhi is 300 kms (6 hour drive). You could also fly to Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun and take a convenient two hour drive thereafter to Rokeby.
Grand Oak Manor
This stunning boutique hotel by Tree of Life resorts is nestled atop the Kumaon hills in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Built in 1856, the property was once the private residence of the then British Commissioner of Kumaon, General Henry Ramsay, cousin to Lord Dalhousie, the Viceroy of India. The quaint retreat house has 11 hideaway rooms offering guests a taste of the old world charm and hospitality. Their mountain and valley view rooms come with a balcony or porch for that morning ‘cuppa’, with an amazing view of the Binsar Valley where you can witness the spectacular views of the Himalayas. Doubles from Rs11,000. Getting there: Drive from New Delhi is 380 kms (9 hours). You could also take the morning Shatabdi from Delhi to Kathgodam and then a convenient four hour drive thereafter to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Soulitude in the Himalayas
Nestled on a quiet hillside in Gagar (near Nainital), Soulitude, as the name suggests, provides complete solitude for the soul. This mountain retreat offers 11 rooms, with each different from the other, offering picture postcard views of the Himalayas. From outdoor dining to beautiful walks and hikes exploring the local flora and fauna of the region to spending a day in Mahesh Khan or Kuleti in the company of the evergreen trees of the reserved forests, you are always close to nature. On request, a picnic lunch or tea can be packed if you plan to go hiking on your own. Doubles from Rs 12,000 . Getting there: Morning Shatabdi to Kathgodam station and a short jaunt of about 1.5 hours to Soulitude.
