As a little girl, owner Bhuvan Kumari dreamt of owning a stone, ivy-covered cottage. Her dream came true in 1994 when she bought a cottage in Jeolikot, with an eight-acre orchard teeming with wildlife such as barking deer, birds and pine martens. Although this 'shabby-chic' B&B initially had just one room, it now has six&mdashall very homely and decorated with colourful quilts, oversized lampshades, durries on the warm, Sheesham floors and doors made from vintage Kumaoni wood. The owner lives there and is always on call to advise guests on local activities, from sailing on Naini Lake and birdwatching at Pangot, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Naukuchiatal to boat rides at Sattal and treks in the Kumaon hills. You'll be given a scrumptious slice of freshly baked chocolate cake on arrival. During your stay, you'll also be spoilt with complimentary tea, coffee, lassi, and lemonade.