Nature and pocket-friendly stay in Kumaon

Built in traditional Kumaoni style, this little-known gem sits in the Mehra family’s fruit orchards, 3km from Mukteshwar. Four rooms with large bay windows watch the sun rise over the snowy peaks of Trishul and Panch Chuli. The tiny dining cottage has friendly staff and simple, excellent meals. Proprietor Manoj is an avid naturalist who offers guided birdwatching and night walks to spot chakors, jungle fowl, whistling thrushes, wild boar, porcupines and pine martens. For the adventurous, there’s rappelling, zip-line valley crossings and paragliding. In the evenings, a campfire crackles while the valley lights below merge into the incredible night sky. Tariff: Rs 2,000 (single); Rs 3,600 (double), all taxes and meals included. Contact: 9837787501, www.facebook.com/OakChalet