Itmenaan Estate, Kumaon, Uttarakhand

A 10-acre estate, reached by a 10 minute walk from the road, which encompasses pine, oak and rhododendron trees, terraced fields and a small private perennial natural spring but perhaps even more impressive are the stunning and panoramic views of the Himalayas including the majestic Nanda Devi. The accommodation is in a beautiful 100-year-old traditional Kumaoni stone house which has been painstakingly restored to offer three cosy yet tastefully designed ensuite bedrooms. In and around the house are abundant places for you to unwind and relax - the courtyard overlooking the mountains, the semi open-air dining area, numerous nooks and corners perfect for lazing, reading or contemplation. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Then it is possible to partake in farming, gardening and bee keeping activities. There are also leisurely walks (hills included) or challenge yourself on some of the trekking trails and enjoy sumptuous picnic hampers that accompany your explorations. The cuisine is local, North Indian and continental prepared using fresh produce from the estate gardens or sourced locally. This area is unspoilt by tourism, is one of the most pristine areas of India that we have visited and if getting away from it all, or wonderful trekking in a rarely explored destination is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.