A steaming cup of chai, the rain composing slow soothing music as it kisses on the rooftop, hot plate of momos and a mesmerising view of misty mountains. And just in case you want to experience the rain fall from a quiet hilly region, pack your bags!
Hidden in the wilderness these places in Himachal Pradesh offer affordable homestays and B&Bs with picturesque views and 'Jab We Met' feels. Surround yourself by nature and switch off from the hustle bustle of the mundane City life.
The feeling of holding a hot cup of chai as you are cuddled up in your blanket, warm socks, sitting by the window and watching the rain fall is dream like isn't it? Luckily, Himachal Pradesh in India isn't too far to reach, yet you can get away from the pollution, crowd and stress of your everyday life. Choose to stay here for a month for work or just a short holiday to relax from these homestays, it's your call!
Homestays and B&Bs That Will Make You Feel Truly at Home!
1. Nabokov's Cottage
'Nabokov's Cottage' is an Airbnb, located in Tandi, a village above Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh. Named after their dog, this Cottage has the best views and a warm hospitality. Watch flying squirrels from your window as you are sipping you hot cup of chai or read a book as you sit in the largest attic in town. If you have kids they would love to play in there for sure while you can ask the landlady, Bhima, to cook a hot meal for you. You can enjoy unlimited WIFI and opt to go on a workcation too!
Activities: You can get two dongles-Airtel and Jio with unlimited Internet access and a Bluetooth speaker access. Or disconnect from the online world to take a walk around nearby forests, enjoy a bonfire night, take a walk to the market for fresh produce or go hiking to watch magical sunrises and sunsets!
Location: Jibhi
2. Naggarville
Located in a little village away from the hustle bustle of City is this 'Naggarville' premium cottage. If you like cosy rooms with beautiful views, this cottage made from local stone and wood in Himachal's architecture is worth staying at! You can enjoy unlimited cups of herbal tea or coffee, the plus is the host is friendly too! Although located amid nature this place is fully equipped with modern amenities. This is a perfect spot for those who want to get away from their home and spend time relaxing or working with a view.
Activities: You can visit the castle or art gallery nearby. The best part is that Jana waterfall is only about 10 kms away and if you wish to visit Manali it is 20 kms away by car.
Location: Manali
3. SaffronStays Honeystone
Located in Narkanda, India's first ski-town in Shimla, 'SaffronStays Honeystone By Narkanda Ski Slopes' is a six hour drive from Chandigarh. Enjoy your time as you will be surrounded by coniferous pine forest, snowfall and mountain views in this five bedroom villa. Enjoy local Himachal food or the wood fired pizzas. If you want to get warm, hop in the sauna and sit by the fireplace, followed by a star gazing night around the bonfire.
Activities: Visit Hatu Peak which his 12,000 feet above the sea level with a view of Dhauladhar and Sivalik Mountain Ranges. If you like apples, visit Thanedar where apples were first introduced in India! SaffronStays has an Estate in Thanedar, so you can explore the apple and orchard fields!
Location: Narkanda, Tehsil-kumarsain, Shimla
4. The PlumCove
Getaway from your City's hustle bustle and stay in this travel themed fully furnished house, just 25 min drive from Shimla bus stand. 'The PlumCove', is a cosy 2-bedroom apartment in the serenity of Mashobra, amidst the Shivalik range. Sit by the French windows or cozy up on a swing, whilst staring at the panoramic views of mountains. Although they do not let out individual rooms, you can book the entire apartment and enjoy a good time with your family or friends.
Activities: If you plan to work the house has 4G WIFI, TV, sound system with Aux and most of the channels. But when you have Netflix who needs anything else to chill? On a holiday relax and look outside and relax in the warm cosy vibes while you enjoy a cup of hot chai!
Location: Mashobra
5. Taara House
Featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, So Delhi and some others, the 'Taara House' is a mid-modern styled cottage, nestled on a 6,600 feet hilltop, just 3 km away from the city centre. The house is surrounded by a Pine forest in the back and the Himalayas, with spacious bedrooms adorned with customised furniture and Scandinavian light fixtures. Considered one of the most romantic Homestay in Himachal, spend time with your family and friends with pristine views this winters!
Activities: Sit in the night and watch the galaxy through the glass house or dine under the stars as you nestle besides the Himachal Bukhari fireplace. You can also access the roof top if you want to spend time outdoors. You can go on hikes or choose to stay indoors!
Location: Manali
6. The Luxurious Penthouse
An entire penthouse to rent house in Naggar with attic is a perfect place to spend time with your loved ones. 'The Luxurious Penthouse' Cottage is a Home Stay where people can enjoy the mountain life and also feel at home without compromising on privacy. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges, disconnect from the City life and dissolve yourself in nature. Hire a cook if you plan on staying for longer and enjoy fresh homemade meals.
Activities: Enjoy the slow life and go on village walks, sit by the river, or go to nearby cafes. There are a few beautiful temples in the area if you feel like paying a visit.
Location: Naggar
7. The Dog on the Hill
'The Dog on the Hill' is a boutique homestay hidden in Old Manali, inside Apple, Pear, Apricot and Cherry orchards. You can enjoy a private bedroom and breakfast secluded from the City. If you are yearning to get away from the City and enjoy a peaceful time, especially along with your pets, this place is perfect for you! This place is perfect for young couples, solo travellers, and small families, who are looking to break free from their everyday home lives. This is a good place for a workcation break too, as you only 10 minute walk away from the cafes, bars and restaurants in Old Manali.
Activities: Close to nature you can sit and relax for some local experiences and modern comforts. Take a walk in Old Manali and witness the local life with wooden and stone houses. Nothing that resembles the fast paced City life. You can go rock climbing, on hikes, guided walks or mountaineering too.
Location: Manali
8. The Tragopan Aerie
'The Tragopan Aerie', is situated in Bahu, Banjar which is 32 km from the Kullu-Manali Airport. Stay here for a real 'getaway' in a fairy tale like cottage and relishing hot meals. Every room has a private bathroom.
Activities: A very simple cottage offers natures paradise for you. Unwind from the hustle bustle of the City life and escape to this quaint little spot in Banjar. Take walks, read a book, listen to music or watch nature as you sip your hot cup of coffee or chai with a fresh breath of air!
Location: Bahu
9. NotOnMap - The Lost Escape
Call it a dream because this B&B is worth the experience! 'The Lost Escape' is situated in also known as 'Valley of Gods' - Jibhi, 47 km away from Kullu-Manali airport, on the banks of a river in a traditional Himachal mud house. If you truly want to be aloof, in the quiet, away from settlement, choose this place and guaranteed you will find your peace of mind in the hills.
Activities: Relax on the outdoor garden sipping a hot cup of chai or take a walk by the river. You can also hire a car from the homestay and go on a romantic drive around the place. You can choose to do nothing, read a book or just watch the stars in the night!
Location: Jibhi
10. The Blue Sheep
Loved by a lot of travellers, 'The Blue Sheep', is a small cosy homestay is located in Tirthan Valley. Run by a local Seraji Himachal family, they have opened their home and farm to travellers who want to experience the slow life.
Activities: Relax in the garden facing the valley, enjoy home cooked food, or sit in the heated common area with a cup of hot coffee! You don't need much to do when you are admits nature, all you have to do is give yourself a break.
Location: Kullu
11. WoodVista Cottages
A very royal yet simple cottage 'WoodVista Cottages' is situated in Shimla 6,700 above sea level. Surrounded by surreal cedar, oak and pine forests, enjoy the views of Himalayas. Step away from your stress as you hear the birds chirping as the wind blows softly across your face.
Activities: Read, write or do nothing at all! This is the perfect place to go with your loved ones and unwind this winter! They also have a children's playground so the kids will be very happy running around in the snow!
Location: Theog
So where are you going to enjoy your time in the mountains? Whether you choose to go on a winter getaway or escape in the summer with your family or friends, or simply want to go solo and work with a view, you will come back with nothing less than positive vibes!
These Homestays and B&B's in Himachal Pradesh offer more than just a hotel room and extra taxes, which is certainly hard to find in the City!
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