The hills are calling

Come summer and all we want is to escape from the scorching heat of the plains into the cool climes of the mountains. This year while the holidays may be tricky — what with COVID-19 striking back and many states under travel restrictions — the hills however still remain a good idea, especially if you stay off the touristy circuit. We bring you some secluded stays that are not only away from the touristy towns but also promise exclusivity, safety and the option to rent the space for longer duration.

The White Peaks

Nestled amidst glistening silver oak forests on all three sides, The White Peaks is a charming little private cottage located in the elusive Himalayan hamlet of Gagar in Uttarakhand. The crisp mountain air and the serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place to slow down. The old world cottage, perched at the edge of a pristine oak forest, looking over the snow clad Himalayas, its the place where you at once feel at home. The two ultra cosy bedroom cottage comes with a sun-drenched courtyard offering dramatic, panoramic views of the Panchachuli peaks and a living room with a stone fireplace that keeps you warm. Add to that the most delicious home-cooked food and you have yourself the perfect place for those who love their walks, their books and prefer some quiet, me-time. The White Peaks also stands out for working tirelessly towards conscious and sustainable hospitality that are practiced through simple yet significant measures like garbage segregation, composting, water conservation and tree plantation drives. The White Peaks

Moksham Himalayan Campsite

Perched on the hilltop at an altitude of 2100 mt. amidst dense deodar and oak forest, Moksham is an amalgamation of breathtaking views of the Himalayas, novel experiences, pinch of spirituality and magnificent hospitality. Every camp at Moksham is designed to uplift your subtle energies by providing you an ambience of luxury and silence. Each private luxury camp opens up to the enchanting Dabka valley offering you views that brings in a gush of positivity and compassion within you. The interiors are a blend of boutique and simplified living giving you a sense of space both outside and within you . Each bathroom is equipped with ultra luxury toiletries and food is prepared fresh with local and seasonal ingredients. Each Luxury Camp is uniquely designed to offer you a private space both within and outside and is accompanied by pure wood furniture. Equipped further with a private work space and adequate lighting options. Their long stay options offer work from mountain plans with fixed meals and wi-fi. Moksham Himalayan Campsite

Vayu Retreat, Nainital

A brief five -minute walk down a windy village road, lined with a thick canopy of oak trees stretching out into a gorgeous Himalayan forest, sets the mood for a perfect mountain holiday. As the wind gushes through the treetops, the giant oaks sway fervently, revealing the mellow, sun-dappled walkway ahead. A few school-children from the neighbouring ‘Anganwadi’ ( village primary school ) flock together, singing local Kumaoni folk songs that waft through the air. As the village road forks ahead, the stunning cottage reveals itself and you are greeted with a welcome leap-lick-cuddle from ‘Laddu’ and 'Barfee’, the two adorable ‘pahadi’ (mountain dog) mother-daughter duo. Nestled on the edge of a funnel shaped valley, as you walk in, a 180 degree, unobstructed view of the valley cradled by the gorgeous hills of Kumaon leave you speechless. With the popular hill town of Mukhteshwar perched on the north and the snow-covered mountains of Khabrar next to it, you you begin to immerse yourself in a moment of serenity and bliss. Vayu Retreat has been conceived as a place where restless minds can slow down and breathe and that is something all of us can do with now. Vayu Retreat

Amrit Bhawan, Haridwar

Set in the foothills of Himalayas, far away from the hustle of touristy towns of the region, including its own city centre, Amrit Bhawan is a 50 year old family home refurbished to suit needs of the modern traveler. The homely space with a chic mid century vibe also comes with its own exclusive ghat, garden, and local homestyle meals. The staff here is all local and the property strictly follows all COVID-19 related protocols. The guest rooms and suites are few which is safer than most places. Situated on the edge of Kankhal, the quieter, southern part of modern-day Haridwar filled with ashrams, Amrit Bhawan is an oasis of calm. Apart from finding mention in the Mahabharata, Kanakhala is fabled to be the land where an angry Lord Shiva slayed Daksh to avenge the death of his wife, Sati. The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple marks this event and is located a short drive from the property. The temple is one of the many things one can do here, others being trekking to the nearby hills, picnicking in the valley or reading and lazing at the property itself. Amrit Bhawan

Editor's Note: Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it is advisable to check the latest state and central guidelines before traveling.