Think of the winter season and the image of a cosy bed where one can snuggle in with a warm blanket and a hot beverage comes to mind. Sounds like the perfect lazy winter holiday. While we love the cold weather, most of us hardly get to experience the white winters. Time to change that.
This winter, get your perfect white winter experience at these luxury hotels in India that provide some of the best views of the pristine snow-clad Himalayas, with an array of fun winter activities.
JW Marriott Mussoorie
Photo Courtesy: Marriott
Nestled within Mussoorie’s glittering valleys, JW Marriott Mussoorie is the perfect leisure destination with a surreal view. Designed with utmost sophistication, the contemporary rooms are tastefully designed with rich and indulgent furnishings. The hotel’s acclaimed Cedar Spa by L’Occitane is one of the most popular spas in Mussoorie, offering custom treatments that have been inspired by Uttarakhand’s ancient healing techniques. While they offer an extensive menu of services, the expert therapists also provide customised services depending on the needs of each guest. The best part? The rooms look out to expansive views of snow-clad mountains right from the bedroom!
Photo Courtesy: Marriott
How to reach: Flight to Dehradun Airport–cab ride to JW Marriott Mussorie (4h 12m) Book Here
Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels
One of the most exclusive five-star hotels during the British Raj, Oberoi Cecil is the perfect gateway to the majestic Himalayas. The hotel continues to maintain this exclusivity with its colonial charm extending towards its classic and elegant interiors. White walls, rich wooden floors, and glowing fireplaces add to the warm ambience of this heritage hotel. The rooms are all decorated with cavalry and flag designs that pay homage to Shimla’s colonial military history.
Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels
How to reach: Flight to Shimla Airport–cab ride to Oberoi Cecil (4h) Book Here
Rokeby Manor, Mussoorie
Photo Courtesy: Rokeby Manor
Landour is a small cantonment town attached to Mussoorie and is famous for snowy winters. It is also famous as the place of residence of renowned children’s author Ruskin Bond. A heritage building turned hotel, Rokeby Manor was built in 1840 by Captain G.N. Cauthy over here. The hotel displays rustic English character with elaborate brick arches, intricate stone walls and wooden floors. Maintaining its original charm, each residence in the hotel is uniquely designed most even having its original 19th-century decor. Perched 7550 feet above sea level, Rokeby’s elevated outdoor patch ringed by pine trees is a perfect venue for barbecues or get-togethers within small groups. Enjoy a drink at their beautiful bar, while taking in the snowed-in view of the picturesque landscape outside.
Photo Courtesy: Rokeby Manor
How to reach: Flight to Dehradun Airport–private car to Rokeby Manor (2½ h) Book Here
The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar
Photo Courtesy: The Lalit
Formerly the palatial residence of the Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir, it was designed and built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910. The Lalit Grand Palace is a luxurious standing surrounded by the Himalayan ranges, overlooking picturesque Dal Lake. The historic and grand luxury property seamlessly combines 5-star amenities with traditional characteristics. Displaying an old-world charm with a mix of modern and traditional decor, the accommodations are distinguished by antique furnishings and rich and vibrant upholstery.
Photo Courtesy: The Lalit
How to reach: Flight to Srinagar Airport–private car to The Lalit Grand Palace (41m) Book Here
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
Photo Courtesy: Khyber Hotels
Gulmarg is a popular destination during the winters, for those who are interested in skiing. Perched 8,825 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is a world-class ski retreat spread across seven acres of fir laden land. The hotel itself is built in true Kashmiri architectural style, with locally sourced pine and slate with a colonial setting. The interiors of the hotel mirror the exterior in a colonial setting with walnut timber and traditional Kashmiri silk furnishings that feel like absolute royalty. Adventure seekers can choose from a range of thrills available right from skiing down the Kongdoori Mountain to trekking to the Khilanmarg Valley.
Photo Courtesy: Khyber Hotels
How to reach: Flight to Srinagar Airport–private car to The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (1h 48m)Â Book Here
The Kumaon, Binsar
Photo Courtesy: The Kumaon
Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand dynasty rulers in Uttarakhand from the 7th century onwards. Nestled in the heart of the Kumaon hills, it offers the best views of majestic Himalayan peaks from there. A 10-suite retreat in the heart of the Himalayas, The Kumaon offers a private mountain getaway in the shadow of the sacred Nanda Devi Range. The suites are built in pairs, one above the other, across five structures and have a village-like rustic theme resembling a local village. From forest trails to ancient shrines to agriculture walks, Kumaon offers full-day excursions, explorations, as well as personalized itineraries fit for each traveller.
Photo Courtesy: The Kumaon
How to reach: Flight to Pantnagar Airport–private car to The Kumaon (4h 17m) Book Here
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels
The former residence of Lord Kitchener, an erstwhile commander-in-chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall exudes the ambience of a grand stately home. Situated 8,250 ft. above sea level, the property has a colonial charm with teakwood floors and heritage Victorian-style decor. Each comes with a pristine garden, mountain or valley view. There are many activities to partake in, a colonial tour, private dining experiences, mountain biking, and even private yoga sessions. The property is famous for its whirlpool located amidst the coniferous trees.
Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels
How to reach: Flight to Shimla Airport–private car to Wildflower Hall (1h 22m) Book Here
