Delightful stays is a set of accommodation options which do fall into any specific star category but are high on charm and experience and have been highly recommended by guests who have been there.

Padmini Nivas, Musoorie – This is one of the oldest buildings in Mussoorie and used to be called Rushbrook Estate before becoming the Summer Palace of Maharaja of Rajpipla ( Gujarat ) and Summer home for Queen Padmini of Rajpipla.

Padmini Nivas for last few decades is owned and managed by Gujarati family from Mumbai, who run a very popular homely retreat. The Rooms and Ambience still retains the old world charm and a view of the Doon Valley and its still a wonderfully relaxed place despite being located right below the Mall Road .

Padmini Nivas has guests coming over generation after generation for their wonderfully homely cuisine (Pure Veg.) prepared by the inhouse “Maharaj”. The Thali meals served for lunch is definitely a big Hit during Summer Season and so is the evening Garden Restaurant.

Indian as well as overseas Guests stay here for anywhere from 2 nights to a week and being a family getaway it’s difficult to get accommodation during Summer and Deewali Holidays.  

Nabha Palace, Mussoorie–  This is a heritage retreat and used to be the Summer Palace of the Nabha Royal Family located on a hill top over 13 acres of thick Cedar Trees. Nabha Palace takes you back in time and the grandeur is complimented with impeccable service and a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are luxurious and lawns are a perfect place to spend with a book in your hand.

Kasmanda Palace, Mussoorie – Kasmanda Palace, a Welcomheritage Hotel is located at Musoorie (Uttaranchal, India) is a royal retreat and One of the oldest buildings was originally a part of christ church Complex which was built in 1836 by Captain Rennie Tailour of the Bengal Engineers. In 1915 it became the summer retreat of the royal family of Kasmanda.

Kasmanda Palace is located atop the Mall and has some large rooms with antiques that exhude old world charm of an era goneby. The first floor has a display of hunting Trophys and antiques and the garden area in front of the Palace is a great place to enjoy view of the doon valley and enjoy very peaceful surroundings.

Indian as well as overseas Guests stay here for anywhere from 2 nights to a week and weekends are always tough to get accommodation if not planned in advance.

The Glasshouse on the Ganges - The Glasshouse on the Ganges (A Neemrana non-hotel) is an Orchard Retreat located at 23 kms from Rishikesh. The Glasshouse is set on the Banks of river ganges in a lychee orchard with a garden of tropical plants, rare birds and butterflies. It has a sand beach of its own.

Experience of being by the River Ganges that Glasshouse offers is like no other in India . Surroundings are absolutely peaceful and orchard provides lot of sitouts to enjoy riverside ambience.

Himalayan Hideaway – Similar location to Glasshouse on the Ganges , Himalayan Hideaway is a charming retreat. It does not sport a river view but its riverside ambience and thick tree cover and a stylish accommodation gives a distinct “Off-beat” feel and makes for a charming stay. Guests can also indulge in White Water rafting (August – April).

Haveli Hari Ganga –The Haveli Hari Ganga, a beautiful heritage “Haveli” is situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, a mere 500 meters walk through the Bazaar from the sacred "Har ki Pauri" at Haridwar. The Haveli is an ancient structure restored to recreate the old - world. Haveli Hari Ganga seeks to provide a complete spiritual experience.

The Riverside terrace provides a perfect riverside setting and with that services like Yoga and ambience full of Bhajans and Kirtans which complete a very lively and compelling experience.

Indian as well as overseas Guests stay here for anywhere from 1 night to a week.

The Terraces, Kanatal – The Terraces at Kanatal at 36 kms from Mussoorie is a complete retreat. While it sports a luxurious interiors and high-end feel, its still retains an off-beat feel. The wonderful Himalayan views from the rooms and absolutely peaceful surroundings and nice walks are a delight. However what makes it complete is the experience. From honeymooner to a writer to a relaxing senior citizen or a simple weekend gateway traveller, they all find The Terraces a compelling experience.

The Corbett Riverside Resort, Corbett – Corbett Riverside Resort is quite unlike a lodge/resort on the outskirts of a major national Park. It sports the longest Kosi River frontage and rooms with the best river view. Guests love the large riverfront area, lawns and the entire ambience and guests can indulge in nature walks, birding besides the Park safaris and enjoy a complete experience of being in Corbett National Park . Being a riverside location is excellent for Trout and Mahaseer in the area,

Lake Resort , Naukuchiatal – Naukuchiatal is a lake located at 5 kms from Bhimtal Lake . Lake Resort is a honeymooners delight. Its lakefront rooms, Boating in an idyllic lake, tree cover all around and nothing else makes for a delightful stay and a honeymoon destination.

Fair Light Trails, Nainital – Fair Light Trails is located at Highest Point in Nainital and sports the best view of the Lake . It is the only resort in Nainital that has snow peak views at a walk away. Fair light trails retains a heritage character and still is an extremely affordable retreat. While it enjoys best weather in Summer being at a considerable height as compared to the Mall area, winters are definitely very cold and it does get much more snowfall than other areas in Nainital.

Balrampur House, Nainital – Balrampur House is a summer palace of the royal family of Balrampur and still is an exquisite retreat. While every other resort in Nainital is cramped for space, Balrampur house sports a large garden area and ample parking area. Rooms are full of antiques and façade, ambience, heritage feel, peace and space and greenery around makes for a delightful stay.

Cedar Lodge, Ramgarh – Cedar Lodge is located at Ramgarh which is characterized by wonderful Himalayan Views and Apple Orchards. Cedar Lodge is a small retreat with luxurious rooms, wonderful views (Oct-March), gets snowfall during winter and Fruits hanging all over the place in Summer. Ramgarh otherwise is a very peaceful retreat full of walks in area around.

Mountain Trail, Mukteshwar – Mountain Trail is a small retreat sporting wonderful Himalayan Views (Oct-March). Mountain Trail is one retreat that has explored maximum number of activity options like birding, trekking, jungle safaris, fishing etc. In addition to this the resort itself has an “Off beat” character and offers a charming and hospitable stay.

Khali Estate, Binsar – Mountain Resort Khali Estate is a wonderful homely retreat located at 8000 ft at 10 kms from Almora. Khali Estate has a lot of history and like Padmini Nivas in Musoorie has guests coming again and again over many a generations. Khali Estate sports one of the best Himalayan views in the area (Oct-March) and is a very relaxing and homely retreat. It serves a homely cuisine (prepared by the inhouse “Maharaj”) and a warm, friendly and hospitable stay.

Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort, near Almora – Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort is an erstwhile family home now converted into a wonderful retreat. Kalmatia is different in many ways. While it has a luxurious and upscale interiors and offers stylish cottages with wonderful Himalayan views (Oct-March), it still retains an “off-beat” character. Built over a slope overlooking the Himalayan ranges, accommodation comprises a set of cottages each having its own character. There are hammocks, a Library, a cook that dishes out anything from authentic Italian, continental, Indian, Chinese cuisine and a team that is stylish, warm and hospitable. Guests here are encouraged to indulge any activity of their choice from Yoga to walks around the area to a full scale walking itineraries. However one look at the place and you get a “Do nothing” feel to the place where one just sits idling around and read a book or just marvel at the himalaya or enjoy and meditate in the extremely peaceful surroundings.

Rosemount, Ranikhet – Rosemount is an erstwhile British General’s Residence and now a 14-room heritage hotel. Large rooms, tall ceilings, antique furniture and a distinct old-world charm makes it a very charming stay. In addition to this there are Himalayan Views (Oct-March), lawns and walks around the cantonment area around makes it a complete experience and a delightful stay.

If you are looking to make an itinerary out of above options, Please email to ut18@nivalink.com with dates of travel for a firm quote (hotel cost and transportation) with an indicative itinerary. Please refer to Tourist Map of Uttaranchal for a look at the overall Geography.

Disclaimer - This section is for the benefit of the users for them to get a perspective of the accommodation options. Above are as per views of the Editor and the views are based upon the observations made during visits to the above resorts and overall assessment of more than 200 resorts in the area. This is an independent assessment and not influenced by any incentive. If any user differs in their opinion they may email to feedback@nivalink.com and we will consider them in our next reviews.

- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink Team.