SaffronStays Elysian, Dehradun

5 Reasons To Explore Dehradun Through Cottages Instead Of Hotels

At the foot of the Himalayas sits a charming city, surrounded by sweeping green forests and a ring of white-tipped mountains — Dehradun. This gorgeous place is a holiday destination in India you just can’t miss! If you’re looking for an authentic experience, if you want to immerse yourself in the city’s local charms and delights, then choose a private villa in Dehradun. Read on to find out exactly how private homestays offer better holidays than hotels!


1. Getting Closer To Dehradun’s Culture

Enjoy royalty at the SaffronStays Amaani, a colonial home that dates back to almost a century

Avoid standard areas of Dehradun packed with touristy hotels and opt for a villa nestled in the quieter parts of Dehradun instead. Staying in more residential areas means you can enjoy the idiosyncrasies of life in Dehradun. The habits and customs of local Dehradunites will unfold before your very eyes. SaffronStays Amaani, for instance, keeps you away from the bustle of the city but closer to local restaurants, shops and charming gullies that are suitable for pleasant evening walks. Dehradun’s natural beauty follows you within the estate as well, where you can enjoy quaint picnics on the wide lawn and stretch out and sleep under the canopy of trees. Meanwhile, the sophisticated staff of this holiday home will guide you on how to best experience Dehradun’s traditions and festivities.


2. Hidden Gems Around The City 

 Enjoy uninterrupted, infinity views of the serene mountains at SaffronStays Ghughuti Ku Baasa

Our villas offer easy access to Dehradun’s top tourist attractions like paragliding and river rafting. But they also introduce you to some lesser-known sights of this hill station, hidden gems where you can see a whole new side of the city. A winding, scenic drive from SaffronStays Ghughuti Ku Baasa can get you to popular tourist spots like Shikhar Falls and Tiger Falls. But the villa is also near some lively Tibetan markets where you can browse through unique handmade arts and crafts. Another offbeat attraction is the opportunity to go camping and stargazing in George Everest Park. The mesmerising pollution-free skies with thousands of twinkling stars make the long drive there totally worth it. These natural marvels of Dehradun will take your vacation to the next level!


3. Local Delicacies For Every Meal

Views of the gorgeous mountains and cascading valley will leave you spellbound at SaffronStays El Sueno, Mukteshwar

Dehradun is a melting pot of North Indian cultures, and this is most evident in the wide range of cuisines available. At private villas in Dehradun and Mukteshwar, our trained chefs drum up meals that reflect this diversity. Every dish represents a different part of the map, and every bite takes you on a journey. Chicken, chole, aloo ke gutke (aloo jeera), and palak paneer will grace your table at villas like SaffronStays El Sueno, Mukteshwar, made in the style of authentic Pahadi meals. Don’t forget to wrap it up with some delicious Jhangoraki kheer or lip-smacking gajar halwa! These home-cooked delicacies are not only an explosion of local flavours but also made from locally sourced ingredients. Something you just won’t find at the repetitive buffets in hotels. Moreover, these home-fresh meals can accommodate any and all diet restrictions or personal preferences. Let the feast begin! 


4. Absolute Comfort To Unwind In 

SaffronStays Elysian has a blend of earthy and modern vibes

The best part of being on holiday is wrapping yourself up in luxurious comforts. Whether that means curling up with a book surrounded by a gorgeous view or enjoying a meal under the stars, homestays are the place for it. Imagine having a living room, lounge area, kitchen and sit-out balcony in addition to your bedrooms. Imagine not having to share it with anyone. Picture an effortless holiday that doesn’t need multiple calls to reception. You get all that and much more at villas like SaffronStays Elysian, an elegant vacation rental in Dehradun with stylish interiors and cosy furnishings. A basement verandah opens up to a spellbinding view of the Himalayas while the lawn beckons you to spend hours playing games with the kids. Need we say more? 


5. More Quality Time With Your Loved Ones

Engage in a fulfilling experience of birdwatching at SaffronStays Maison Calme located right in the middle of Binog Bird Sanctuary

Nothing is as important during a holiday as the memories you take back with you. Hotel rooms can be comfortable, but they don’t offer much in the way of entertainment. Opt for a private villa in Mussoorie instead, where each home is specifically designed to ensure you leave with a boatload of happy memories. Stirring moments like sharing a cup of coffee while watching the sunset over the valley, serene morning walks through the woods amidst chirping birds, and hours of raucous laughter around a bonfire accompanied by some mouth-watering barbecue — these are all family-bonding activities that can be found at villas like SaffronStays Maison Calme. Choose a villa, and we guarantee you will return with lots and lots of new photographs!

With your own personal space, highly trained staff to accommodate all your needs, and five-star level comfort, these private villas in Dehradun offer a much better deal than standard hotels. Why settle for less when you can have a personalised holiday just the way you like it? Browse through our villas and find your perfect fit today!

Looking for more villas in North India? Head this way.


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About Rati Pednekar

Rati Pednekar is a writer based in Mumbai, India. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and works as a freelance writer. Her work has been published in online magazines like Kitaab, Aloka and The Bombay Review. She loves coffee, painting, and stories about everyday life.