Resurrected from colonial ruins and restored to modern comfort, this delightful property offers plenty to do while staying put, plus gorgeous valley views and great access to the the lakes and natural beauty of the Kumaon region. Whatever your age or stage in life, Two Chimneys will delight.

All wood rooms, comfy bathrooms, fireplaces, a well-stocked library (the owners are writers themselves), a koi pond, a swimming pool (yes, really), a pool table, ping-pong table, and tables with chess and scrabble built into them; these are just some of the touches that distract and delight in equal measure.

In the wider area there’s Nainital, the nearest big town and a busy tourist destination but especially good in the off-season, with a superb observatory and gorgeous lake. Other lakes dot the region as do numerous small villages, walking trails, temples and great picnic spots. Further afield is the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve where a jeep safari is a definite must-do.

Activities aside, perhaps the most memorable part of staying here is the staff, managed by the ebullient Manju. Prompt and ever-smiling, they go out of their way to make guests feel like they haven’t left home.