A luxurious vacation in the hills is something we all desire. Just spending a few days in the lap of luxury and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views can cheer a person up. But planning such an indulgent holiday can be difficult as most luxury hill resorts in India can be expensive. We are here to make things easy for you. Here are the best luxury hill resorts in India that are affordable too! You don’t need to burn a hole through your pocket to get the luxurious hill vacation of your dreams.
India is filled with beautiful and undulating mountains! Home to Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, the country is filled with serene mountain ranges in all corners. Indians thoroughly enjoy a vacation in the mountains and love to plan a trip to the hills whenever possible. Just the thought of being embraced by breathtaking mountain views, clean air and nature relaxes the mind. The mountains are where people like to head when they wish to escape the mundane cycle of daily life. Hence, whenever we get time for a vacation, simply to take a break from work, we run away to the mountains.
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With the hills being one of the favourite destinations for a vacation, many exciting resorts have come up in the mountains. Each and every one of these resorts are offering world-class luxury. However, not everybody can afford to holiday in such luxury hill resorts. Or can we? If you have been wishing to have a vacation at a luxury resort in the mountains under a budget, then this travel guide will definitely help you. This is a list of some of the best hill resorts in India that are affordable as well. Plan your next vacation filled with luxury without worrying about the cost!
Here are 10 affordable luxury hill resorts in India:
Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla has now become a favourite hill station for a relaxing getaway. Wildflower Hall is nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Shimla and is a luxurious resort by the Oberoi Group. This colonial heritage property has a lot of history as it is built on the former residence of Lord Kitchener, once the commander in chief of the British army. Even the resort’s suite is named after him! The 5-star property has beautiful rooms with mountain views.
Address: Charabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012
Nearby attractions: The city of Shimla is just 10 kilometres away, you can drive down and explore the city.
Experiences: Learn more about the property by taking the colonial heritage tour. The resort also offers activities like mountain biking, tennis, picnic and yoga.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport
Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Booking.com: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.8/5
Image Credit: oberoihotels.com
Also known as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh’s beauty is world-famous! The Grand Dragon is one of the first 5-star hotels in Leh Ladakh and it is run by a native family. The resort represents the culture of Ladakh , decorated with paintings by the first modern artist of Ladakh – Gulam Mustafa. The rooms are adorned with teak wood cornices and flooring, Ladakhi ceilings, intricate furnishings with ‘koshen’ motif and artistic walls depicting the authentic jewellery of the region.
Address: P. Namgyal Road Sheynam, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ladakh 194101
Attractions nearby: The resort is in the city, allowing you the explore Leh. Visit the Pangong-Tso Lake, drive to Khardung La Pass or hike the Chadar trek.
Experiences: The resort holds yoga and meditation classes. They also organise barbecues, bonfires, film screens and art exhibitions representing the local art.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Booking.com: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.6/5
Image Credit:thegranddragonladakh.com
Image Credit: thegranddragonladakh.com
Mashobra is a charming little town on a hill in Shimla and it is filled with lush forests and bubbling. juSTa Cliffend is a resort and spa that is surrounded by Mashobra’s greenery, providing a relaxing and luxurious escape. The resort has 28 luxurious rooms that are fitted with modern-day amenities. The private escape has a choice of activities for people to enjoy, ranging from a spa, heated swimming pool and more. In winter, the property is enveloped in soft snow, giving the ideal snowy escape!
Address: Baldeyan-Seri, Road, Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh 171007
Nearby attractions: Mashobra is around 10 kilometres away from Shimla. You can check out the Lakkar Bazaar near The Ridge in Shimla or enjoy river rafting at the Tattapani river.
Experiences: The resort offers a game room, a heated infinity pool, a bonfire dinner and a kids’ activity zone.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport
Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Booking.com: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
Image Credit: justahotels.com
Image Credits: justahotels.com
Gagar is a picturesque hamlet situated atop of the Himalayan foothill. Near Ramgarh in Uttarakhand, this boutique cottage is a cosy getaway for a slow holiday. With just two rooms in the cottage, the White Peak gives the privacy and comfort of home along with a view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The food served at the cottage is completely organic and locally sourced ingredients. It is also pet-friendly, making it the ideal escape to take with your furry family members. You can rent the entire cottage for yourself.
Address: CG8V+7VX, Gagar, Uttarakhand 263132
Attractions nearby: Nainital, Naukuchiyatal and Mukteshwar are all close by and you can visit them for a fun day trip.
Experiences: The resort has an adorable in-house pet to keep you company. It also has many scenic walking trails and forest hikes nearby.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda: 3.5/5
Image Credit: thewhitepeaks.com
Image Credit: thewhitepeaks.com
Tucked away in Kumaon hill, Khali Estate is located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Also known as Mountain Resort, the destination has a bungalow and small cottages, giving you a variety of exciting rooms to choose from for your mountain escape! The resort is sprawled across a 25-acre of forest along with a badminton court and a small playground for children. Bonfires are arranged in the evening and is accompanied by folk songs.
Address: Mountain Resort, Khali Estate, P.O.Ayarpani, Almora, Uttarakhand, Pin- 263601
Attractions nearby: You can learn more about wildlife at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary or explore history by checking out the Lakhudiyar Cave.
Experiences: It has a badminton court and a small playground.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar airport
Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.7/5
Image Credit: makemytrip.com
Image Credits: makemytrip.com
About thirty minutes away from Mussorie, Landour is another British-raj era hill station that offers a serene escape that is drivable from Delhi. Rokeby Manor is a heritage property in the hills of Landour is a Country Estate Hotel that has been restored to its original 19th-century décor. It holds value in the history of Landour. The Manor is over 175 years old, withstanding the sands of time and history. The resort’s aesthetic is credited to the intricately worked stonewalls, brick arches and alcoves along with the breathtaking views of the doon valley and Himalayas you can enjoy from the property.
Address: Cantt, Rajmandi, Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179
Attractions Nearby: You can visit Kellogg’s Memorial Church, Landour Language School, Landour Bakehouse and Char Dukaan.
Experiences: The resort has an outdoor jacuzzi and a spa.
How To Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Train Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor:4.5
Booking.com: 4/5
MakeMyTrip:4.4/5
Image Credit: rokebymanor.com
Image Credit: rokebymanor.com
Pahalgam, a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its scenic natural beauty! The Lidder river runs through Pahalgam, giving it the filmy setting of 1980s Bollywood. The Welcomhotel is perched atop Rajwas plateau, overlooking the Lidder river. This luxury resort is by ITC Hotels and offers different kinds of accommodations ranging from rooms, cottages and suites. The ambience takes inspiration from classic Kashmiri houses with wooden flooring and Kashmiri décor. The hotel gives a view of snow-capped mountains along with the Pahalgam valley.
Address: Aru Road, Near Amusement Park, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir- 192126, India
Attractions nearby: You can visit the holy cave of Amarnath, Betaab Valley, Pahalgam Golf Course, Kolahoi glacier or Mamal Temple.
Experiences: The resort has a spa, gym, sauna, game room, billiard room and skiing facilities.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Booking.com: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.3/5
Image Credit: WelcomeHotel by ITC Hotel
Image Credit: WelcomHotel
Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is a dreamy hill station with charming villages, hidden waterfalls and surreal lakes. The Vayu Retreat is a cosy mountain home that focuses on catering a relaxing vacation away from the hustle-bustle of city life. This home away from home has five bedrooms and six baths, and you can rent the entire luxury villa for a private and cosy stay.
Address: FJC6+RJ5, Village – Myora, P.O, Nathuakhan, Uttarakhand 263158
Attractions nearby: You can visit Nainital, Ranikhet, Mukteshwar and Almora from here.
Experiences: This private resort organised bonfire evening for you to enjoy and all your meals are included in the stay as well.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Ratings:
Booking.com: 4/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
Image Credit: booking.com
Image Credit: booking.com
With the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling was also once a summer resort of the British Raj. This quaint little town is a popular tourist attraction in West Bengal and makes for a great summer escape even today! The Elgin was once the summer residence of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, now it is a luxury heritage hotel. It was built in 1887 around a beautiful garden and the hotel has been refurbished to restore its former grandeur. The heritage property is decked with period Burma teak furniture, oak floorboards, and fireplaces along with beautiful etchings and lithographs.
Address: 18, HD Lama Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Attractions nearby: You can learn rock climbing at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Explore the wildlife at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park where you can spot a red panda. You can also see the Kalimpong Monastery.
Experiences: The resort has a games room, spa, steam and sauna along with a jacuzzi.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Train Station: Darjeeling Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Booking.com: 4/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.1/5
Image Credit: tripadvisor.com
Another beautiful resort in Kumaon hills, Vatsyayana is a boutique resort snuggled in the foothill of the Himalayas. Located 40 kilometres away from Jim Corbett National Park, this romantic resort is amidst evergreen forests and offers a 180-degree view of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Vatsyayana has four types of luxury rooms, each decorated to give a cosy and aesthetic feeling.
Address: Village Dudhodi, Tehsil Sult, Manila Range, Uttarakhand – 263661, INDIA
Attractions nearby: You can explore the local culture and history by visiting Manila Devi and Ma Kalinka Temple. You can also experience the wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park and hopefully spot a tiger too!
Experiences: The resort has a pool, a private theatre, a spa, a games room, an organic garden and a romantic garden.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Train Station: Ramnagar Railway Station
Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.7/5
Image Credits: vatsyayanaresorts.com
Hero and feature image credits: courtesy of danfador from pixabay
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Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
