Are you waiting for the 15th August long weekend and wondering where you could head with family, friends or even solo?
Needless to say, I am!
After involuntarily inhaling adulterated city air, it's time for me to gift my lungs the much-needed "pulmonary spa". And booking for a stay usually gives me severe headache - I have to cater to my husband's needs who likes to take a backseat, chill and sip his coffee and I like to wander about, take photographs, observe birds and insects and frame them in their natural habitat. It's cumbersome to sit for hours in front of the laptop, search for affordable stays that cater to our needs, select and then be rejected by the ever-critical husband!
So, when I came across the Mindful Retreats by Tripoto which have been meticulously curated for travellers like me, looking for a 'mixed bag' of experiences, I was elated. They are meant to provide you with much-needed respite from the mundane city life and offer you a blend of fun activities, quaint stays and thrilling adventures while you unwind amidst nature!
1. Hisalu Stays, Uttarakhand
19 kms away from Nainital, located in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, this unique stay offers all modern amenities laced with a piece of solitude, and gorgeous views of the Himalayas. It promises to offer a warm and luxurious stay filled with fun and adventure. The property will cater to all your needs, and the activities will surely bring you closer to nature.
What you can look forward to?
• Starting your morning with a view of the montane forests
• Hiking up an unknown trail
• Taking a dip in the waterfall
• Experiencing the local flavours and vibrance of village culture
Cost
Double bedrooms on twin occupancy - INR 8400/person
2. Clouds End Villa, Himachal Pradesh
The old-fashioned, spectacular bungalow, an annexe with views of the Kangra Valley below, sits on a sprawling 9-acre property, built during the British with its own step field, gardens and forests – this is the residence of the former Maharaja of Kangra! This makes up for a royal, one-of-a-kind stay with a dash of adventure travel in a property that has been recommended in the Tatler Travel Guide 1993 as one of the 50 best hotels in the world!!!
What you can look forward to ?
• Soaking in the rich local history and culture
• Visiting the Tibetan library, the museum and the charming Nechung Monastery
• Trekking to the top of the Triund peak.
• Camping under the stars.
• Touring the Summer Palace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Cost
Deluxe rooms on twin sharing – INR 13,750/person
3. North Kathkuni Home Stay, Himachal Pradesh
This is a traditional Himachali 3-storeyed, intricately crafted house located amidst the deodars, around 22 kms from Manali, in Naggar. Once an abandoned estate, this homestay is currently an abode for like-minded artistic people who enjoy rustic open spaces and a relaxing stay.
What you can look forward to?
• Visiting the estate and gallery of painter and activist Nicholas Roerich.
• Engaging in impromptu jam sessions at the property.
• Gorging on the local delicacies and sip on herbal tea with honey.
• Interacting with the hosts, designers and architects who advocate for preservation of local craft.
• Participating in sustainable farm activities.
• Taking a walk through the lush deodar forest close to the property.
• Soaking in the old-world charm of the Naggar streets
Cost
Standard room (double occupancy) – INR 9850/person
Luxury Wooden Cabin (double occupancy) – INR 16,000/person
4. Mandaal Stay, Uttarakhand
This gorgeous property is nestled amidst pine, oak and sal forests in the valley of the Mandal Range of Jim Corbett National Park, with breathtaking views of the lower Himalayan Range. Strategically located between Dhanghari Gate and Durga Devi Devi Gate of Corbett National Park, it is a premium jungle homestay that offers the basic amenities of a home. The space id owned by a lawyer turned wildlife conservationist, Rohit Singh Saroha whose mission is to spread awareness of the importance of existence of wildlife.
What you can look forward to?
• Relaxing and listen to the sound of forest – symphony of the cicadas.
• Touring with experienced guides on a quest to steal a glimpse of “national animal of India”.
• Cycling under the canopy cover of the Sal forest.
• Experiencing the calls of forest at night with a night safari experience
• Bearing witness to the sun spreading its golden sheet across the landscape as it prepares to rise
• Exchanging travel stories over crackling bonfires with fellow travellers
Cost
Double sharing luxurious room – INR 10,000/person
5. Mandawa Kothi, Rajasthan
Mandawa Kothi, a 200-year old heritage property, located in the quaint town of Mandawa which is 190 kms away from the capital of Rajasthan. This cooking retreat not only offers to teach authentic Rajasthani cuisine that includes Gatte Ki Sabzi and the famous Laal Maas in the royal kitchen but also stay at the haveli.
What you can look forward to?
• Staying at a heritage property turned boutique hotel
• Learning to cook delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian Rajasthani dishes like Dahi Baingan, Gatte ki Sabzi, Laal Maas, Chicken jai Singh, etc.
• Taking a heritage walking tour of the cultural brilliance of Shekhawati.
• Indulging in local sweets.
• Exploring the famous street of ‘Tie and die’ fabrics.
Cost
Deluxe rooms on twin sharing basis – INR 3,799/person
6. Nature Care Village, Uttarakhand
Located 7.5 kms from Rishikesh city centre, this Ayurveda Yoga Retreat is the perfect refuge you need to pamper your mind, body and soul. Relaxing one’s senses through yoga lessons in the lap of nature, inhaling the unpolluted fresh air and treating oneself to homely meals bring a sense of humility and fulfilment from the din and bustle of stressful city life. This farm stay also offers modern amenities like free wifi, electrical device like tea and coffee maker and paid airport shuttle service.
What you can look forward to?
• Starting the day with riverside yoga lessons
• Devouring hearty meals cooked with fresh farm produce
• Dipping into one of the many streams that eventually pours itself into the Ganges
• Learning about nuances of ayurvedic herbs and spices
• Trekking to Neer Gaddu waterfall for overnight camping
• Getting a feel of the farm life
Cost
Double sharing deluxe room – INR 4,799/person.
7. Omya Forest Camps, Himachal Pradesh
How often do we, the residents of the concrete jungle, crave to experience living in an actual forest to escape confinement within the four walls of our living and workspace? Well, always I guess! Located in Mandi, near Bir, this camp stay offers a unique blend of nature camping with the comfort of modern amenities, otherwise known as glamping. This can be your perfect escape during the upcoming long weekend.
What you can look forward to?
• Scintillating your senses with soulful music from independent artists
• Staying in luxury tents and waking up to the views of the rugged Dhauladhar Range
• Taking a leisurely walk around the village to glimpse through the lives of the locals.
• Experiencing the literal “bird’s eye view” as you paraglide at Asia’s second Paragliding site at Bir Billing
• Enjoying jam sessions and swapping travel stories as you sit around a sizzling bonfire
• Exploring a bustling marketplace to pick up a souvenir
• Turning the prayer wheels at the Tibetan monasteries
• Being a guest at a local’s house and relish their local cuisine.
• Sitting back and dipping your feet in the nearby rivers and waterfalls and let your worries take a backseat.
Cost
Double occupancy rooms – INR 9,399/person
8. Once Upon A Forest, Uttarakhand
Far from chaos, a secluded getaway located in the Hariyal Village of Nainital, this property introduces you to the rich and vibrant Kumauni culture. This distinctive retreat offers spacious, cosy rooms overlooking the Panchahuli range of the Himalayas and also a deck exclusively with the intention of providing the travellers a surreal experience of stargazing.
What you can look forward to?
• Immersing in the traditional way of life and feast on some authentic local food.
• Stargazing from the property deck
• Indulging in sports like badminton that will surely bring back childhood memories.
• Hiking with an expert guide across the wilderness that surrounds the property.
• Being mesmerized by the mighty range of Panchahuli and scenery that surrounds it.
Cost
Wooden huts on twin sharing – INR 6,500/person
9. Moksham Campsite, Uttarakhand
Moksham, nestled amidst dense rhododendrons, deodars and oak forests at an altitude of 2100 metres, this stay provides a blend of tons of wonderful experience, warm hospitality and a dash of soul searching. Featured on Lonely Planet as 'Top Unique Stays in Uttarakhand', it is a stay that promises seclusion from the touristy towns it also provides an option to rent the property for longer duration. It promises to make your stay memorable through various activities like bushcraft, cooking on a wood fire and birding.
What you can look forward to?
• Sipping your coffee/tea as you gaze at the limitless Dabka Valley, covered in montane forests
• Picking up a survival skill to thrive in nature – bushcraft
• Cooking something delish on a wood fire, leaving a smoky flavour to the dish.
• Engaging in guided hikes through montane forests of oak and deodar.
• Experiencing birding at Naina Devi Bird Conservation Reserve and learning to identify the endemic species of colourful birds
Cost
Luxury double room – INR 7,199/person
And the BEST thing about these stays is that they are ALL INCLUSIVE - so no need to worry about searching for local food joints, booking a guide for treks, or wondering the kind activities that you can experience - EVERYTHING has been curated and included in the package!
And good news for pet owner - some stays also allow pets as well, so you can take your babies with you!
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!
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