Pause, Stay, Listen: Where Slow Travel Finds a Home in Uttarakhand- News18 – News18

Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 07:25 IST

For those looking to explore Uttarakhand beyond the usual tourist circuits, this summer invites a different rhythm: soft mornings, long conversations, and thoughtfully chosen stays

Uttarakhand: From design-forward retreats to riverside sanctuaries, here’s a collection of destinations and stays where time slows down — and beauty lingers.

There’s a growing charm in travelling slow — tuning out of schedules and into serenity. For those looking to explore Uttarakhand beyond the usual tourist circuits, this summer invites a different rhythm: soft mornings, long conversations, quiet forests, and thoughtfully chosen stays that value presence over pace.

From design-forward retreats to riverside sanctuaries, here’s a collection of destinations and stays where time slows down — and beauty lingers.

VILEEN, Rishikesh – Wellness, Elevated

Perched in the hills above the Ganga, VILEEN isn’t just a wellness resort — it’s a mindful retreat. Surrounded by forest, this luxury stay is designed to bring together holistic experiences, natural beauty, and personalized care.

Guests can begin the day with yoga, unwind with a signature Ayurvedic bath at Samagra Spa, or enjoy a handcrafted thali tailored to their body type by in-house wellness experts. Rooms come with private plunge bathtubs and large glass windows that open up to the valley, inviting nature in.

Ideal for: Wellness-focused families, couples, and solo travelers.

Highlights: The Inner Sanctum meditation room, curated bath experiences, panoramic valley views, and locally inspired cuisine.

Seclude, Mussoorie – A Quiet Colonial Escape

Nestled in a quieter pocket of Mussoorie, Seclude offers a charming escape for those who enjoy history, views, and a little vintage warmth. The restored colonial property blends nostalgia with modern comfort — think wooden floors, fireplaces, antique furniture, and handwritten welcome notes.

It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with books on the verandah and evenings wind down with homemade meals by candlelight. The property is close enough to explore Landour, yet far enough to enjoy peace and seclusion.

Ideal for: Slow travelers, readers, artists, and couples.

Highlights: Elegant interiors, mountain-facing balconies, thoughtful staff, and peaceful surroundings.

Itmenaan Estate, Almora – Rustic Elegance in the Middle of Nowhere

Tucked away in a small village near Almora, this restored 100-year-old Kumaoni home is surrounded by terraced farms, pine forests, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The pace here is slow, intentional, and grounding.

Days can be spent exploring forest trails, learning local recipes, or simply resting by a wood-fire stove with a warm cup of tea. With limited connectivity and no city noise, Itmenaan Estate is perfect for a quiet reset.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, cultural explorers, and digital detoxers.

Highlights: Farm-to-table food, traditional Kumaoni architecture, and candle-lit mountain evenings.

Soulitude by the Riverside, Nainital – A Forest Hideaway by the Stream

Located near a small river, this offbeat stay involves a short nature walk through pine forests — and rewards visitors with a refreshing, off-grid experience.

With no WiFi and minimal distractions, guests reconnect with nature in the truest sense.

Rooms overlook the forest or river, and the property is dotted with sit-outs, hammocks, and reading nooks. Meals are fresh and simple, made with local ingredients, and the atmosphere encourages long walks, silence, and self-reflection.

Ideal for: Couples, solo travelers, and quiet nature retreats.

Highlights: Riverside dining, open-air lounges, and immersive forest energy.

The Kumaon, Kasar Devi – Where Design Meets Stillness

Set on a secluded ridge with uninterrupted views of the Nanda Devi range, The Kumaon is a retreat for those who love nature, design, and architectural balance. Built with natural materials and a strong focus on sustainability, the property feels both rooted and modern.

Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant wood-and-stone detailing, and quiet corners to take in the views. Located close to Kasar Devi — a spiritual hub known for its unique magnetic energy — the retreat offers guided hikes, mindful meals, and moments of quiet luxury.

Ideal for: Architects, writers, thinkers, and solitude seekers.

Highlights: Gourmet local cuisine, minimalist interiors, and unmatched Himalayan views.

Uttarakhand, Unhurried

Traveling slow isn’t about doing less — it’s about experiencing more deeply. In Uttarakhand, this means listening to the rustle of oak trees, watching light shift across the hills, and choosing stays that feel like homes with heart.