Hands down, the best start to 2018 was knowing that the year has a whopping total of 15 long weekends. For an avid traveller like me, these long weekends are golden tickets to visiting places I haven’t explored before. And with the Good Friday holiday bringing the travel flutter back to my stomach, I can barely contain my excitement of leaving the city behind. This time, though, my plan is to find a quaint small town and relax in a cosy cottage nestled in the woods for Easter.
If your soul is craving clean air, scenic views and scented forests, too, then look no further than this list of fantastic homes you can escape to this upcoming (and much deserved) long weekend while sending Easter wishes to your friends.
1. Cedar Lodge, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
You can have a peaceful end to a hectic week at this picturesque lodge in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas near a charming village. Set amidst a tea garden with the forest as its backdrop, the Cedar Lodge is the perfect hideaway for city-dwellers looking for a time-out.
Cost: Rs 6,974 per night
2. Nimmu House, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
With four bedrooms, five tents, a dining space, a library and a living room, Nimmu House has been converted into a heritage project to preserve the local culture and architecture and create an authentic Ladakhi experience for travellers. Plan a getaway with a group of friends or bring your family here to enjoy a simpler way of living.
Cost: Rs 10,400 – Rs 12,500 per night
3. Charming Cottage in Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Take some time off to make a trip to this sunkissed retreat in Mussoorie. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush greenery around you and the nights cosying up with a book. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
Cost: Rs 14,990 per night
4. Bhainsrorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
The spacious suites of the palace open up to wide verandas and overlook River Chambal. Visit the 9th Century Baroli temples, have picnics on a nearby island, go for river safaris in country-made hand-rowed boats, and enjoy the sunset drives into rural settlements—all a part of the evergreen Rajasthani charm!
Cost: Rs 13,550 – Rs 17,800 per night
5. Tridib, Mulshi, Maharashtra
Located within the eco-tourism hotspot in the district of Pune, this quaint home lies amidst lush greenery, with a bubbling brook nearby that transforms into a waterfall during the monsoons. Crafted using exposed brick and rough stone, the structure follows the practices of organic architecture. This is a dream home for the perfect weekend getaway!
Cost: Rs 14,160 per night
6. Mistletoe Homestay, Munnar, Kerala
Overlooking the magnificent Kanan Devan Hills of Munnar, the Mistletoe Homestay is a quaint spot for nature lovers who would love to live tucked away from the commercial spots of the area. From waking up to the misty view of the hills to enjoying a walk in the spice plantations, this home is a real treat for guests.
Cost: Rs 4,231 per night
7. Calamondinn Bungalow, Coorg, Karnataka
Built in the 1890’s, this 6,000-square-foot colonial bungalow is located amidst endless coffee plantations and forests of Coorg. Nestled in South Coorg bordering Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, the estate has well-appointed bedrooms with all creature comforts. Here, you can go on a walking trail to explore the coffee plantations of Coorg.
Cost: Rs 12,980 per night
8. Peepal Kothi, Haryana
Two large cottages and one cottage with three bedrooms, Peepal Kothi is ideal for short family outings, overnights or even a long weekend escape with friends and colleagues. With spacious verandahs and home cooked meals, this holiday home are a lovely way to spend some days relaxing and rejuvenating.
Cost: Rs 11,000 – Rs 39,000 per night
9. The English Cottage, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Trust the English Cottage to be the right kind of cosy and warm in winters, but airy and cool in summers, making it the must-stay-in residence for travellers around the country. With majestic views of the Kanchenjunga around you and a sky deck to marvel at the beauty of nature, this comfortable home can be your next destination for the coming weekend!
Cost: Rs 4,492
10. Terra Bonita, Goa
In the heart of Calangute, Terra Bonita is the perfect mix of charming Goan architecture and modern comforts. The property is aesthetically designed with an old-world-meets-modern-life vibe. All major attractions of Calangute are within a kilometre, so you know you can party hard, all night long!
Cost: Rs 17,169 per night
Happy trails to you!
