Sometimes, the best part of a holiday is not the sightseeing itinerary but what you see when you open the curtains in the morning. Across India, homestays are located in remarkable places, from tea-covered hills and Himalayan forests to quiet backwaters and open countryside. At these properties, the surroundings are not simply a backdrop. They are a large part of the reason to make the journey. These scenic homestays in India offer eight very different ways to escape. Some place you among forests and mountains; others overlook tea estates, farmland, or a vast lake. Whether you want a quiet weekend or a longer retreat in nature, these stays are worth considering for the view alone.
What Makes A Scenic Homestay Worth Traveling For?
The best homestays in India do not necessarily need an endless list of amenities. Sometimes, a beautiful location, a comfortable room, good food, and enough space to appreciate the surroundings are all that matter. A remote location can also encourage a slower kind of holiday. Rather than spending every day moving between attractions, you can walk through nearby forests, explore plantations, watch the changing light over the mountains, or spend an afternoon on the balcony.
Indian Homestays With Stunning Views
1. Hidden Forest Retreat, Gangtok
Hidden Forest Retreat offers a quieter alternative to staying in the busier parts of Gangtok. About three kilometers from the city center, the family-run property is surrounded by thick greenery, including bamboo, ferns, flowering plants, and orchids. Its gardens and hillside setting create a sense of seclusion without putting Gangtok too far away. Private balconies and common spaces make it easy to spend time outdoors and appreciate the surrounding hills, valley, gardens, and farmland. It is particularly well suited to travelers who want nature to be part of their Sikkim holiday rather than simply something they encounter while sightseeing.
Address: Middle Sichey, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Price: Around INR 3,864 per night for a Deluxe Room, excluding applicable taxes and service charges.
2. Kaleege House, Takdah
Set in Takdah in the Darjeeling hills, Kaleege House is surrounded by the landscapes that make this part of West Bengal so distinctive. Tea gardens cover the surrounding slopes, forests sit nearby, and the elevated setting opens up views across the valley. The farmstay is particularly appealing if you want to experience the Darjeeling region without staying amid the hustle and bustle of Darjeeling town. Days here can involve forest walks, visits to neighboring tea estates, or simply slowing down and enjoying the changing weather across the hills. For travelers searching for homestays with valley views, this is one of the more compelling stopover options.
Address: Martin’s Park, Takdah Cantt, Rangli-Rangliot Block, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734222
Price: Around INR 12,000 per night for double occupancy, including breakfast and dinner. Rates vary by room category and travel dates, and availability may be limited.
3. Sunnymead Estate, Shimla
Shimla may be one of India’s busiest hill stations, but Sunnymead Estate offers a very different experience. The heritage property sits beside an oak and rhododendron reserve forest, allowing guests to stay close to Shimla while stepping away from its more crowded tourist areas on a stopover. The traditional home retains Dhajji Dewari construction, giving the property plenty of architectural character. Different rooms look out over the forest or the surrounding mountains, including Tara Devi. Gardens, woodland, and Himalayan scenery combine to make Sunnymead one of the more distinctive homestays in the region with mountain views.
Address: Sunnymead Estate, Below Cart Road, near Hotel Blossom and RTO, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004
Price: INR 16,000 + GST per night for the Oak Tree double room. The single Bay Window room is priced at INR 8,000 + GST, subject to availability.
4. Devra, Udaipur
Udaipur is usually associated with palaces and lakes, but Devra reveals another side of the region. On a small hillock within a five-acre estate outside the city center, the property looks across farmland and the Aravalli Hills, with Sajjangarh visible in the distance. Terraces, balconies, and outdoor sitting areas make the most of the open landscape. The location works particularly well for travelers who want access to Udaipur’s attractions during the day but would rather return to a quieter countryside setting in the evening. Walking, cycling, and birdwatching can also be incorporated into a stopover here.
Address: Devra Udaipur, Sisarma, Bujra Road, Kalarohi, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Price: Approximately INR 5,000 to INR 6,500 per night for a double room, depending on travel dates and booking conditions. Availability may be limited.
5. Vembanad House, Alappuzha
Vembanad House proves that homestays with views in India are not limited to the mountains. In Muhamma, the traditional Kerala property sits beside Vembanad Lake, with water on three sides and paddy fields and tropical greenery completing the landscape. The lake changes character throughout the day, from soft early-morning light to colorful sunsets reflected across the water. Guests can spend their time walking through the surrounding countryside, fishing, experiencing the backwaters, or simply sitting beside the lake. For travelers who want nature without heading into the hills, it offers one of the most distinctive stopover settings on this list.
Address: Vembanad House, Puthankayal, Muhamma P.O., Alappuzha, Kerala 688525
Price: Approximately INR 7,000-7,500 per night. Rates can vary depending on dates and occupancy.
6. Tea Nest, Coonoor
Coonoor’s misty hills and sprawling tea plantations have long made it a quieter alternative to nearby Ooty. Tea Nest embraces that landscape with a heritage-style stay surrounded by the greenery of the Nilgiris. The appeal here is not about dramatic Himalayan peaks. Instead, expect rolling tea-covered slopes, cool mornings, plantation scenery, and a slower rhythm. Tea garden walks allow visitors to experience the landscape beyond their rooms, making Tea Nest one of the more interesting scenic stopovers in India for anyone drawn to the Nilgiris.
Address: Tea Nest, Singara Estate Road, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu 643001
Price: Approximately INR 4,600 to INR 11,650 per night, depending on the room category, season, and booking dates. Some room types may be limited.
7. La Villa Bethany, Landour
Landour already feels removed from the bustle of Mussoorie, and La Villa Bethany makes the most of that atmosphere. The old English cottage sits in wooded surroundings near Char Dukan and Sister’s Bazaar, making it convenient to explore Landour on foot. Rhododendrons, pine and deodar trees surround the property, while the wider landscape opens toward the Himalayas. Walks around Landour, nearby nature reserves, and mountain trails can fill the day, but there is equally good reason to remain close to the property. It is a fitting choice for travelers looking for peaceful stopovers in the hills.
Address: Near Kellogg Memorial Church, Landour Cantt, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179
Price: Approximately INR 10,000-12,500 per night for select room categories. Larger accommodations may cost more and may have limited availability.
8. Mary Budden Estate, Binsar
For travelers who genuinely want to get away from urban life, Mary Budden Estate takes the idea further. Roughly 8,000 feet up within Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the estate is surrounded by Himalayan forest and the landscapes of the Kumaon Hills. The experience here revolves around its remote location. Nature walks, birdwatching, reading, and unhurried time outdoors replace packed sightseeing schedules. It is among the more expensive Indian homestays for nature lovers. Still, travelers are paying as much for the secluded environment as they are for the accommodation itself, making it ideal for an extended stopover.
Address: Mary Budden Estate, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Ayarpani, District Almora, Uttarakhand
Price: From INR 22,900 per night onward. Rates can range from INR 25,000 to INR 35,000, depending on accommodation and travel dates, and availability may be limited.
More Scenic Homestays In India Worth Considering
The eight above are not the only properties worth traveling for. Acres Wild in Coonoor is another option for travelers seeking a farm-centered stay, with activities such as cheesemaking, organic farming, trekking, and birdwatching that complement its peaceful Nilgiri surroundings. Availability may vary by season. Elgin Hall in Dalhousie combines heritage interiors with deodar-covered surroundings and mountain scenery. Around Darjeeling, Pahari Soul and Mysa Shakti Homestay are also worth considering for travelers who want Himalayan and valley views. These alternatives provide more options if one of the main properties is unavailable or does not suit your budget.
Looking for a quiet escape amid coffee plantations and greenery? Explore the best homestays in Coorg for the most tranquil vacation.
Which Scenic Homestay Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on the landscape you want outside your window. Kaleege House and Tea Nest are strong options for tea estates and mist-covered hills, while Sunnymead Estate, La Villa Bethany, Hidden Forest Retreat, and Mary Budden Estate suit travelers looking for Himalayan surroundings on a stopover. Check availability before deciding. Devra offers open Aravalli countryside while remaining close enough to explore Udaipur. Vembanad House provides the biggest contrast, replacing mountain peaks and forests with the still waters, palms, and paddy fields of Kerala for a stopover.
Planning a peaceful stay in the hills? Discover the best homestays in Mussoorie for mountain views, cozy surroundings, and a relaxing getaway.
What Should You Check Before Booking A Remote Homestay?
A beautiful location can sometimes mean a longer journey and fewer conveniences. Before booking beautiful homestays in India, check road conditions, last-mile transportation, meal arrangements, mobile connectivity, heating or air conditioning, and seasonal weather so the stopover works smoothly.
It is equally important to confirm the room you are reserving. Spectacular mountains or valleys may surround a property, but that does not mean every room directly faces them. If the view is a major reason for choosing a stay, ask whether your specific room category has a balcony, terrace, or unobstructed outlook before completing the booking. Prices can also change considerably between weekdays, weekends, seasons, and room categories. Treat the rates mentioned above as indicative and confirm the final tariff directly when making a reservation.
Planning a getaway surrounded by tea gardens and rolling hills? Here are the best homestays in Munnar for an unforgettable trip.
Author’s Note
The information in this article has been compiled primarily from the official websites of the featured stays, including Hidden Forest Retreat, Kaleege House, Sunnymead Estate, Devra Udaipur, Tea Nest, La Villa Bethany, and Mary Budden Estate, along with Kerala Tourism for Vembanad House. Booking.com and MakeMyTrip were used to cross-check indicative room rates and availability where required. Since prices and availability can change, travelers should confirm the latest details directly with the property before booking.
Summing Up
From the tea-covered slopes of Coonoor and Darjeeling to Vembanad Lake and the forests of Binsar, India’s varied landscapes make it possible to choose accommodation for the surroundings alone. These eight scenic homestays in India offer very different experiences, but each makes nature an important part of the holiday. Instead of filling every day with sightseeing, choose a place where you can occasionally stay put. When forests, tea gardens, mountains, farmland, or backwaters await outside, spending a few hours doing very little can be one of the best parts of the trip.
