Spread throughout an acre-and-a-half, the Landour house is surrounded by greater than 260 bushes, attracting over 50 species of birds comparable to owls, whistling thrush, barbets, Asian paradise flycatchers and extra. The home is split into two components—the Fern Oaks Estate the place the hosts reside when in Landour, and The Fern Cottage, the outhouse transformed right into a homestay. The three ranges of the property characteristic 4 bedrooms, a solar room, formal residing and eating space, kitchen, wine cellar, research, household room and a utility room main to a employees quarter. The house is reflective of Victorian fashion homes with some Asian influences thrown in, however possesses an old-world appeal that you simply discover in colonial hill properties. If residing shut to the wilderness and waking up to birdsong isn’t sufficient, Landour lies 7,000 ft above sea degree, opens to views of the mountains, will get all 4 seasons, and has a quaint appeal of its personal. It is well-connected to Mussoorie by highway and the Dehradun airport is a two-hour drive away. A thriving cafe culture, vintage outlets, bookstores, and neighborhood gatherings throughout festivals make it a pleasant city for owners. Despite being shut to the popular hill station of Mussoorie, one can discover extra quietude in the cantonment area as motels are restricted and nature is ample. Entire cottage for Rs25,000. — Kriti Saraswat-Satpathy
Vanilla County, Vagamon, Kerala
On the border of Kottayam and Idukki in Kerala, Vagamon is a plantation township with rolling hills, tea estates, waterfalls and pine forests. (*5*), about 8km from Vagamon, is nestled in the Mavady Hills, and embraces the serenity of its environment. It is a house that’s been in the Vallikappen household for 3 generations now. The Dutch-style bungalow was constructed in 1947 by VJ Mathew Vallikappen, who was a planter and grandfather of Mathew Vallikappen who now owns and runs the homestay along with his spouse Silu. Vallikappen’s mother and father ran the homestay for nearly 25 years, welcoming visitors from all around the world. The bungalow homes eight rooms, half of that are heritage bungalow rooms, whereas the opposite half are cottage rooms. Each room has an ensuite rest room and air con. The furnishings in the home is as outdated because the property and the decor is basic and classic. There’s a sprawling garden with hammocks, a patio, an alfresco eating space and a big terrace. Food at Vanilla County is do-it-yourself and recent. The Vallikapens attempt to be sure every part is as natural as doable, sourcing spices and elements from their very own plantation or from farmers in the area. Regional dishes from Kerala are an everyday fixture on the menu, and a breakfast unfold contains every part from puttu-kadala and appams to bacon, sausages, do-it-yourself jams and truffles, juices and pazhampori or banana fritters—a well-liked Kerala road snack. The hosts may also help prepare for a spice path, church visit or a toddy tasting expertise as effectively. In the morning, discover the pine forests of Vagamon or trek up to the Kurisumala Ashram. If you’ll somewhat keep indoors, the hosts prepare for cooking courses the place you may be taught to make jams, breads and truffles. Doubles from Rs5,500. — Arundhati Ail
Parijaat, Goa
