North India’s Coolest Homes for Large Family Gatherings or Corporate Retreats

Spending time together, whether at a family reunion, a big wedding, or a work retreat, helps to strengthen the bonds in relationships. Vacation rentals provide a comprehensive experience for big groups by offering amenities such as relaxing on a property with an expansive deck and pool, gazing at the stars in a jacuzzi, or eating chef-prepared meals over a campfire. Here is a list of North India’s coolest homes for your next celebration, gathering or corporate retreat. Residences range from casual and opulent to classic and modern. However, the experience at any of these homestays is fantastic in terms of facilities and offers a sense of relaxation to the visitors.


SaffronStays Persimmon House, Raison, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays Persimmon House, Raison is a 4-bedroom, two-storey luxury homestay in Himachal Pradesh, with many persimmon fruit trees on the property. This property is located near Manali, an hour’s drive from Bhuntar. This vacation rental is ideal for large families or groups of friends. The beautiful lawn of the property is perfect for holding BBQ sessions or a small corporate party. The patio on the ground floor and the balcony on the first floor are ideal for taking in the breathtaking valley and mountain views. For bonding, the group can also go for a short nature walk on the neighbouring trail at sunrise while adventure seekers can enjoy a scenic paragliding experience near the home.


SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali, Himachal Pradesh


SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali is the perfect mix of modern, vintage and beautiful. The home is very well equipped with everything you need for a vacation with a large group. The acres of lovely green lawns, teakwood and walnut wood furniture, and sit-out balconies are all great aspects that add to this home’s beauty. With 6 bedrooms, 6 ensuite bathrooms, and an outdoor fireplace, this private cottage near Manali market is perfect for a retreat or a fun experience with family and friends.

The house’s front door is noteworthy as it is said to be the tallest main door in Manali. To enjoy the property, spend a quiet evening with your group, play soft music on the music system and relish some delicious barbecue prepared by the chef.


SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali, perched on a hilltop, is only 15 minutes from the main Manali Market. In the middle of beautiful green mountains, it is a wonderful setting to spend time with your loved ones. The holiday home is a 6-bedroom homestay with fully furnished rooms, wooden and stone architecture, and modern facilities. The stunningly constructed living area, which is completed with a balcony and outdoor seats, offers breathtaking views of the hills. The villa comfortably sleeps 15-18 guests. A gazebo on the lawn is also available for those evenings with a campfire and chef-prepared dishes. Hike to Jogni Falls if you’re looking for some excitement. If you’re travelling with a large party, SaffronStays The Amlyn (Duplex Suite), Manali and SaffronStays The Amlyn (Couple Suites), Manali can be booked together.


SaffronStays The Mont Arcadia, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays The Mont Arcadia, Manali is a stunning home option. It is a 4-bedroom wooden chalet hidden in the Manali highlands. This homestay in manali is excellent for big families or business getaways, as snow-capped mountains surround it in the winter and green plains in the summer. Every room in the mansion has breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Hampta. Wake up with a cup of tea and a view of the beautiful hills. For entertaining evenings, the large group can play games in the yard or gather around the campfire, telling tales or singing Bollywood songs.


SaffronStays Grandview Haven, Barog, Himachal Pradesh

Are you looking for a peaceful location to host your family reunion? One such area that isn’t commercialised and isn’t constantly crowded is Barog in Himachal Pradesh. For a small gathering of 8–9 people, SaffronStays Grandview Haven, Barog, a private 3-bedroom homestay near Shimla, that welcomes pets, provides the perfect setting. A sizable living room welcomes you as you enter the villa, where the party can be held. If you prefer the outdoors, your loved ones will be closer together to watch the breathtaking sunset over the mountains on the lush lawn with a spectacular valley view. You can set up a BBQ and a bonfire, and have music arrangements later in the evening. Dolanji Bon Monastery is an hour away from the vacation rental if you prefer sightseeing.


SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

This two-storey home features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, making it ideal for a big family or a corporate team. SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali is an hour’s drive from Bhuntar Airport and is surrounded by deep forest and Himalayan mountains. The home’s most notable features are its apple orchard, natural water spring, and a book café outside the living room. For enjoyment, the caretaker can light a bonfire in the garden, and the in-house chef can cook a great feast for the gathering. Don’t forget to try the original ‘pahadi’ cuisine, which includes Dham, Sidus and sweet Gichas made with locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, your four-legged companions are also welcome in this cottage.


SaffronStays Hardy’s Hideaway, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

SaffronStays Hardy’s Hideaway, Shimla is a classic ‘pahadi’ mansion that can comfortably accommodate 2-3 families in its ancestral 4-bedroom abode. The property is located three hours from Shimla Airport and above Shimla’s hills, surrounded by beautiful orchard views. This property is ideal if you want to get away from monotonous city life. The homestay in Shimla is also excellent for a corporate retreat because the Wi-Fi connection throughout the residence will keep your work uninterrupted. In the evening, the team can unwind as the in-house chef prepares excellent mud oven pizzas for the evening celebration. End the day with dancing and singing songs on the karaoke machine.


SaffronStays Fourest, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

SaffronStays Fourest consists of eight stylish and exquisite individual cottages, namely SaffronStays Fourest (L-Shaped Chalets), SaffronStays Fourest (Stargazer Chalets), SaffronStays Fourest (Forest-View Chalets) and SaffronStays Fourest (A-Shaped Chalets). All the cottages are in the same region in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, nestled in a deep forest with endless beauty. These chalets welcome pets and are spacious enough for a large family gathering or corporate occasion. The in-house chef will make meals using mud stoves to offer you a taste of Kumaon cuisine.


SaffronStays Glasshouse Celeste, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand


SaffronStays Glasshouse Celeste, Ranikhet is an eco-friendly luxury glasshouse which is solar-powered and contains a 56,000-gallon rainwater harvesting tank. The stunning homestay in Uttarakhand provides unobstructed views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is located in the lovely village of Ranikhet, close to Nainital. The property includes three bedrooms, all of which have ensuite bathrooms. The rooms are ultra-luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, marble bathtubs, and radiant skylights. The in-house chef can prepare a feast for the group, complete with tandoori delicacies. If you’re searching for something more, try a yoga class, spend some time in the glass steam room, or pick fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden.


SaffronStays Kenny’s Kove, Nainital

SaffronStays Kenny’s Kove is a nature lover’s paradise overlooking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and 360-degree views of the lush-green valley! The fully-staffed 4-bedroom private homestay in Nainital is the perfect haven for large groups to enjoy a tranquil retreat and indulge in adventurous activities such as treks, outdoor games, yoga on the lawn or simply unwind in the private balconies, cosy up with a book and repose in the comfy bedrooms. Adding to the charm of the stay will be the staff onsite who prepare home-fresh pahadi delicacies that soothe your soul.
Not only is the home a majestic marvel in itself, but so is the location! The quaint town is a home to beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, adventure sports and stargazing spots.


SaffronStays Doon Hideout, Dehradun

Like the name suggests, the 4-bedroom pool cottage is a hidden gem in Dehra-doon (pun intended) covered by the shingled slant roof and overarching trees. Located on the ground level, it’s the ideal ‘do-nothing’ vacation home for families with grandparents, friends or even kids. From making a splash in the pool, enjoying bonfire nights and board games, gorging on home-fresh meals to frolicking on the lawn and unwinding to the serenity around, the homestay in Dehradun truly leaves you spoilt for choice!


When choosing a place for large family gatherings or business retreats, there are several things to take into account. You want the visitors to cherish the occasion and have fun. SaffronStays homestays near Delhi & Chandigarh are always a good choice. The meals cooked by the in-house chef and the modern conveniences add to the group’s enjoyment.

Need some more options? Click on the link below to plan your next company retreat with SaffronStays: SaffronStays For Corporates

Places to Visit in Manali in December 2022

A haven to backpackers and trekkers, Manali is one of the popular resort towns in Himachal Pradesh, perched on a high altitude, along Beas river. It also serves as a starting point for those interested in exploring the Solang Valley, which is home to various exciting winter and summer activities. The town has everything a traveller might desire, whether looking for a spiritual experience, an exciting adventure, or a close encounter with the local flora and fauna. Your vacation in Manali will be unforgettable if you book a room at one of the city’s top luxury homestays, such as SaffronStays Amlyn, Manali, SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali and SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali, amongst many others. The following are the top 10 places to visit in Manali, all of which belong on the bucket list of any visitor planning a trip to this beautiful city.


  1. Solang Valley

Attracting visitors in the winter for its snow and in the summer for its adventure activities, you can find Solang Valley just 30 minutes from Manali. Skiing and snowboarding are offered there from January to March, and a gondola transports guests to the slopes. Soon after the snow melts, paragliding becomes a common sport.

In addition, many tourists to Solang Valley skip the thrills in favour of learning about the local culture at the Shiva temple perched above the settlement. Riding a pony up to it is feasible if you do not wish to walk. Accommodations like SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali will help you experience this beauty of Manali.


  1. Rohtang Pass

The tourist attraction links the Kullu Valley to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh and is located around two to three hours’ drive from Manali town. The snow is the primary draw in Rohtang Pass, especially when it has already melted away in other locations. As you reach Rohtang Pass, there are a plethora of snowsports to partake in. Beas Kund, a temple in the shape of an igloo at the peak of Rohtang Pass, is located next to the spring from which the Beas River flows.


  1. Jogini Falls

One of the most recognisable features of Manali is this waterfall, which drops from a height of 160 feet. The tranquilly and verdant foliage of the area around the falls only serves to enhance their natural beauty.

Visitors like sitting here, surrounded by water, sipping tea and snacking on Maggi from one of the many surrounding eateries. The hike itself is almost as popular as seeing the waterfall. It passes stunning Rohtang landscapes, including mountain peaks, meadows and streams. SaffronStays Amlyn, Manali gives you easy access to Jogini Falls and Anumaya.


  1. Old Manali

Old Manali, a quiet area perched high above the turmoil of Manali town, is known for its quaint wooden houses and friendly locals. The road in Old Manali is lined with guesthouses, cafés and small stores, making it a great place to kick back, relax and observe nature. In the centre is the Manu temple, devoted to the Hindu philosopher Manu, the first man God created. The panoramas make the difficult but beautiful climb up to the lookout point more worthwhile.


  1. Hadimba Temple

This historic temple dates back to the 15th century and is the main draw for visitors visiting Manali. Hadimba, the Goddess, was Bheem’s wife. Hence the temple is named after her. Locals visit and pay their respects at this amazing pagoda-style temple on a rock, which features a cone-shaped roof and intricately carved walls and doors.

It’s a haven of peace amidst stunning natural scenery, protected by a thicket of cedar trees and views of towering snow-capped mountains in the distance. In addition, a spectacular three-day temple festival is held here annually in the middle of May, drawing visitors from around the region.


  1. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary

When in Manali, you must visit this sanctuary to witness the local mountain and its surrounding flora and fauna.

Some of the animals and birds you could see are the Himalayan black bear, Chakor, snow pigeons, treecreepers and barking deer, all of which make their home in this protected section of the northwest Himalayan biogeographic zone. Forests of poplar, deodar, willow, horse chestnut and flaming crimson rhododendron add to the charm of this haven. The sanctuary is located on the picturesque Manalsu Nullah bank, with towering peaks in the distance, making it one of Manali’s must-see attractions.


  1. Vashisht

The hot springs are a popular tourist attraction in Manali because they are housed on the grounds of the 4000-year-old shrine of Vashisht, the Kulguru of Lord Ram. Both residents and visitors revere the springs for their purported medical capabilities. These properties are attributed to the presence of compounds such as lithium, calcium, etc., which are supposed to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

An extended swim in the spring’s soothing waters has a calming effect. The springs are accessible by men and women, although they must use different entrances.


  1. Mall Road

Most tourists in Manali can be counted on to make a stop at this beautiful market on their itinerary. A visit to this area, lined with hundreds of stores, is essential for sampling regional specialities and taking in the region’s sights and sounds. Tourists may find various lodging options, including excellent cafés and German bakeries, gift shops, bookstores, local restaurants and shops offering Tibetan handicrafts.

After a long shopping day, relax on one of the many available benches and take in the surrounding environment. If you’re looking for funky clothes and jewellery, you shouldn’t miss the Snow Lion Underground Market, Hong Kong Market and Dragon Shopping Complex. SaffronStays Monarch Manor, Manali is one of the best homes that you can easily find near the Manali Market.


  1. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art

To preserve and display Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, this museum first opened its doors in 1998. Just a short walk away is Manali’s revered Hadimba Devi Temple. The museum is home to an astounding array of artefacts that showcase Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural history. You can find everything from traditional Himachali clothing and housewares to traditional jewellery.

This museum is a must-see in Manali and a great place to begin learning about Himachali culture.


  1. River Beas

Adding to Manali’s already breathtaking scenery is the sacred Himalayan River Beas. The scenery is stunning, with crystal clear streams, snow-capped mountains and dense pine forests.

It is breathtaking to witness the enormous stone boulders placed dangerously amid the swiftly flowing river’s raging waves. Rafting in the Pirdi stretch is a favourite activity for thrill seekers. Instead, you may spend the night at one of the many picturesque campsites dotted along the riverbank. One of Manali’s most scenic spots, you may stroll for miles along the riverbanks.


If you’re looking for a picturesque hill station, go no further than Manali. You should also take advantage of the area’s many adventure activities, scheduling in advance to ensure you don’t miss out during busy times. Book the finest homestays like SaffronStays Mont Arcadia, Manali, SaffronStays Persimmon, Raison and SaffronStays Snowdrop, Raison in and around Manali to enhance your vacation experience.