Banjara Camps: Surely few campsites in the world can match the valleys of the Himalaya for scale and beauty. The Banjara Camps in the Sangla valley, at an elevation of 2,700m on the banks of the Baspa river, and hemmed in by looming peaks on all sides, is open from April to October. On offer are ‘Swiss-style’ tents with attached baths, long walks and treks, rock-climbing, rappelling, fishing and unlimited fresh mountain air. Location: 8-10hrs from Shimla. Contact: 011-26861397, 9816881936; www.banjaracamps.com
Pataudi Palace: The imposing white palace and landscaped grounds of the Nawab of Pataudi’s Haryana estate (now managed by the Neemrana group) offer an ultra-luxurious countryside break just over an hour’s drive from Delhi. The gardens are spectacular, the rooms spacious, there’s haute cuisine on offer. Location: 60km from Delhi. Contact: 011-24356145, www.neemranahotels.com
Himalayan Village: The Himalayan Village, Sonapani is blessed with an old natural spring with medicinal properties. “Welcome to the land of golden water,” trumpets the website and if pretty cottages, lush scenery, fireside chats and tasty, unpretentious food is what you like, Sonapani is for you. There are 12 cottages, orchards and gardens. Location: 69km from Kathgodam. Contact: 9810633350, 9810881491, www.himalayanvillage.com
Ambiya Himalayan Paradise: For a concise, pithy, entirely accurate summing up of the Ambiya Himalayan Paradise’s charms, it’s hard to better the hunting lodge’s own website— www.bestkodiyahimalayanretreat.org. Situated in Kodiya near Chamba, in one of Garhwal’s oldest pine forests, the retreat is a restored Raj-era bungalow. But Ambiya is about seclusion, not luxury. The bathrooms are basic and there’s no electricity; so forget TV, pack some books instead. Location: Chamba is 85km from Rishikesh; Kodiya is 18km further. Contact: 0135-2435558
Gurkha Houseboats: If you’re holidaying in Kashmir, treat yourself to a houseboat stay. What could be more elegant than living on a deep blue lake in the shadow of mountains? Welcomgroup’s six tastefully appointed houseboats date back to the late 1800s. The boats on Nagin lake are more secluded, and therefore quieter, than the hundreds moored between Dal Gate and Nehru Park. Location: 23km from Srinagar airport. Contact: 011-26266650-5, www.welcomheritage.com
Norbulingka: The Norbulingka Institute outside Dharamsala is dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and contains an academy, a literary research centre, arts centre, temple, museum, a café and restaurant, and several rooms at the Norling Guesthouse. There are eight doubles and two suites and much of the artwork is original and furniture handmade. For a small fee, you can hire a young monk as a guide. Location: Sidhpur, 16km from Dharamsala. Contact: 01892-246402, 246405, www.norbulingka.org