Homestays in Manali – What's Next?

Nestled amidst the stunning mountains, Manali is one of the most famous hill stations filled with the abundance of beauty. This picturesque location provides everything a vacationer might want, including the stunning Pir Panjal mountains, the lovely Beas river, spectacular waterfalls, adventure sports, and much more. Visiting this charming hill station during the winter will undoubtedly be worthwhile with the snow blanketed all over. Apart from being a beautiful vacation spot, winter getaways in Manali offers a chance to the visitors to experience adventure and thrill by going for different winter sports. Going for these adventurous sports will surely be worth it for adrenaline junkies.

Winter Getaways In Manali — Picture Source: Google

To enjoy the best of Manali during winters with snow spread everywhere, SaffronStays private villas & homestays will be a great option for you. These villas offer top quality accommodation along with a wider range of facilities and services for comfort as well as entertainment. Here you can sit back and relax while enjoying the lovely views of snow capped mountains.

Paragliding

Manali provides the perfect weather for paragliding where you can fly high in the blue sky while enjoying the lovely views of mountains covered in snow. Gliding down from the hilltop peaks will surely be a once in a lifetime experience. Medium flights can last for 15 minutes and longer flights anywhere between 40 minutes to 1 hour.

SaffronStays Persimmon House, Manali is a 4-bedroom villa which is located close to the paragliding spot. The villa is named after the Persimmon fruit trees which can be found in the surrounding area. It can be a great party or celebration spot with a beautiful open lawn offering stunning valley views and gorgeous mountainscapes.

Skiing

Manali provides some of the best conditions for skiing in the country and one can see several skiing enthusiasts enjoying the sport during the months of December and January. Slopes of the mountain provide the ideal path to enjoy this fun filled and thrilling adventure ride. Rohtang, Solang Valley, Marhi, Gulaba and Dhundi are some of the best places for skiing near Manali. Also amateurs can learn skiing in the best possible way with the help of professionals.

Couples, families and large groups looking for a place to stay in Manali can head to SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali: a 5-bedroom Signature homestay near Solang valley. The lush green lawn provides the ideal setting to enjoy a picnic and play badminton with your loved ones. Having a cup of tea or coffee while gazing at the beautiful mountain and valley sights sets the evening mood just right. Enjoy delicious local and mughlai cuisines prepared by the in-house chef.

Biking

Riding a bike in the mountainous terrain of Manali is the perfect way to enjoy a thrilling experience for adrenaline junkies. Mountain biking is common in Manali as it is very robust and fun. Biking through the rugged tracks of Manali hills requires the experience and skill of handling the bicycle properly. Some of the best biking tracks include Umlingla Pass, Naggar and Solang Valley.

Close to these bucket-list worthy biking tracks and Manali market is SaffronStays Monarch Manor: a luxurious homestay in Manali offering accommodation for couples, families & large groups. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful forests the villa is the perfect place to have a relaxing time and enjoy cosy celebrations. The best way to spend time with your loved ones will be to go for games such as cricket, football or badminton.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding, which is akin to skiing, is one of the best adventure sports to try in Manali if you want to get out of your comfort zone. The spectacular sport that takes place on higher and steeper hills is best enjoyed in January.

Hiking

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Manali is to go hiking through snow-capped mountains. Hiking through the mountainous terrain of Manali is also perfect for those who seek seclusion and peace. Some of the best hiking trails near Manali are Pin Parvati Pass and Great Himalayan National Park. It can be perfect for having fun with friends and testing your fitness level. These adventure trails along with other activities are offered at SaffronStays Hillstation Over Tirthan Valley, a 2-bedroom luxury homestay next to the UNESCO-awarded heritage site (GHNP), overlooking the best views of the Himalayas.

River crossing

River crossing is among the most exciting activities to do in Manali where you can test your fears and limits. River crossing is one of the most common thrilling activities to go for as there are several water streams amidst the hills of Manali. River crossing can be challenging because the individual must cross the river while hanging from a rope, which needs a high level of fitness.

SaffronStays The Mont Arcadia, Manali, a 4-bedroom private homestay near the famous Beas river, is an ideal accommodation for the best river crossing experience. Every room in the villa is equipped with modern amenities and has a balcony with unobstructed views of the Pir Panjal mountains. Go to the gaming area for some entertainment, where you may play board games such as carrom, chess, and ludo. Bonfire night with soothing music can be the best way to spend precious time with your loved ones.

Manali, located on the snowy hilltops, has a lot to offer, including breathtaking views, delectable cuisines, and scattered local markets across the town; all of this while nature is at its best. The town is definitely a great place to spend winter vacations and have some great memories with family and friends.

While picking your accommodation, one can opt for the handpicked collection of homestays by SaffronStays that cater to everything you need. Some of the other top places to stay in Manali include SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali and SaffronStays Snowdrop, Manali.

By Alaric Moras & Sarita Santoshini

Life in Delhi can be tough. And with the Himalayas just a short drive away and the many pristine hill towns, lakes and valleys to explore, the wait for a weekend can get really tiring. It is only fair that you spend the weekdays planning your next mountain escape. SaffronStays gives you 12 Cottages, Homestays and Guest Houses that lie a drive away from Delhi and make for the perfect weekend getaway to reflect, rejuvenate and recoup.

(Go ahead, bookmark it already!)

#1: A Beautiful Holiday Home overlooking Naukuchiatal Lake, Uttarakhand

If you’re one for scenic mountain lakes, then this is the perfect stay option for you. The Holiday home lies 15 minutes away from Bhimtal and a short hike away from the serene Naukuchiatal Lake. There are three well designed rooms which come with bay windows overlooking the lakes. There’s a living room to lounge in, a dining hall where you can tuck into delicious local meals, and outdoor seating space where you can soak up nature at leisure.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#2. Luxurious mansion in the hamlet of Bhowali in Nainital, Uttarakhand

This luxurious mansion is a labour of love and it’s evident in the architecture, the interiors and the gardens. Built mostly by local craftsmen, the property achieves a unique character that seamlessly meshes a traditional country style with modern comfort – drawing its inspiration from the past, living in the present, and looking into the future. In the hosts’ own words, “We created this place to be, to pause and to reflect, to meditate, to remember and to forget, and to bring back the balance in our lives that is all too lost. It is often described as a place with soul, and with a spiritual, meditative quality – we believe this quality comes from the ancient temple that exists under a large oak tree on the premises, dedicated to the Earth God.” Need we say more?

Click here to learn more or to book.

#3. Snow-kissed Cottage in the apple town of Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Located in the midst of an apple orchard in Kotgarh, the cottage makes for a quiet and scenic getaway. The rooms are simple but offer breathtaking views of the mountains. The hosts readily organise bonfire nights and orchard tours for no additional charge and also ensure that you have a taste of the local cuisine during your stay. Guests can plan trips to the nearby Saint Mary’s Church and Sadhu Singh Caves or visit Shimla that lies just 75 km away from the cottage.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#4. A Beautiful Cottage in the Himalayan Hamlet of Nathuakhan, Uttarakhand

Securely located atop a small knoll, this little cottage provides a glorious view of the nearby hill ranges, with lush greenery and forest cover on all sides. Pass through a small garden bursting with flowers of all shapes and sizes to the quaint front portico with outdoor seating, perfect for evening tea. For lunch, enjoy traditional vegetarian meals that are home cooked and delicious, making this property your ideal home away from home. A kilometre’s walk from the homestay is the very quaint Nathuakhan Market, from where you get a spectacular view of the Himalayan range in its entirety. End the day with bonfire, barbecue and a few drinks before tucking yourself to sleep in the heated room.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#5. Homestay in the beautiful village of Majkhali in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Tucked away in the beautiful village of Majkhali in Ranikhet, surrounded by lush green forests, chirping birds and a spectacular view of the snowy Himalayan peaks, this homestay has it all. It provides a welcome break from the scorching summers of the plains, and since each floor of the cottage comes with two bedrooms, a lounge area and a kitchen, it is perfect for a groups of friends or a large family. If you’re a nature enthusiast or birder, the nearby pine and deodar forests will keep you enchanted for hours.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#6. Homestay near Valley of Flowers in Joshimath, Uttarakhand

If you plan on spending a few days in a beautiful Himalayan village in Uttarakhand then this is the place for you. A short distance from the famous Valley of Flowers, this homestay is nestled in the beautiful village of Marwari in Joshimath. Each room comes with a private balcony that offers a stunning view of the Himalayas and the sparkling Alaknanda river, far from the distractions of modern life. In addition to the queen sized bed and cosy coffee table with chairs for two, the rooms come with a plush divan. It makes for a perfect base to explore and experience life in the Garhwal region.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#7. Luxury rooms with private balconies in Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh

A great stay option in the apple town of Kotgarh is this cottage that offers a luxury retreat to travellers. Located in a quiet corner overlooking the mountains and the valley, the spacious rooms come with private balconies and outdoor decks where you can enjoy your meals. Here, you can enjoy long strolls and picnics in the orchard in the day and indulge in barbecues and bonfires at night. The tariff includes guided walks through the forests of Saroga and to Tani Jubbar Lake.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#8. A Lavish Cottage in a hilly oak forest near Nainital, Uttarakhand

A few minutes’ walk through a large oak forest, with treetops seeming to reach the sky, will bring you to this lavish hillside cottage; a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Nainital. With its stunning interiors, this homestay is a haven for those of you looking to soak up nature – laze, read, write, practice yoga, indulge in photography or go for long scenic walks through the forest. There are two cosy bedrooms and a common living area which features an antique fireplace, perfect for those chilly winter evenings when the landscape beyond the closed drapes is covered in a thin coat of snow.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#9. Heritage Haveli in Shivalik Hills near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Shivalik Hills near Sirsa river, this beautiful Haveli was built by Raja Joginder Singh of Nalagarh and has now been converted into a homestay by his grandson. There are two spacious suites, complete with a fireplace and seating space, a large garden area and a living room available for guests. Other than the delicious local meals, you can enjoy the famous kiwis and mangoes from the farm. There’s plenty to do here – opt for a Jeep Safari or go for walks in the forest nearby, pay a visit to Rajendra Gardens or the many temples in the area, and take a day trip to Shimla if you like.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#10. A charming room for two in Bipasha Valley near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Located in Bipasha Valley near Manali, this charming cottage lies nestled by apple trees and offers a scenic escape from the chaos of city life. The bedroom comes with a number of windows and a small personal balcony overlooking the hill station of Manali. There is a small garden outside where you can spend time enjoying the view, writing or sipping a cup of hot tea. The friendly hosts also whip up a delicious meal using fresh organic produce from their garden. During your stay, you can go for short treks around the cottage, on a trail leading to the Some River and another to a beautiful waterfall.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#11. Homestay in a quaint Village near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Escape the crowd in Manali by choosing to stay in this lovely homestay in a quaint Village that lies surrounded by green fields, apple orchards, forests and wild vegetation. Enjoy the great view from the comforts of one of the three rooms or place yourself in the garden area or terrace with a hot cup of tea and book. There’s a living room, fireplace and a kitchen that serves out delicious local meals (the Lindi curry is highly recommended) inclusive of the tariff. The property is pet friendly as well so take your pet along to enjoy the hospitality and vistas.

Click here to learn more or to book.

#12. Rustic cottage in the heart of Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Now, this property isn’t in the hills but it’s offbeat and one we would highly recommend. Situated on the banks of the Ramganga River in Corbett National Park, and accessible on foot, it is a stay option for true forest lovers and those that seek the wild in its original, pristine form – away from the crowds, the vehicles and heightened human activity. The cottages here are beautiful and have been constructed with locally sourced clay, savannah thatch and wood inspired by traditional Vangujjar tribal style. While here, soak up the wilderness from your verandas, enjoy some delicious meals, explore the forest on foot, enjoy birdwatching, butterfly spotting, or look for signs of the big ones.

Click here to learn more or to book.

Click here to visit SaffronStays and choose from over a 1000 homestays across India.

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Which of these retreats would you like to getaway to during the coming weekends? Share with us in your comments.

About the authors:

Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog- http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.

Alaric Moras spends most of his time reading, writing and interning with industries that read and write. He aims to become a clinical psychologist, providing therapy and catching Freudian slips during the day, writing and reading through the night. He likes all manner of animals, the smell of books, and the oxford comma.

Tag: Homestays in Manali

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