High Perch: 7 quaint hotels in the hills to escape to right now

This season, we recommend you take a break from your indoor cooling systems and head to the hills for naturally cool air. Embrace quiet seclusion – browse through our selection of peaceful, cozy lodges in India that will encourage you to pack your bags and commence your vacation right away.

1. Glenburn Tea Eastate, Darjeeling: Owned by the Prakash family of tea planters, the Burra Bungalow is a cute getaway, designed like a typical English home. It has a living room (with a fireplace and library), a grand dining and four differently decorated bedrooms that are comfortable and spacious.

Wesbite: www.glenburnteaestate.com

2. The Machan, Lonavala: An eco-friendly resort, it runs on sustainable resources and offers tree house accommodations. Its various rooms like The Heritage that hangs over the edge of a precipice, Canopy that offers panoramic views of the surroundings, Forest overlooking the verdant woods and Jungle nestled within trees, are all perched 30 to 40 ft above the forest!

Website: www.themachan.com

3. Royal Houseboats, Kashmir: Made entirely out of cedar wood, these float on the Dal Lake, overlooking the true blue waters. Inside them, a corridor, drawing room, dinning room, pantry, two to seven bedrooms with attached bathrooms make this an oasis of comfort.

Website: www.royalhouseboats.com

4. The Ultimate Travelling Camp, Ladakh: This mobile luxury camp in Thiksey and Diskit in Ladakh and Kohima in Nagaland offer triple layered tents that can be temperature controlled. An attached bathroom and in-house chef who uses garden fresh ingredients to prepare regional, Indian and international dishes, makes this place a must visit.

Website: www.tutc.com

5. Windermere Plantation & Retreat, Munnar: Reflecting a homely vibe, it has three kinds of accommodation: Garden rooms facing either the lush greenery inside the property or the valley, Estate rooms inspired by old plantation houses equipped with balconies, Planters with a semi-dining area, sitting room and windows overlooking the mountains.

website: www.windermeremunnar.com

6. 7 Pines, Kasauli: Smart interiors with modern amenities, this mountain hideaway is perfect for those seeking peace. The property has six bedrooms with attached verandas that face the hills and a chef who prepares gourmet meals suited to your tastes.

Website: www.7pines.in

Also read: New Delhi’s boutique hotel Dharampura Haveli is a restoration marvel