As temperatures rise up in Delhi and neighbouring states, how many of you are already packing your bags and escape to the hills? If you are among those scouring the internet for stay recommendations where you can “beat the heat and chill”, here are 10 stunning stay options across a varied budget range to suit you that come with a stunning view. These stays aren't just beautiful, but are located by a gushing river or stream. What better way to spend your hill stay than with the constant music of gurgling water in the background or taking a plunge into the cool waters?
Gone Fishing Cottages, Tirthan
Imagine walking beside a river stream, and ending up in a temperate forest where all you hear is birdsong. You chance upon a rare bird species, or follow the stream to the point where it flows into a river. By the riverside, you lounge and reconnect with yourself in the midst of nature.
Vibe check
Gone Fishing Cottages are located on the bank of Kalwari stream, which joins the Tirthan River about 500 mts down the stream. Being in the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park, surrounded by orchards and step farming fields on one side, and pine and deodar forests on the other, the cottages are literally in the lap of nature.
With a fine balance between rustic grace and modern comfort, in close proximity to the National Park, the Gone Fishing Cottages are a must visit for families, friends, solo travellers, basically anyone wanting to unwind and live the idyllic life.
Booking details
With rents starting from Rs. 5800 per night, head here to book your stay.
You can check out their Instagram page here.
Offbeat Abodes, Tirthan
How about spending the morning angling for Himalayan trout and gorging on pan fried trout for lunch by the riverside? All of this, without stepping out of the property that you are staying in. Offbeat Abodes nestled in the lush Tirthan valley with harmonious views of the snow-clad Parvati Parvat and dense green forests, is a cosy stay with simple amenities.
Vibe Check
The property offers guests the opportunity to enjoy romance, relaxation and seclusion amidst beautiful backdrops. Lounge in the riverside garden with your favorite book and a hot cuppa. Catch a movie on the large screen in the common area or go for long walks to the nearby villages, the trout farm & the honeybee farm. You can also trek to the beautiful Choi waterfall. There’s a lot that can keep you occupied at Offbeat Abodes.
Booking details
Room rents start from Rs. 5800. Click here or reach out to Manish at 9805350967 for booking.
You can check out their Instagram page here
Sunshine Himalayan Cottage, Tirthan
A sweet little cabin tucked away in the little village of Hamini, at the very edge of the flowing Tirthan river, so special, that you wouldn't want to share your location with the rest of the world. The Sunshine Himalayan Cottage has that effect on you, where you wish time would stop and you can bask in the warm sunshine by the river bank, forever.
Vibe Check
Be it relaxation or adventure, whatever your vibe, you have a lot to do or "undo" here. Start your day with some yoga and meditation by the water's edge, follow it up with a relaxed breakfast on the balcony overlooking the river, while the flowing water and bird calls provide the background score. Hike to the several waterfalls in the vicinity. Spend the day lazing on the deck with a paperback, and gather around a bonfire at night to share your stories, and then let the music of the river put you to a deep slumber under the starlit skies. Who would want this to end?
Booking Details
Riverside rooms at The Himalayan Sunshine Cottage start for Rs. 6,500. Click here for booking this amazing property.
You could also checkout their Instagram page here.
Devat Farm Cottages, Tirthan
Imagine sitting with your feet submerged in the flowing cold glacial waters of the Tirthan river on a starlit night. As exotic as it may sound, this scene could come true for you at the Devat Farm cottages in the picturesque village of Chhamni in the Tirthan valley.
Vibe check
Boasting of stunning landscapes, Himalayan birds in abundance, apple and pear orchards, and mineral infused Himalayan water, this property has everything for the discerning traveller. Be it hiking to the tallest point of the valley to the source of the Himalayan mineral water, river crossing, or angling for trout in the Tirthan river, you can do this and a lot more while at Devat Farm.
For adventure seekers, honeymooners or holidaymakers seeking to chill, alike, the Devat Farm Cottages beckon each for their location and the very experience at Tirthan. The 6 well appointed rooms face the river and accord spell binding views of the valley and forests through the large French windows.
Booking details
With room rents starting from Rs. 2600, the tariff is such that it fits the budget for most travellers. You could book your stay with Devat Farm Cottages here.
The Forest Edge, Tirthan
In the quaint Sairopa village in the Tirthan Valley lies a cottage, which true to its name, is on The Forest Edge and overlooking a village in Tirthan Valley.T he river’s gentle gurgling and the birds chirping are sound that guests wake up to and are accompanied by the whole day.
Vibe check
The vibe is a healthy mix of lazy and active. Chill on the gazebo with the mountains and river for company, hike a teeny bit to the waterfall or try your hand at angling trout. The five rooms themed on some popular books have individual spaces opening into the forest, where birdsong provides the best background to your day spent reading from the large in-house library. At night, spend time by a bonfire or watch the stars on a clear, crisp night.
Booking details
Room rents start from Rs. 4020 per night. Click here to book.
Mud House by the River, Jibhi
If your idea of a mountain stay is a flowing river in the backyard and someone strumming the guitar in the front yard, then the Mud House should be your next destination. A mix of dorm rooms and private rooms, this rustic stay in Jibhi is where you can regain your mojo. The Mud House is a place where every corner has a tale and where you could just be!
This is how amazing the place looks!
Vibe check
It is a home for solo travellers, creators and art makers. The primary idea is getting back to the roots, living a basic mountain life for the time you’re there.
Booking details
And while the vibe is nothing short of pure bliss, the cost is amazing too. Starting from Rs. 750 per night, here’s where you can book the Mud House.
You can check out their Instagram page.
Maple OutHomes, Jibhi.
This is one of those “homes” where you sit on your balcony, with a river flowing 10 feet away, surrounded by a green forest, and never want to go back to real life.
Vibe check
The Maple Outhomes has an amazing peaceful aura that you’ll feel once you’ve checked in. The flowing river, the deodar and pine forests, the ecologically sensitive cottages, inspired by local Kathkuni architecture made of recycled wood and black stones all add to the vibe at The Maple Outhomes. All the cottages face the river and the forests beyond.
Solo travellers or solitude seekers, couples wanting to spend some romantic time or adventure seekers, everyone will feel at home at Maple Outhomes.
Booking details
The rooms start from Rs. 3,100 per night and can be booked here
You can check out their Instagram page here
A Cottage in the Woods, Upper Jibhi
Now if your idea of social distancing and chilling is spending time in a cottage tucked away in an apple orchard that extends into the pine forests, overlooking a river, then this is the perfect place for you.
Vibe check
Located in Upper Jibhi, this stone cottage with an attic is perfect for a family of 4, or a small group of friends. The cottage overlooks the river and the forest is right above the cottage, giving you the feeling of living in the woods. So, if cutting away from people is what you seek, then this place offers just that.
While it may seem to be in the wilderness, it of course has modern day amenities including a wifi.
Booking details
Available for Rs. 4500 per night, you could click here to book the cottage.
Riverside Cottage, Jibhi
Imagine standing on the first floor balcony of a standalone cottage, with hardly any other houses around, overlooking the river and the forest beyond. This dream of yours could come true at Jibhi.
Vibe check
At this riverside mud-house in Jibhi that houses two bedrooms on the upper floor, the winter sun wakes you up with much needed warmth. The playful river, a mere 100 meters away, is welcoming you with its constant gurgle, and while you’re sitting there, soaking your feet in the cold water, birdsong floats in from the surrounding forest. Idyllic vibes?
An author stuck with a thought in his head who wants to spend lone time writing, a corporate executive wanting to just cut off from everything and unwind for sometime, a jilted lover seeking solace in nature, and trekkers who just need a few days to recuperate from the arduous climb, anyone will vibe with this place.
Booking Details
With room rents starting from Rs. 2,999, here’s where you can book this farmstay cottage.
H2O House, Chamba
Now this one is unique too. A centuries old homestay made on a watermill, overlooking the Ravi river, the H2O house is the best retreat for people looking for a traditional homestay with a unique feel.
Vibe check
This traditional homestay with 5 cottages, has the basic modern amenities including an internet connection. The best part is that pets are welcome here. And if that is coupled with local organic cuisine made with fresh ingredients grown on the homestay’s farms, what more could one want.
Now the vibe is of your choice. You could spend your days chilling or can experience the thrill of trekking, jungle safari and hiking. Additionally, the Ravi river bank is a stone’s throw away
Booking details
Rooms here start from Rs. 2500 per night, and can be booked here.
Parvati River Cottage, Jari
Imagine stepping out of the room in the morning and directly dipping your feet in the icy cool waters of the Parvati river. Surrounded by pine forests and apple orchids, in the Baladhi village, a kilometer away from Jari market, this is a nature lover’s paradise. Himachali styled wooden houses, garden sit outs, riverside tents and a rooftop cafe, this is the ultimate riverside stay. And feel free to hike upto Malana if you want to amp the vibe.
Don’t these images make you want to book right away?
Vibe check
2 cottages, one with 4 rooms and the other with 7 rooms is perfect for all traveler profiles, though nature lovers, artists, painters, photographers and generally anyone wanting to chill will find this place particularly attractive. Since the property is not on a motorable road, its advised to carry rucksacks as against trolley bags.
Booking details
With room rents starting from Rs. 800 per night for , you can book the place here.
You can check out the Instagram page here.
With a list like this, it's time to book your stay -- a long staycation or a weekend trip. If you guys know of any more such homestays, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.
You could hit me up on my Instagram profile thewanderjoy
Earn credits and travel for free with Tripoto's weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!