Dussera is coming up, and we encourage and endorse taking Friday off so that you get a good four-day weekend. Don’t you agree? While you don’t need to make elaborate plans to escape the country, there’s no reason you should go all out and explore India. From cosy log cabins in the Kumaon region to swish houseboats in Kerala or a chalet in Darjeeling to a cutesy home in Rajasthan, Airbnbs across the country will sort out your stay. Go on, send that leave request HR or HOD… you know you want to!
Houseboats To Chalets: 10 Airbnbs Across India To Hit Up This Dussera Weekend
The information in this post might be outdated
Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, Kerala
Why just check into a house or an apartment when you can calmly check into a boat? Spice Routes, a luxury-style Kerala barge with a bedroom and plenty of common space for the whole group to lounge in, this is a super fun getaway. Cruise through the pretty backwaters, and gorge on food cooked on the boat – that includes the fresh catch of the day. Yum!
Price: INR 11,967
Type Of Stay: Entire boat
Can Accommodate: 6 guests
Find out more here.
Arka Bamboo Cabin, Coorg
Nestled in the heart of Coorg, quite far from civilisation, Arka is an artistic handcrafted bamboo cabin. Created with the concepts of Sacred Geometry at the core, it’s meant to be inviting and inspiring and is made from natural material. Off-grid and quiet, it’s more of a farm stay for the artiste in you. Curl up on the balcony with a book, and coffee, and you’re sorted for the entire weekend.
Price: INR 9,996
Type Of Stay: Entire home
Can Accommodate: 4 guests
Find out more here.
Singtom Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Nothing like some fresh mountain air, a heritage home and nothing but tea estates for as far as the eye can see, right? That’s exactly why we love this resort, up in the hills in Darjeeling. But we’re pitching for the Steinthal Suite here. With four poster beds, flitting curtains on bay windows, sofas right out of the 19th century and a fireplace, romance is in the air! Don’t think about this, just take off!
Price: INR 8,024
Type Of Stay: Private room
Can Accommodate: 3 guests
Find out more here.
Rosie's Retreat Homestay, Udaipur
Before Rajasthan gets too warm, run away to the lakeside town of Udaipur and stay at this super cute homestay. Set over two floors, the self-catering place is filled with ethnic textiles, antique furniture and a view of the lake Pichola from a charming balcony dotted with cushions. The bedroom is amazing too with a bamboo roof to keep things cool. Oh, and a jharokha window frame for that quintessential Rajasthan Instagram photo.
Price: INR 5,984
Type Of Stay: Entire home
Can Accommodate: 2 guests
Find out more here.
Firefly, Alibaug
No reason to not live it up when you have a long weekend, eh? So grab the crew and head off to Alibaug to this luxury farmhouse. While we encourage sitting in or by the infinity pool all day long with a drink {or two} in hand, as it overlooks the valley and creek of the Revdanda river. If you want some entertainment, there’s also a library with over 300 books and a PS3 console. And the rooms? Oh beauties all of them, be it the poolside cottages, the glass cottages that are by the river or the gatekeeper cottages. Indulge, people, indulge.
Price: INR 27,471
Type Of Stay: Entire villa
Can Accommodate: 10 guests
Find out more here.
White House, Lonavala
A rather luxurious villa modelled on the White House with a hint of British charm, you’ll live life king size here. Pick from three massive bedrooms fitted with modern amenities, a balcony each and bathroom where you can run laps in! We adore the quaint spiral staircase that leads you to the top floors, and the large garden, ideal to have a game of cricket or throw around a frisbee.
Price: INR 9,044
Type Of Stay: Entire villa
Can Accommodate: 15 guests
Find out more here.
Woodside Retreat, Pangot
The drive through oak woods alongside babbling brooks is a great precursor to this stone and wood chalet, just outside Nainital. Homely and with views of the Kumaon valley like no other, there are six suites to choose from, each with a different view. But it’s the drawing room, complete with a fireplace, warm cosy lounge sofas and a pool table that lures us to this hill retreat. And with so much space around it to soak up the sun and crisp air, no one needs to be left out.
Price: INR 24,003
Type Of Stay: Entire house
Can Accommodate: 16 guests, plus a few more if you don’t mind sharing a room.
Find out more here.
La Belle Vie, Nainital
It is indeed a beautiful life {that’s the name’s translation} when you get to this wood cabin that’s a stone’s throw from Naukuchiatal. Made so wonderfully out of wood, the décor, fixtures and even the art is all intriguing and while it’s got an old-world charm, it’s also very chic and modern. We do love the attic room with the best view, and the loft that doubles up as a bedroom. Go here if you really want to zone out of city life. In fact, we might join you.
Price: INR 11,967
Type Of Stay: Entire house
Can Accommodate: 8 guests
Find out more here.
Cottage Overlooking The Himalayas, Kanatal
Want a slice of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas? Look no further than this chalet that’ll make sure you wake up to a spectacular postcard view each morning. Our favourite place is perhaps the balcony that features lounge chairs and comfy floor cushions, and of course, looks straight onto the mountains, as the home is on a cliff face.
Price: INR 9,996
Type Of Stay: Entire house
Can Accommodate: 7 guests
Find out more here.
Salasa Farm, Nasik
What better way to spend the weekend than at the Wine County of India? So pack up and head to Salasa. A large open-plan ground floor will set the mood for a relaxed holiday, while the bedrooms are homely and comfortable. What’s even better is that the farm is not too far from many vineyards, so wine tasting can be part of your agenda here. Plus, grape and mango gardens just outside your door.
Price: INR 17,951
Type Of Stay: Entire home
Can Accommodate: 4 guests
Find out more here.
