This is a rare list of the most unique offbeat resorts, villas and home-stays across India. I have travelled to many of them over the years. The common link to all these is Exotic, Nature and Serenity. So make the most of the long weekends in 2021 and plan your holidays now. Finding a good property is the first big step towards a great holiday.

The Blog Lists

• A Review of all the places I have visited in the last 10 years
• A list of amazing properties that are in my list to visit, segregated by regions – South, North, East & West

A Few Good Places we have visited in the last few years

• Sai Radha Heritage – Near Udupi. A simple, comfortable, affordable  on the beach resort near Udupi. https://vak1969.com/2021/04/15/on-the-beach-homely-resort-sai-radha-heritage-udupi/
• IBNII –  A wonderful Eco Conscious Luxury resort designed beautifully, Coorg,  https://vak1969.com/2020/12/03/ibnii-coorg-a-jewel-in-the-crown/
• Gitanjali – A beautiful homestay in Mysore, that’s the perfect place to explore Mysore or  stopover Enroute to Coorg / Waynad / Ooty / Kabini ….https://vak1969.com/2020/11/30/gitanjali-a-warm-cozy-homestay-mysore/
• Al Sisar Haveli – Jaipur , Treat yourself to the exquisitely indulgent moments and regal charm with the majestic mansion of the Thakurs of Alsisar at Alsisar Haveli- the heritage hotel in Jaipur. https://vak1969.com/2020/03/17/gali-gali-jaipur-exploring-the-heart-of-jaipurin-2-1-2-days/
• Punjabiyat  – A Beautiful homestay in the midst of rural Punjab, Hoshiarpur Near Amritsar – https://vak1969.com/2019/04/11/experience-punjabiyat-the-essence-of-punjab-in-4-days/
• Himalaica – A luxury serene home at 9000 feet near Nainital  – https://vak1969.com/2019/10/09/himalaica-calm-serene-meditative-luxury-home-stay-in-kumaon/
• Kolavara Heritage – A beautiful homestay close to Sringeri & Agumbe, https://vak1969.com/2018/03/05/discovering-kolavara-heritage-and-the-sights-enroute/
• Briar Tea Estates – Tea Bungalows set in the midst of nowhere amidst Tea Gardens at Meghamalai, Valparai & Munnar https://vak1969.com/2019/01/10/offbeat-locations-meghamalai-near-madurai/
• Baevu Village – Experience nature and Village atmosphere at a place that is less than 100 km from Bangalore https://vak1969.com/tag/baevu-village/
• Kurunji – A Lovely British Bungalow Home stay in Kodaikanal – https://vak1969.com/2017/12/07/kurunji-estates-lovely-home-stay-in-kodaikanal/ 
• Mary Budden Estate, The only colonial Bungalow in the heart of Binsar reserve forest (Luxury Homestay) https://vak1969.com/2016/11/25/kumaon-nov-2016-part-1-mary-budden-binsar/
• Dunagiri Retreat – A small rustic homestay far far away in Kumaon, https://vak1969.com/2016/11/26/kumaon-nov-2016-part-2-mystical-dunagiri-full-of-energy/
• Shreyas – Bangalore’s best kept secret, a place for self discovery Shreyas, One of the 12 Luxury Relais & Chateaux properties in India – (http://vak1969.com/2015/07/02/shreyas-retreat-bangalores-best-kept-secret/)
• Enjoy the greenery and sprawling suites at Taj Coorg – https://vak1969.com/2016/10/12/taj-coorg-madikeri-embedded-in-nature/
• A rustic enchanting boutique place by the river, Soulitude by the Riverside – Near Kathgodam http://www.soulitude.in/rustic-soulitude-river/
• Perched at 9500 feet , a small boutique hotel with amazing views of the snow clad mountains, Soulitude in the Himalayas – http://vak1969.com/2014/12/29/himalayan-soulitude-in-december/
• Ananda Spa, Rishikesh – India most well known Luxury Spa  – http://vak1969.com/2014/07/20/anandam-at-ananda/
• A nice small place facing a lake amidst coffee plantations, Flameback – Chickamagalur http://vak1969.com/2014/02/10/flameback-lodges-a-lovely-getaway-in-mudigere-chickamagalur/
• A picture perfect homestay in a coffee estate, Primrose Villa – Chickamagalur http://vak1969.com/2015/09/28/primrose-villa-luxury-homestay-in-chickamagalur/
• A class by itself, Evolve (Orange County) Coorg – http://vak1969.com/2014/05/27/orange-county-coorg/
• A beautiful property on the steep slopes of a hill, Tamara Coorg –  http://vak1969.com/2015/05/18/tamara-coorg-a-critical-appreciation/
• Kovalam, Niramaya Beach Resort, One of the 12 Luxury Relais & Chateaux properties in India, http://vak1969.com/2015/10/20/niraamaya-resorts-a-hidden-jewel-in-kovalam-near-trivandrum/
• A nice farm stay with horse rides and fishing far far away from both at Avalanche, Destiny Farms – http://vak1969.com/tag/destiny-farms/
• A Rustic hill resort, Elephant valley – Kodai, http://vak1969.com/2012/12/30/elephant-valley-kodai/
• Sprawling Suites by the Sea – Dunes, Pondicherry – http://vak1969.com/2012/10/25/2nd-leg-pondicherry-the-amazing-dunes-resort/
• A Cozy retreat by a river and sea, Wild Woods – Near Udupi – http://vak1969.com/tag/wild-woods-spa/
• The Park Hyatt South Goa, Needs no introduction  – http://vak1969.com/2012/11/16/goa-the-park-hyatt-lush-green-luxury/
• A Beautiful nature retreat with a gushing stream, Vythri Wayanad – http://www.vythiriresort.com/wayanad.html
• A hidden beauty, Neeleshwar Hermitage, Kasargod  – http://www.neeleshwarhermitage.com
• Dar Es Salam, Srinagar, perfect Villa on the banks of the Dal lake, http://hoteldaressalam.com, https://vak1969.com/2013/04/16/kashmir-holiday/
• Indecco Swamimalai – The perfect place to stay and explore Kumbakonam, https://vak1969.com/2012/02/17/kumbakonam-tanjore-3-day-trip/

And the places I want to visit … 

South

• Rivemist Resorts, about 70 Km from Chickmagalur near Hornadu is a rare treat in the lush green of W Ghats ~ 4950 feet above MSL. The greatest + of this wonderful nature retreat is the waterfall and the Netravati river that flows through the resort ground – https://rivermistresorts.com
• On the banks of the Kabini, a small boutique resort to experience the beauty of the jungles in African styled tented accommodation, The Bison Resort – https://thebisonresort.com
• The Evolve group is a class beyond compare for luxury & service, Evolve (Orange County) – Kabini
• Among this amalgamation of waterways and forests lies Red Earth Kabini. An unpretentious resort located on the backwaters of the Kabini Dam, Red Earth http://www.redearthkabini.in
• Villa Urvinkhan is a unique concept of creating a luxury resort with the warmth of a home, Chickamagalur –  http://www.villaurvinkhan.com
• A warm and comfortable home stay located in the foothills of Mullayangiri with Fertile stretch of iron enriched soil ideal for coffee cultivation. This house is located in the middle of lush green coffee plantation, Hence the name Thotadhahalli means estate village in kannada.- http://www.thotadahalli.com
• Budget Friendly homestay on the banks of the Bhadra river, Shanti Kunj  – https://shanthikunnj.com
• A Newly opened resort at Chickamagalur, Java Rain resorts http://www.javarainresorts.com
• A scenic beauty by the river, Meriyanda Nature Lodge Coorg – http://www.meriyanda.com
• An authentic Coorg Homestay ,  Gowri Nivas (Luxury Homestay), http://www.gowrinivas.com
• Coorg Wilderness Resort – At Coorg Wilderness Resort we bring you to the very doorstep of nature, offering a rare opportunity to be part of the wild, yet with every possible comfort and luxury. https://www.coorgwildernessresort.in
• Nestled in a lush and thriving coffee plantation, Old Kent Estates takes one back to the period of the British Raj.  and is surrounded by a large English garden and acres of plantation and woodlands – Coorg, www.oldkentestate.com
• On the Vembanad lake, a 2 hr drive from Ernakulam, Kumarakom lake resort – http://www.kumarakomlakeresort.in
• Experience harmony with nature at the Spice Tree Resorts – Munnar http://spicetreemunnar.com
• Tranquil is run with the efficiency of a resort but with the personalized touch of your hosts – Tranquil Waynad (Luxury Homestay), https://www.tranquilresort.com
• Milton Abbott Estate is a quintessential late-19th century British colonial estate bungalow with an old world charm perfect for a laidback holiday – Ooty, https://www.saffronstays.com/view/milton-abbot-estate-a-private-1865-vintage-heritage-bungalow-estate-by-the-ooty-golf-course-TI7tLWKUqiCdam6m
• Tamara Kodai – Set high in the hills of Kodaikanal, The Tamara Kodai provides a luxury, heritage experience unlike any other. This picturesque hotel dates back to the 1840s. The building itself was originally called Baynes Bungalow owned by British District Judge, Mr. Baynes. https://www.thetamara.com/kodaikanal-resort/
• Chidambaram Vilas – Recreates an authentic experience of the luxurious Chettinad lifestyles of the last century, through a heritage Chettiar palace that preserves 108 years of history http://www.chidambaravilas.com
• The Bangla – A heritage hotel in the heart of Chettinad. http://www.thebangala.com
• Saratha Vilas, built by a wealthy Tamil merchant in the early 1900s, is a prime example of the luxurious mansions unique to the heritage of the Chettinad region. The 34500 sq. ft. property, including buildings, courtyards and gardens, has been painstakingly restored, and converted into a ten-bedroom boutique hotel by two French architects passionate about the preservation of Chettinad and its history, https://sarathavilas.com
• Palai De Mahe – An address in the French Quarter with a distinct colonial stamp.Palais de Mahe lies close to the sea side promenade, barely 50 metres from the cool breezes and gentle rumblings of the Bay of Bengal.
  This signature hotel – with its majestic courtyard, deep verandahs, attractive pillars and period furniture – combines south Indian fire and flavor with French intensity and fervor to bring you an experience that is in every way unforgettable.An address in the French Quarter with a distinct colonial stamp. Palais de Mahe lies close to the sea side promenade, barely 50 metres from the cool breezes and gentle rumblings of the Bay of Bengal. This signature hotel – with its majestic courtyard, deep verandahs, attractive pillars and period furniture – combines south Indian fire and flavor with French intensity and fervor to bring you an experience that is in every way unforgettable.https://www.cghearth.com/palais-de-mahe
• Maison Perumal – A Franco-Tamil heritage in Pondicherry. Maison Perumal is a period bungalow that we had the privilege to turn into a distinguished boutique hotel. Located in the Tamil quarter of Pondicherry, this 18th-century house exudes a legacy that reflects the French colonial aura of this small seaside town. https://www.cghearth.com/maison-perumal
• CGH Earth Properties – has amazing properties across South India in multiple cities, mostly in Kerala https://www.cghearth.com

North 

• A beautiful mountain getaway by the river – Keiths Cottage is a rare find which I am keen to visit soon. Keith’s has been build around the simplicity of nature and the joys of our childhood. The freshness of air, the run by the brook, the chirping of birds, the fruits & vegetables that grew in the backyard, the songs that stole our heart or just watching the wide sky with an empty mind. Not to forget the sumptuous organic home cooked food. Life was always meant to be simple and we hope to bring back some of those memories to everyone who visit us.https://keithscottages.com.
• 8,825 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, stands a world-class resort that captures the beauty of its pristine setting. With majestic views of the Affarwat Peaks, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is spread over 7 acres of a sylvan coniferous forest https://www.khyberhotels.com
• Itmenaan Estate is a fairytale getaway in a peaceful rural setting in the Kumaon Himalayas. http://www.itmenaanlodges.com 
• Vana almost seems a contradiction – a forest touching it on one side, and nestled between the city of Dehradun and the hill station of Mussoorie. Vana Retreat – Adults only (Vana Retreats | Wellness | Wellbeing), https://vana.co.in
• Located on the fringes of protected Sal forests West of Dehradun, nestled in 23 acres, in quiet environs with nothing but Nature as company is Vishranti, A Doon Valley Resort & Spa.
  Vishranti Resorts (Vishranti Resorts and Spa in Dehradun | Luxury Farm Stay) – https://vishrantiresorts.com/en/
• Sophisticated luxury and simplicity far far away in a remote Kumaon Village – Leti 360, https://www.shaktihimalaya.com/kumaon.php
• Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, one of the best places to spot a Tiger, https://www.samode.com/safarilodge/
• An oasis of tranquility in the desert, The Serai, Near Jaisalmer, One of the 12 Luxury Relais & Chateaux properties in India, https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/india/serai-rajasthan-jaisalmer
• Tree of Life resort & spa – Jaipur, https://www.treeofliferesorts.com/jaipur/

East 

• Rajbari Bawali – Explore the charm of a royal Zamindar household in Kolkata, https://www.therajbari.com
• Sikkim Village Walks, Shakti Himalaya, a property that also owns Shakti Himalayas Leti 360 in Kumaon – https://www.shaktihimalaya.com/sikkim.php
• Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. Its a 100 year old property. Glenburn Tea Estate Darjeeling – http://www.glenburnteaestate.com
• Mayfair Palm Beach, The best place to stay and explore Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark. https://www.mayfairhotels.com/mayfair-gopalpur/
• Balakhana – Stay in a stately early 19th century French villa. The architectural heirloom of a distinguished Bengali Zamindari family, who still live there on a 16 acre estate. https://www.balakhana.com
• Itachuna Rajbari, A taste of Royalty. http://www.itachunarajbari.com
• Jhargram Palace – the current residence of the Malla Dev Royal family. It is a structure combining the Italian and Islamic architecture model. About 10 rooms on the ground floor have been converted into a Heritage Hotel run by the family. Set in carefully laid lawns and gardens which was built in 1922 CE. http://www.jhargrampalace.com

West & Central 

• Luxury Forest Resorts. Pugdundee Safaris is recognized as one of India’s leading responsible safari companies. With six intimate jungle lodges in Central India and many bespoke wilderness experiences it presents the very best of the Indian subcontinent wildlife & hospitality. https://www.pugdundeesafaris.com
• Tree House resort near Lonawala , Machan – https://www.themachan.com
• Ahilya Fort Hotel – MP, In the year 2000, Prince Richard Holkar, thedescendant and son of the last Maharaja of Indore, converted his home in Ahilya Wada into a guest residence, today known around the world as the Ahilya Fort Hotel. https://ahilyafort.com
• Ayurveda and Yoga on the beach. SwaSwara means your inner voice and true to its name, this is a place of natural harmony to release, refocus and recalibrate the self. Swaswara Gokarna. https://www.cghearth.com/swaswara
• https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-safaris/ – Wild Life safari , Luxury
• Atmantan – Luxury health and wellness resort at Mulshi , near Lonawala – https://www.atmantan.com

A Few Good websites 

• 7 Stunning resorts in North & North East –  https://homegrown.co.in/article/39123/7-stunning-eco-resorts-in-north-north-east-india-for-the-environmentally-conscious-traveller
• The 12 Luxury Relais & Chateaux properties in India, https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/destinations/asia/india
• https://www.i-escape.com (A good website for offbeat Resorts in India & Abroad)
• http://www.cntraveller.in/story/10-secret-homestays-himalayas/
• 15 Boutique Himalayan Getaways http://goindia.about.com/od/wheretostay/tp/Himalayan-Village-Getaways.htm
• 16 Offbeat Hotels in India – http://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/indianoffbeathotels/
• https://www.saffronstays.com – Boutique homestay and luxury villas across India
• Small Resorts & Homestay’s around Nainital – http://www.nivalink.com/hotels-recommend/small-resorts-and-homestays-in-kumaon
• Offbeat Places near Bangalore – http://traveltriangle.com/blog/offbeat-places-near-bangalore/
• http://www.royalmysorewalks.com