Offbeat Mountain Lodges in India
Very few trips can rival a vacation amidst the mountains. The Himalayas
in the North and North-East and the Niligiris in the south are ideal places to
relax and unwind or enjoy an activity filled holiday.
Wake up to bird songs, fresh air and breathtaking sights of the mountains, observe the simple life of the mountain villages, spend days hiking and birdwatching and in the evenings curl up with a mug of tea or coffee. There is no better way to re-charge your batteries.
I have highlighted here a few amazing mountain lodges from different regions in India. These are not the usual lodges / resorts dotting the popular mountain destinations. Each of these are situated in gorgeous locations and offer beautiful mountain views. Some are rustic & earthy while some offer luxurious comfort, each distinct in its own character & style.
Wake up to bird songs, fresh air and breathtaking sights of the mountains, observe the simple life of the mountain villages, spend days hiking and birdwatching and in the evenings curl up with a mug of tea or coffee. There is no better way to re-charge your batteries.
I have highlighted here a few amazing mountain lodges from different regions in India. These are not the usual lodges / resorts dotting the popular mountain destinations. Each of these are situated in gorgeous locations and offer beautiful mountain views. Some are rustic & earthy while some offer luxurious comfort, each distinct in its own character & style.
I hope
you will find something interesting & please feel free to get in touch for more options. 😊
Shyok River Lodge (Ladakh)
Shyok is an relatively obscure town on the Shyok
river. It is central to both the Nubra valley (west 3 hours or so), Tso (lake)
Panggong (3 h east) and Leh (4-5 hours south). So if you are travelling
between Nubra & Pangong, then you may consider stopping over at Shyok to
enjoy peaceful Ladakhi village life away from the touristy noises.
Shyok River Lodge is converted from a typical Ladakhi house and situated among
the meeting point of the wild, barren mountainsides of the Himalayas and the
Karakoramt. The lodge sits in the middle of a true oasis, amidst green fields,
groves of willows, poplars, wild roses and tamarisk, where the Shyok River
makes a sharp bend and starts flowing northwest in the direction of Nubra.
Cosy rooms, fresh food and 180 degree view of the river, farm fields and dramatic mountains.
It is best suited for nature and outdoor lovers, and all those who want to see the real Ladakhi village, their monasteries , how they grow crops and work together to eke out an existence in this forbidding climate.
Image Credit : Shyok River Lodge
Cosy rooms, fresh food and 180 degree view of the river, farm fields and dramatic mountains.
It is best suited for nature and outdoor lovers, and all those who want to see the real Ladakhi village, their monasteries , how they grow crops and work together to eke out an existence in this forbidding climate.
Image Credit : Shyok River Lodge
Dar es Salaam - Srinagar (Kashmir)
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, located on the bank of the
Nageen Lake in Srinagar, the title boutique heritage hotel is and abode of
tranquility a little away from the center of Srinagar city and a perfect blend
of the traditional and the modern.
You can feel an innate connection and the soul of the city when you stay here.
Set in the old part of town, once you enter the gates you are transported into
a different world, with a location to die for , backed by old world elegance,
warm hospitality and amazing food (authentic Kashmiri), Dar es Salaam is probably
the best stay experience you can have in Kashmir.
Just sit on the lawn, and drink kahwa or step off the lawn and onto a shikara
for a lazy ride around the lake. Life will be beautiful.
Image Credit : Dar es Salaam
Banjara - Sangla (Himachal - Kinnaur)
Located in an apple orchard on the banks of Baspa
river and next to the amazingly beautiful Batseri village, surrounded by
towering forested mountains of the Kinnaur Kailash range, it is the perfect
base for discovering the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh.
The camp is divided in 3 parts - the main building hosts the suites, classic rooms and the dining hall. Close to this and among the orchards are the tents, and to the other end near the river are the log cabins.
At times you may pinch yourself to believe that all that you look around is indeed real & not a part of a beautiful dream. Sunsets are dramatic and if you are a bird watcher then these areas are good for high altitude birds like Choughs, Ravens, Buzzards, Buntings etc.
Image Credit : Banjara Camps
The camp is divided in 3 parts - the main building hosts the suites, classic rooms and the dining hall. Close to this and among the orchards are the tents, and to the other end near the river are the log cabins.
At times you may pinch yourself to believe that all that you look around is indeed real & not a part of a beautiful dream. Sunsets are dramatic and if you are a bird watcher then these areas are good for high altitude birds like Choughs, Ravens, Buzzards, Buntings etc.
Image Credit : Banjara Camps
Nomad's Cottage - Losar (Spiti - Himachal)
The Nomad's Cottage is located approximately 140 kms from Manali,
in the untouched wild beauty of Spiti in Losar village at an altitude of 4,090
mt.
Losar is located in the lap of nature with a spectacular 360 degree view of the magnificent valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains with the Spiti river flowing behind the lodge.
The drive crossing Rohtang La and Kunzum La to reach Losar itself is an experience never to be forgotten.
The quaint little Cottage has been converted from a traditional Spiti home with Spitian-styled windows and well appointed interiors exuding an earthy, natural ambience. The rooms are clean and tidy and some of them offer beautiful views of the landscape outside.
Image Credit : Nomad's Cottage
Losar is located in the lap of nature with a spectacular 360 degree view of the magnificent valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains with the Spiti river flowing behind the lodge.
The drive crossing Rohtang La and Kunzum La to reach Losar itself is an experience never to be forgotten.
The quaint little Cottage has been converted from a traditional Spiti home with Spitian-styled windows and well appointed interiors exuding an earthy, natural ambience. The rooms are clean and tidy and some of them offer beautiful views of the landscape outside.
Image Credit : Nomad's Cottage
Linger - The Earth Lodge - Palampur (Himachal)
Linger lives up to its name “The Earth House” as the pretty
property isbuilt with natural resources like bamboo & mud and the roof is
made of slate just as they used to be in Himachali villages in the old days.
There are two buildings - one is the Main House and the other one is Riverside, each has three rooms.
Located in a serene village near Palampur in the Kangra Valley, under the towering Dhauldhar mountains and by a glacial stream. The property is surrounded by beautiful green grasslands sprinkled with wildflowers.
There are two buildings - one is the Main House and the other one is Riverside, each has three rooms.
Located in a serene village near Palampur in the Kangra Valley, under the towering Dhauldhar mountains and by a glacial stream. The property is surrounded by beautiful green grasslands sprinkled with wildflowers.
True to its character, to reach the lodge you have to walk for 30
minutes (thankfully downhill) . The concept aims to get guests to detach from
everything going on around them and rekindle the art of doing nothing. It definitely
won't suit everyone but most people love it (and call it "Heaven on
Earth").
If being in a place that is offbeat, rustic and one amidst nature
is what relaxes you, The Earth House is where you need to go.
Image Credit : Linger -The Earth Lodge
Nine Furlongs - Binsar (Uttarakhand)
After the British owners of the Estate left around the time of
India’s independence, Marie Therese Domine a Belgian doctorate student of
musicology and psychology made the Estate her resting point in the early 1950’s.
Here she wrote about her epic journey across India and Nepal on foot, in
bullock carts and local trains, exploring the folk music and ballads of the
Western Himalayas
Nine Furlongs is an “experience” of nature, comfort, lip smacking delicious food and getting spoiled by the impeccable personalized service.
The cozy bungalows built in the 1800’s have been renovated and tastefully furnished with wooden flooring and wide glass windows. The buildings (there are two – The Forest Bungalow and the Writer’s Bungalow) are nestled in the deep green embrace of the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, spread over acres of land and boasts of jaw dropping mountain views from each room.
There are a number of trails to hike, magnificent mountain peaks to gawk at- and you wouldn’t want to leave.
Image Credit : Nine Furlongs
Nine Furlongs is an “experience” of nature, comfort, lip smacking delicious food and getting spoiled by the impeccable personalized service.
The cozy bungalows built in the 1800’s have been renovated and tastefully furnished with wooden flooring and wide glass windows. The buildings (there are two – The Forest Bungalow and the Writer’s Bungalow) are nestled in the deep green embrace of the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, spread over acres of land and boasts of jaw dropping mountain views from each room.
There are a number of trails to hike, magnificent mountain peaks to gawk at- and you wouldn’t want to leave.
Image Credit : Nine Furlongs
The Dak Bungalow - Peora (Uttarakhand)
The British era (1905) quaint little inspection bungalow
situated amidst pristine surroundings at the little Kumaoni village – Peora
still retains its vintage character– architecture, large rooms, simple and
comfy furnitures, wooden ceilings, fireplace and the front porch with
uninterrupted view of the Himalayan ranges.
You have to make your way down 100 mtrs from the main road through a stone paved way to reach the quaint lodge.
After years of dilapidation, the bungalow was leased by Pradeep & Shubha from the District Board in 2005, and refurbished as a homestay that beautifully mixes colonial charms, homestay comfort and mesmerizing Himalayan views.
Excellent mountain views in Spring, Autumn and Winters. Wake up to chirping of birds, enjoy walks during the day & in the evenings sit under the starry sky and look at the glittering Almora town across the hills.
Image Credit : The Dak Bungalow - Peora
You have to make your way down 100 mtrs from the main road through a stone paved way to reach the quaint lodge.
After years of dilapidation, the bungalow was leased by Pradeep & Shubha from the District Board in 2005, and refurbished as a homestay that beautifully mixes colonial charms, homestay comfort and mesmerizing Himalayan views.
Excellent mountain views in Spring, Autumn and Winters. Wake up to chirping of birds, enjoy walks during the day & in the evenings sit under the starry sky and look at the glittering Almora town across the hills.
Image Credit : The Dak Bungalow - Peora
Thikalna Himalayan Retreat - Jageshwar (Uttarakhand)
Just 3 hours beautiful drive from Kathgodam Railway station,
Thikalna Himalayan Retreat, is a beautiful restored traditional village house
located miles away from the crowds, on a cliff with spectacular Himalayan views
of snow tipped magnificent Nanda Devi & Panchachuli peaks in a village near
Jageshwar.
You have to reach the property by a short hike which is carpeted by Rhododendron flowers in season. Surrounded on three sides by rhododendron and pine trees and stunning view on the fourth, the cottage has just 2 tastefully furnished bedrooms and a small common area. The old building has been renovated, bathrooms attached to each of the two bedrooms, and the three staff members ensure that the guest’s stay is comfortable.
Go on walks around the mountain paths, villages, relax with a book and in the evening observe the sky light up with twinkling stars.
Image Credit : Thikalna Himalayan Retreat
You have to reach the property by a short hike which is carpeted by Rhododendron flowers in season. Surrounded on three sides by rhododendron and pine trees and stunning view on the fourth, the cottage has just 2 tastefully furnished bedrooms and a small common area. The old building has been renovated, bathrooms attached to each of the two bedrooms, and the three staff members ensure that the guest’s stay is comfortable.
Go on walks around the mountain paths, villages, relax with a book and in the evening observe the sky light up with twinkling stars.
Image Credit : Thikalna Himalayan Retreat
Singtom Tea Bungalow - Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Built in 1862, Singtom is the world's oldest tea
estate-lodge, far from crowds and noise and surrounded by an expansive 1,600
acres of private tea estate where tradition meets with modern comforts.
Located only 20 minutes away from Darjeeling, it offers heritage old world charm where with breathtaking, panoramic views of the world's highest mountains.
Wooden floor, quaint fireplaces and long corridors, breathtaking views from the windows, sumptuous meals, world famous Darjeeling tea testing, hiking and having a picnic at 360-degree view point picnic with the spectacular presence of the Kanchenjunga in front of you creates the perfect tea plantation experience.
Image Credit : Singtom Tea Estate
Located only 20 minutes away from Darjeeling, it offers heritage old world charm where with breathtaking, panoramic views of the world's highest mountains.
Wooden floor, quaint fireplaces and long corridors, breathtaking views from the windows, sumptuous meals, world famous Darjeeling tea testing, hiking and having a picnic at 360-degree view point picnic with the spectacular presence of the Kanchenjunga in front of you creates the perfect tea plantation experience.
Image Credit : Singtom Tea Estate
Takdah Heritage Bungalows - near Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Surrounded by verdant hills, rolling tea gardens and orange
orchards, Just 27 km from the Darjeeling hills in the Rangli-Rangliot region,
Takdah is a blissful and magical picture- postcard destination dotted with
beautiful British era heritage bungalows.
The name (quite apt) – Takdah is derived from the Lepcha word 'Tukdah', which means "mist or fog" as the area often remains covered with fog.
Takdah was aprominent military cantonment during the British colonial days in early 1900s, when many senior British officers frequently visited this place, and to provide accommodation many bungalows and houses were constructed in traditional British architecture with slanted roofs.
These bungalows have been built between 1905 -1915, so nearly all of them are over 100 years old!
Some of the present owners of these heritage properties have opened a part of their houses to guests as lodges or homestays.
In these stressful time, if you wish to go to a place that combines beautiful mountains, blooming orchids, walking through coniferous forest paths and staying in heritage bungalows, the Takdah it is.
The name (quite apt) – Takdah is derived from the Lepcha word 'Tukdah', which means "mist or fog" as the area often remains covered with fog.
Takdah was aprominent military cantonment during the British colonial days in early 1900s, when many senior British officers frequently visited this place, and to provide accommodation many bungalows and houses were constructed in traditional British architecture with slanted roofs.
These bungalows have been built between 1905 -1915, so nearly all of them are over 100 years old!
Some of the present owners of these heritage properties have opened a part of their houses to guests as lodges or homestays.
In these stressful time, if you wish to go to a place that combines beautiful mountains, blooming orchids, walking through coniferous forest paths and staying in heritage bungalows, the Takdah it is.
Kollenkeril Plantation Bungalow - Munnar (Kerala)
This traditional Kerala style Bungalow blends
harmoniously with the rolling Munnar hills with its architecture of steeply
pitched tile roofs decorated with simple and neat gables, inward cut verandahs
and contoured ledges forming the front facing east of the bungalow.
Pictures cannot do justice to the property and the views of the hills and surrounding plantation producing cardamom and coffee. Just watching the early morning mist rise up over the lush grounds and the afternoon soft orange light paint the bungalow itself is worth the journey .
Home-cooked authentic flavorful Kerala meals with locally sourced Kerala ingredients adds to the overall charm quotient of the stay.
Image Credit :Kollenkeril Plantation Bungalow
Pictures cannot do justice to the property and the views of the hills and surrounding plantation producing cardamom and coffee. Just watching the early morning mist rise up over the lush grounds and the afternoon soft orange light paint the bungalow itself is worth the journey .
Home-cooked authentic flavorful Kerala meals with locally sourced Kerala ingredients adds to the overall charm quotient of the stay.
Image Credit :Kollenkeril Plantation Bungalow
Acres Wild - Coonoor (Tamilnadu)
Acres wild is a family run, 22 acres organic cheese making farm
stay in Coonoor aiming to become an eco-friendly (they don’t use any
chemicals), holistic and self-sustaining life style, growing food organically
and sharing this experience with guests at the farmstay.
The property is spread over 22 acres and is surrounded by greenery, Nature as it is meant to be, unhindered and free and the grounds of the farm are frequented by gaurs and elephants and in the nights even leopards!
You will be surprised to know that it is owned and run by Mansoor Khan (and his family), the famous Hindi film director of popular movies like ‘Qaiamat Se Qaiamat Tak’, ‘Jo Jita Wohi Sikandar’, ‘Josh’ etc. He left all the adulations and glamour of Bombay to start a new life which is so far figuratively and philosophically.
The warm hearted hosts are happy to welcome you and make you feel like a part of it and teach you cheese making and about farmlife.
The simple rooms are named after different varieties of cheese and the food is as wholesome and tasty as you would expect at a farm.
Image Credit : Acres Wild
The property is spread over 22 acres and is surrounded by greenery, Nature as it is meant to be, unhindered and free and the grounds of the farm are frequented by gaurs and elephants and in the nights even leopards!
You will be surprised to know that it is owned and run by Mansoor Khan (and his family), the famous Hindi film director of popular movies like ‘Qaiamat Se Qaiamat Tak’, ‘Jo Jita Wohi Sikandar’, ‘Josh’ etc. He left all the adulations and glamour of Bombay to start a new life which is so far figuratively and philosophically.
The warm hearted hosts are happy to welcome you and make you feel like a part of it and teach you cheese making and about farmlife.
The simple rooms are named after different varieties of cheese and the food is as wholesome and tasty as you would expect at a farm.
Image Credit : Acres Wild
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Thank You for Reading 🙏
** These recommendations are not influenced by any commercial considerations.
There are many other wonderful options available which we are unable to include as the list will become too long.
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