5 Reasons To Explore Dehradun Through Cottages Instead Of Hotels

SaffronStays Elysian, Dehradun

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

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 

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

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 

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

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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8 Charming Spots To Enjoy The Ultimate Hillside Cafe Experience

Holidays in the mountains are just out of the ordinary. Chilly winds, snowy mountains and mesmerizing valleys have a singular beauty of their own. But these chilly winds are much better appreciated with a hot cup of tea. The hilly landscapes feel all the more beautiful while relishing zesty momos. Steaming soupy noodles make you truly enjoy the local views. Here are ten hill station cafes in North India that should be on your bucket list!


1. ChirpingTales Cafe and Restaurant, Mukteshwar

Local produce, homegrown vegetables, and self-baked bread make up the delicacies at this enchanting eatery. Imagine soaking in views of snow-capped mountains while a cup of hot chocolate warms you up. While SaffronStays El Sueno is a perfectly dreamy staycation destination in itself, head to this nearby restaurant for some of the best desserts of your life!


2. Seegreen Cafe, Mussoorie

Set apart from the bustle of the main city, this quaint cafe gives you a view of the quiet beauty of the hills. A short drive from SaffronStays Maison Calme, this hidden gem has a serene outdoor seating area that overlooks a sea of trees, an ideal vantage point from where you can relish their warm meals made from locally sourced ingredients. A special mention to their hand-tossed pizza and ginger lemon tea!


3. Chhaya Cafe, Dehradun

Whether you want to unwind with a book amidst the hills or spend a memorable evening with friends, this cafe is the place for you. The astounding views of the valley seen from the bay windows and the terrace make the delicious meals even more satisfying. Watch the city’s lights  come alive as it gets dark at this hill station cafe, and then head to SaffronStays Amaani for a good night’s rest. 


4. Cafe Jungle Valley, Tirthan Valley

For those who love going to places off the beaten track, head to this quirky eatery in the lesser-known parts of Himachal Pradesh. You can enjoy local and standard cuisines, sitting on mattresses under the soft light from rattan lampshades. You can take a long, scenic drive from SaffronStays Tragopan to get here, by which time your heart will be full and your stomach will be rumbling. 


5. Roots, Cafe, Kullu

Staying at warm, homely cabins in the mountains like SaffronStays Snowdrop can be a holiday by itself. But if you do feel like heading out, then take a short drive to Roots, Cafe. At this bistro, you’ll be met by a breath-taking view of Kullu valley and the meandering Beas river. Seat yourself among blue furnishings and bright cushions, as you enjoy their signature trout delicacy right under a gorgeous winter sky!


6. Café de Piccolo, Dehradun

A cute and vibrantly decorated restaurant, Café de Piccolo is the perfect spot for a family dinner. As dusk falls, this dollhouse-like cafe lights up in a show of warmth and welcome. After settling in at a villa like SaffronStays Ghughuti Ku Baasa, you can set off for your first night in the hills with a scrumptious Italian meal at this cafe. Don’t miss out on their Nutella and banana crepe for dessert!


7. First Gear Cafe, Dehradun

Named after the fact that cars must go up the steep slope in first gear to reach this cafe, this hilltop eatery comes with a spellbinding view. This bird’s eye perspective creates one of those few magical holiday moments, made infinitely better by steaming bowls of Maggi and lip-smacking momos. The long but beautiful drive from SaffronStays Elysian is totally worth it!


8. The Lazy Dog, Manali

The vine covered entrance of this hill station cafe looks like a portal to another world. And with its treasure trove of good food, live music and friendly locals, this cafe and bar truly is a traveller’s paradise. The adjacent murmuring river makes for a stunning outdoor view that you’ll want to keep coming back to. If so, choose SaffronStays The Amlyn, which is just a few minutes away! 


A mix of popular tourist spots and offbeat dining rooms, each of these cafes has a charm of its own. After all, holidays in North India are incomplete without a visit to cosy hill station cafes. So, put these in your itinerary and get packing!

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