Want To Escape The Delhi Heat? Check Into These 5 Homestays In Uttarakhand

With no respite from the summer heat for those in the Delhi-NCR region, a vacation to pretty hill stations in Uttarakhand feels like a faraway dream. The state is a hotbed for tourists during the summer months owing to its gorgeous mountainous landscapes, sprawling national parks, sacred pilgrimage spots, and vibrant Garhwal and Kumaon culture.If you do end up making travel plans to Uttarakhand, here are a few homestays which will refresh your senses and reconnect you back with the more-than-human world.Sitla Estate, MukteshwarNestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, the Sitla Estate is surrounded by beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains where visitors wake up to crisp, clean air. Lose yourself in the property's apple orchards, vegetable fields and gardens where the pings and dings of smartphones won’t bother you. There are heritage rooms and four types of suites to make one feel like they are in the lap of luxury. All rooms have heritage furniture, patterned carpets and textured walls. As for food, owner Vikram Maira’s farm-to-table offerings come from the estate itself, meaning every morsel is fresh and nutritious. Have breakfast on the patio under the plum tree, lunch in the orchard and show up in your best evening dress for a multi-course dinner.Room rates start from INR 15,000 for two people.Address: Mukteshwar, Seetla 263138The Lilac Cottage, MussoorieThe Lilac Cottage is a retreat of two bedrooms that come with queen-size beds and a common balcony overlooking the Himalayas. The dining area seats six people and comes with a stove, kettle, toaster, microwave, mixer and refrigerator. All cooking essentials such as pans, utensils, cutlery, crockery and spices are also stored in the cabinets. The bathrooms have hot water. The highlight of the cottage is undoubtedly the property’s backyard where guests can sit comfortably and get a bonfire pit going for chilly winter nights. In the summer, the cottage is a restful escape from the summer heat of central India.Room rates start from INR 10,271 per night.Address: Cottage Number 6B Kamal Cottages Jharipani Barloganj, Road, Mussoorie 248122The White Peaks, GagarSurrounded by gorgeous silver oak forests on all three sides, The White Peaks is a charming private cottage located in the Himalayan hamlet of Gagar in Uttarakhand. The crisp mountain air and the serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. This is a boutique homestay which is perfect for writers, poets, birdwatchers and those who wish to spend some quiet time away from the cacophony of big cities. The White Peaks comes with two cosy bedrooms that are warm and elegant. The property also has a sun-drenched courtyard which offers dramatic 180° views of the countryside.Room rates start from INR 5000 per night.Address: Mukta Niwas, P.O- Gagar, Gagar village, Nainital district 263132XRA Cottage, JoshimathThe XRA Cottage is designed to attract tourists looking to engage with the simplicity and beauty of nature. It has three types of cottages—deluxe, alpine and eco—where guests can look out at the starry skies from their windows. In the summer, owner Vivek Panwar organises alpine camp stays where visitors stay inside tents furnished with mattresses and clean sleeping bags. The property has apricot and apple trees as well as wild roses. Listen to the chirping of birds as you snack at the on-site restaurant before hopping over to Auli.Room rates start from INR 1,400 per night.Address: Auli Road, Lower Auli, Near TV Tower, Joshimath 246443The Goat Village, Nag TibbaThe Goat Village was established in 2016 to draw visitors interested in sustainable travel and craving an authentic Himalayan experience. Its 10 Garhwali cottages are powered by solar energy and the estate is a plastic-free zone. Visitors can sample Garhwali cuisine which is cooked using the produce from local farms and recipes of pahadi grandmothers. Take advantage of the farm life experience by milking the goats, visiting the fields, and picking the local wild berries and fruits. The cottages are warm and cosy. There is a dormitory for backpackers and bigger groups to stay in.Room rates for a dormitory bed start from INR 1,950 per night and a cottage stay starts from INR 6000.Address: Nag Tibba, Pantwari Village, Jaitwan Gaon 249186