With heat, humidity and unpredictable rain in many parts of the country, it would be a good time to escape to the mountains and leave your worries behind. The weather in Dharamshala is good this time of year—expect sunny days and temperatures between 18°C-30°C. Gather the family, the kids in tow, or gather a group of friends for a quick summer getaway with amazing mountain views. before the monsoons hit, here are eight beautiful hotels and lodges in Dharamshala and McLeodganj to escape to.
Hotels in Dharamshala and McLeodganj
ECHOR Mandara Tree Villa
Nestled amidst the Deodar and pine trees of Akhankhola, the mall has 14 rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an open-air beer bar. Some rooms are designed like Swiss chalets, while others come with jacuzzis that open to the Himalayas. Large groups can choose rooms that come with two, three or four rooms depending on your needs. If you are traveling with a family, there are separate areas for children and evening bonfires to enjoy together. All floors are lift accessible and all rooms except the Swiss Wooden Chalet are wheelchair accessible. The site is easily accessible by road – just 500m from McLeodganj road, where Volvo buses ply – and 30 minutes from Kangra airport. Double from Rs10,000; website
House of Honor
Arguably the best place to stay in McLeod Ganj, Chonor House is part of the Norbulingka Institute which focuses on preserving Tibetan art and culture. So it’s understandable how the influence is seamlessly combined with artwork, hand-woven carpets and applique fabrics. The eleven-room house was designed by a British architect so that its sound is also visible, with a flawless finish. Hummingbird Restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine, thukpa and a buffet for 100 people. (Website; doubles from Rs4,500)
Chonor House is run by the Norbulingka Institute, which was founded in the early 1980s to help revive Tibetan art and preserve the region’s culture. Built to blend in with the environment, the rooms – named after ancient Tibetan areas – feature images of local flora and fauna, as well as paintings of Tibetan themes. The upper rooms have large balconies overlooking the town. The Hummingbird restaurant located within the resort serves Indian and European cuisine, which you can choose to enjoy inside or outside in the beautiful gardens. Although the property is pet friendly, small pets are welcome and should be checked at reception before booking. Chonor House is a 45 minute drive from Kangra airport. Note that Honor House has several steps and is not suitable for elderly people. Double from Rs4,950; website
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Norling House
Also managed by Norbulingka Institute, Norling House is surrounded by green gardens. Each room is named after an animal important to Tibetan mythology and features paintings by Tibetan artists. The Ther Ibex suite, for example, is named after a mountain goat that is considered the best in Tibet, and comes with two rooms and a connecting terrace. There are meditation and yoga centers, an art gallery and a restaurant set around a Japanese-style garden, where you can watch Paradise flycatchers while you dine. Doubles from Rs3,500; website
Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort
Surrounded by tall cedar trees, every room at this 81-key resort opens up to views of the forest or the Himalayan Dhauladhar peaks. Several rooms and suites come with balconies or private gardens and larger groups can choose from two to five rooms. All rooms have large open windows that let in the cool mountain air. Kids will love the many attractions and activities the property has to offer, including indoor games, pottery sessions, magic shows, cooking games, hiking trails and paintball. While the little ones explore the outdoors, stay at the Shanti Spa for a Tibetan healing treatment with essential oils and balms. The place is a three-hour drive from Pathankot Railway Station, and if you are flying, the drive from Kangra airport is one hour. Doubles from Rs21,800; website
Norbu The Montanna, Dharamshala – IHCL SeleQtions
Spread over seven acres, the site is inspired by the architecture of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Similar colors, hand-painted paintings, Tibetan paintings and mandala designs are scattered throughout the hotel, which has 30 rooms and one suite. The latter comes with a large living room, bedroom, storage space and a private space for mountain views and stargazing. A 30-minute drive from Kangra airport, the resort has special menus for children, and ample parking space within the premises. Double from Rs20,999; website
Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala
Families with children will appreciate the many amenities this resort offers. The 120-key property welcomes children with a gift and drink voucher, and has indoor and outdoor play areas. There is a special children’s menu at the in-house restaurant, along with a special children’s menu that offers comfort food. There are several categories of rooms to choose from – some come with balconies – as well as suites and a duplex family room that can accommodate up to four guests. The resort offers a variety of massages for relaxation and muscle relaxation, an al fresco Italian restaurant and a lounge where you can enjoy meals and snacks. The house is wheelchair accessible and is a 30-minute drive from Kangra airport. Doubles from Rs11,400; website
Storii at ITC Hotels Amoha Retreat
Choose from three categories of rooms—all of which have balconies with mountain or valley views—or opt for a spacious Junior Suite. Children’s rooms and wheelchairs are available on request and there are wheelchair access to the restaurant, lounge, guest rooms and car park. Children over the age of six can enjoy golfing, painting sessions under the Banyan tree, gardening and walking along the river banks. The restaurant has a children’s menu and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, there is a bar with wine and cocktails and a tea lounge with a wide range of local and herbal teas. Doubles from Rs22,500; website
Dharamshala and McLeodganj residences
The Cuckoo’s Nest
This British period bungalow is perfect for couples or groups of friends looking for a relaxing getaway. The owners live on site and one room in the house – with a king-size bed and private attached bathroom – is open to guests. There is a small library where you can curl up with a book, a balcony overlooking the Kangra valley and a table overlooking the garden which is a great place to sit if you are working away. The house is a few minutes walk from the main market in Dharamshala, but far enough away to hear the birds chirping. Pets are welcome but must be well trained – please inform the previous host if you are bringing your pet. Although the elderly may not have easy access to the place – there is a flight of stairs on one side – younger couples will appreciate the privacy and quiet. Cuckoo’s Nest is a 45-minute drive from Kangra airport. Double from Rs5,000; book through Airbnb
The Owl’s Nest
Realtor Honey Lamba built the Owl’s Nest eight years ago, leaving her city life in Delhi to embrace the spiritual hill town. The 1,600sqft cottage is made of brick and glass and is located within a one-acre farm surrounded by forest. Perfect for small families or groups of friends, the two-bedroom cottage is bathed in natural light during the day and the large windows allow beautiful views of the stars in the night sky. There are large open spaces within the walls that your pets will love. Kids enjoy the farm where they can pick up fruits and vegetables that the staff can cook with—there’s no menu and the staff can whip up a vegetarian breakfast and dinner with the ingredients available. The property is a 30-minute drive from Kangra airport, with proper tarmac roads leading to the front gate and parking spaces inside and outside the farm. From Rs14,950 for the cabin; book through Airbnb
