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Uttarakhand is a haven for winter lovers, though the changing climate is making many of its hill stations warmer than usual. The winter season from December to February sees extreme temperatures that fluctuate anywhere between 5°C to 20°C. In higher altitudes and mountainous regions, temperatures often drop below freezing point, and cold winds are a mainstay during this time. Places like Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari and Kedarkantha receive snowfall in winter, making them delightful places to visit away from the pollution-choked cities of the Delhi-NCR region.
Here are five homestays in Uttarakhand to stay in if you love snow.
The hill station of Nainital typically receives peak snowfall in January, so consider booking a room at The Willow Way, one of the top homestays in the area. The luxurious villa offers a serene and tranquil environment enveloped by lush forests and majestic mountains. Located amid towering deodar, oak and pine trees, each room is thoughtfully designed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. All rooms come with Wi-Fi and heating units, but it is the Cherrywood Manor accommodation that truly takes the cake. The plush king-size bed is complemented with a living room area and private patio. Guests can enjoy indoor activities like Jenga, chess, puzzles and card games or read from a curated selection of books on spirituality, nature and finance on a lazy afternoon.
Tariff: Approximately INR 7,000 per person for one night in December 2024.
January is the ideal month to visit Landour for snowfall, a cantonment town that is right next to Mussoorie. The La Villa Bethany is an old English cottage nestled in an acre of wooded area of Landour with six tastefully designed rooms, common areas and gardens. Owned and run by the Kudle family, the homestay provides guests with a blissful experience of the good old days in its architecture, décor, colours, traditions, cuisine, service and lifestyle. You can choose from stays at the log cabin, a self-contained traditional American style cedar and pine construction which can accommodate nearly five people; suites which open up to a terrace and lounge and are equipped with a fireplace, heated water and LED TVs; or deluxe rooms, which have much of the same amenities as the suites, but are more affordable.
Contact the La Villa Bethany on +919910049644 for information on room rates.
Mukteshwar receives snowfall from December to February most years. If you are planning to be in this serene hill station during winter, consider checking into the Happy Homestay. Located in the peaceful village of Pangrari, 18 kilometres from Mukteshwar, the rooms here are insulated with wood and provide the perfect setting to relax before your trek into the mountains. The in-house chefs create delicious meals customised to guests’ preferences, which they can relish while enjoying stunning views from private balconies perched at the top of the mountain. Choose from the suite rooms, which come with their own private balcony, deluxe rooms that have cosy double beds, and family rooms which can accommodate up to six people and come with a kitchen.
Tariff: Approximately INR 5,000 per person for one night in December 2024.
Auli is one of the top winter sports destinations in India. Whether you plan to ski, snowboard or ice skate here, consider booking a room at Faraway Cottages. With undisturbed views of the snow-clad Nanda Devi mountains, elegantly rustic rooms adorned with fresh flowers picked from the garden, and the aroma of masala chai simmering on the stove and delicacies baked using local produce, this place feels like a home away from home. There are six cottages that are designed to offer comfort, privacy and splendid views to guests. All of them are equipped with spacious bathrooms, private frescoes and elegant custom furniture, while ceiling-high windows offer spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas and surrounding countryside. With comfortable outdoor and indoor seating, a cosy reading nook, fun board games and coffeehouse music, you can spend an entire day in their on-site restaurant with friends and family while enjoying the local dishes.
Tariff: Approximately INR 7,225 per person for one night in December 2024.
Ranikhet is another cantonment town that typically receives snowfall in December and January. The Holm Farm Heritage was a royal holiday residence built in 1869 among pine and oak forest groves. There are seven large rooms in the main bungalow and a few log huts and private cottages around the main complex. The boutique resort comes with a tennis court, a beautiful garden, a bonfire setup in the common area and all-day dining featuring excellent local cuisine. The staff also organise day tours to nearby towns and villages like Kausani, Dwarhat and Almora.
Tariff: Approximately INR 8,000 per person for one night in December 2024.
