9 Cosy Cottages You Should Head to This Festive Season

One of the best escapes from city life is to lodge yourself in a place far away from the noise and chaos, sip on ‘kadak chai’ and unwind. We know that this time may not be ideal for travelling. But we are sure you would like to head to some place quieter. How about cosy cottages offering home-like comfort? Here's a list of 9 cottages that you would want to head to right now.

Tieddi Earthy Dwelling, Darjeeling

 

 

 

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This tiny cottage is nestled in a forest garden in Darjeeling and has been handcrafted with the help of local artisans. The traditional earth houses here are made with local resources. They have a couple of great options for your stay, from a secret attic to one next to a mountain stream. They also have a herb garden dwelling that opens up into a kitchen garden and a fish pond. You can also volunteer with them for various farm activities, making local handicrafts or creating sustainable living spaces. 

Gone Fishing Cottages, Tirthan Valley

 

 

 

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Located on the banks of the Kalwari stream—which joins the Tirthan river—these cottages are one of the cosiest you’ll ever come across. With pine and deodar forests surrounding them on one side and step farming fields on the other, they fall in the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They have plenty of activities you can engage in from trout fishing to walking trails. Or just enjoy the mountain wind in your hair and sun on your face. Did we mention it's a pet-friendly place? 

Waterscapes, Kerala

 

 

 

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Known for scenic landscapes, beaches, vibrant cultures, engaging tea and coffee trails and lip-smacking food, Kerala is the ideal spot for spending time away from your city life. And if we tell you about a cottage by the beach, does it get any better? Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake and inside the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Waterscapes is a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) property. Surrounded by mangrove vegetation and the backwaters, you can often spot a variety of birds here. The village of Kumarakom in Kottayam was also where Arundhati Roy’s God of Small Things was set.

Jungle Lore Farmstead, Maharashtra

 

 

 

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Sometimes you don’t have to go too far away from the city to get away from it. Situated about 100kms from both Mumbai and Pune, this property can be easily accessed. The cottages here boast of an earthly rustic charm and are surrounded by lush woods and a view of the hills. You can pick up organic farming skills too. 

Shannu’s Ranch, Pushkar

 

 

 

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Rajasthan’s vibrance and splash of culture and colours is well known. While you may have thought of visiting Pushkar only for the annual fair, allow these set of cottages to change your perception. They have a cosy cafe with great food. You also have the option of picking up horse riding skills.   

Chain Churani, Chakrata

 

 

 

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The hills never run out of options to surprise you. Chain Churani, situated on the Chakrata-Mussoorie road, offers a breathtaking view of the hills, the melody of birds, stargazing in the night sky as well as ideal spots for witnessing majestic sunrises and sunsets. They are located on an undulating hilltop with a view of the Himalayas. 

Basi Woods, Uttar Pradesh

 

 

 

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India’s first dolphin-tracking resort, Basi Woods, is located in Bulandshahr. You can sign up for fishing, walking trails, horse riding, archery and more. It is an escape route to nature with a plethora of birds, tortoise, deer, crocodiles, even a rare species of dolphin. 

Sunshine Himalayan Cottage, Tirthan Valley

 

 

 

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Overlooking the Tirthan Valley and the river, this tiny cottage is where you will find personalised nooks and corners to either escape with your favorite book, or spend time staring at the vast expanse of the hills. Surrender yourself to the chilly evenings here and you’ll feel that you are in an alternative world.

Nomad’s Cottage, Himachal Pradesh

 

 

 

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They started with a local homestay in Spity Valley. Now, they have their presence all across Himachal Pradesh. Their unique location allows you to access remote, untouched India’s charm.