Let the smell of pines clear your head! Beat the heat and head to Holm Farm Heritage, which nestles amidst verdant deodars. Rolling pine slopes and stunning snow peaks dominate your day here, while the nights are about cosying by the crackling fireplace in the quaint bungalow. The flavour is Raj-era, as this is an authentic labour of love of an English sahib, built in 1869. Expect colonial furniture, pinewood flooring and an antique piano. Charming all the way.

USP: High brow nostalgia meets Himalayan splendour. High on the romantic index.

Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, 123 km away, but flights are not operational at present.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 91 km away. Daily overnight train ‘Ranikhet Express’ connects Delhi to Kathgodam.

Road: Ranikhet is well connected by road with all important destinations. Regular buses ply from Delhi (386 km), Kathgodam (80 km) and Nainital (59 km). If driving from Delhi, please note that the drive takes about ten and a half hours so it’s advisable to leave at dawn. The route is via Noida, Hapur, Muradabad, Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgoadam. About an hour and a half from Kathgodam (after you have crossed Kainchi Mandir), the road forks into two, one going to Ranikhet the other to Almora. Follow the signboards to Ranikhet.

Holm Farm is a ten-minute drive from Ranikhet. Take the Mall Road and drive towards Chaubatia. Holm Farm Heritage is located just after the reservoir, before Chaubatia.

Indulge in bird watching in this natural haven. Also on offer is tennis, a pool table, table tennis and badminton. For the ‘adventurists’, there are jungle walks and camping. And if it’s leisure you are looking for, just lounge in the library or recline with the telescope at night – stars for company!