In India, many excellent hotels and lodgings are situated within the mountains, providing a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. These establishments offer a peaceful retreat, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the mountainous landscapes while enjoying top-notch hospitality. Whether nestled in the Himalayas or the Western Ghats, these mountain accommodations provide breathtaking views, adventurous excursions, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature, making them perfect destinations for those seeking a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Explore some of these gems studded across the mountains on the face of India.
The Kumaon is a unique property in a cluster of colourful concrete boxes with tin roofs typical of the hills. It has ten exclusive rooms spread across five duplex-style chalets. The property's main attraction is a "hanging" restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas in the distance. As winter approaches, the view's clarity improves with every temperature drop. The white peaks stand out against the blue-grey skies like ivory on an elephant.
The Kumaon ensures that its guests enjoy this spectacle in comfort and warmth, which is the true measure of luxury in winter. The rooms are equipped with electric blankets under the sheets, radiators, and live bukharis, making it easy to move around freely in comfortable temperatures without rushing through your routine to escape the cold.
The property also has an elfin spa where guests can indulge in leisurely wellness treatments. They can follow it up with dinner under the stars, with a bonfire to keep them warm and cosy comforters on the chairs that they can wrap around themselves. There's nothing quite like the feeling of being snug in a deep embrace of the Himalayas.
Address: Binsar, Road, Gadholi, Uttarakhand 263601
Price Per Night: INR 35,000
For more information, visit their website.
After navigating through the narrow roads of what used to be a hill station, arriving at Meenabagh in Shimla feels like a breath of fresh air. The property follows the traditional Kathkuni style of architecture and consists of one four-bedroom and one two-bedroom unit, offering a blend of luxury and traditional design. The house is insulated from floor to ceiling, and the wooden floors keep the rooms cosy, allowing you to walk around barefoot comfortably. Oil heaters keep the rooms warm, and the bathrooms have heated floors for the freezing Shimla winter.
The rustic walls have small alcoves decorated with thoughtful artefacts, and the warm lighting highlights them beautifully. The little balcony offers a view of the town's busy landscape on the hills. Next door, you'll find the charming little cafe serving tempting dishes from fresh ingredients from the Meenabagh farms. You must try their piping hot pahari meals this winter, including local specialities such as mutton curry slow-cooked with whole spices in brass pots and apple halwa made from their orchard apples.
Address: Sanjauli Engine Ghar Rd, Engine Ghar, Sanjauli, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171006
Price Per Night: The price per night ranges from INR 3,078 to INR 16,141.
For more information, visit their website.
Kashmir is often referred to as paradise, but it's even more magical during the winter. In the colder months, the essence of Kashmir can be felt through steaming cups of kahwa and locals dressed in beautifully embroidered pherans. Nadis, a niche boutique space, perfectly captures this feeling. Inspired by contemporary Kashmiri homes, the 18-room property blends traditional heritage and utmost comfort. It's located just a few kilometres from the famous Mughal gardens and the foothills of the Zabarwan hills, making it a perfect gateway to Dachigam National Park.
The boutique hotel is beautifully furnished, taking inspiration from the alpine landscapes symbolic of Kashmir. It meets all the requirements for a place that keeps guests warm and comfortable during a Himalayan winter. You can take a long walk along the semi-frozen Dal Lake for a rare glimpse into the less touristy side of paradise. Afterwards, head back to Nadis for a delectable Kashmiri wazwan, and sit by the fire indoors, watching its flames dance deep into the night.
Address: Harwan Rd, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
Price Per Night: The price per night starts from INR 10,857.
For more information, visit their website.
Take a trip down memory lane and experience colonial nostalgia at Glenburn. It is a historic tea plantation estate that sprawls through the hills of Darjeeling, offering stunning views of the Kanchendzonga massif. With only eight suites in a 1600-acre plantation, it is an immersive experience for nature and luxury lovers. Glenburn is perfect for those who want to enjoy the mountains without worrying about getting too cold, as it sits at the ideal elevation. The traditional Christmas festivities are taken seriously here, from the decor to carol singing to the season's unique menus.
Spend a day in the woods, wandering slowly or hiking, and end it with a picnic at a scenic spot before returning to the comfort of the atmospheric accommodation. Vintage settings and old-school charm are in abundance here and will take you back to the days of the Raj. Sip on a cinnamon-laced hot chocolate by the fireplace in the shared lounge and witness the magic of the Singalila range, which is visible with utmost clarity at this time of the year.
Address: Near Singritan, Darjeeling, Kambal Tea Garden, West Bengal 734101
Price Per Night: The price per night ranges from INR 42,000 to INR 46,000.
For more information, visit their website.
Ladakh is an amazing winter mountain destination for those who love adventure. It offers much more than just a typical summer destination. You can trek on frozen rivers, enjoy the snowy landscape, and most importantly, track the rare snow leopard, known as "shan" by wildlife enthusiasts. Rumbak House, located in Rumbak Valley in the deep southwest, is one of the highlights of Ladakh in the winter. This valley is home to these elusive creatures, and the house offers all the comfort you need for a memorable experience.
With just six rooms, it provides an intimate atmosphere and is heated to provide the utmost comfort in a valley with extremely low temperatures. The plush accommodation combines local design and modern aesthetics and offers a variety of cuisines, including Ladakhi food. You can spend your days exploring the valley and tracking snow leopards with their team of in-house experts or spotting other wildlife with their naturalists. The beauty of the night skies and snow-clad mountains make it a photographer's dream and offer an opportunity like no other.
Address: Rumbak Valley, Rumbak, Ladakh, 194104
Price Per Night: The price per night begins from INR 4,506.
For more information, visit their website.
