Starry Nights & Autumn Hues
Escape to Uttarakhand this October for a 4 night, 5 day autumnal tryst with the Kumaoni hills. This is the ideal holiday for families and small groups.
10 October – 15 october, 2026
23 October – 27 October, 2026
Escape to Uttarakhand this October for a 4 night, 5 day autumnal tryst with the Kumaoni hills. This is the ideal holiday for families and small groups.
10 October – 15 october, 2026
23 October – 27 October, 2026
You stay in cosy rondavel cottages in Khali Estate, deep within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. From here, go on forested trails – but there’s plenty to explore on the estate.
We bring you to Khali Estate from Kathgodam/Haldwani by car. Our team is waiting to welcome you. Settle down in your cottage room overlooking the forest, valley, and magnificent Himalayan peaks. Have a cozy evening by the fire after watching the sun set from the deck.
Start the next day with a luscious breakfast. Explore the estate and learn how to read time using a sundial. Follow this with a light foraging adventure in the kitchen garden. We’ll help you pick vegetables for your lunch. Learn a dish or two from the experts – some delectable vegetarian dishes and an Indian dessert. In the evening play board games by the fire.
On your second night, our resident stargazing expert will help you identify our planetary neighbours. Learn about the constellations, name stars, and be amazed.
Today, you hike through the glorious Binsar pine forest to experience the individual character and warm hospitality of the Binsar villages. Pack just for one night. You stay in one of the five villages and enjoy some wonderful walking with splendid views.
Walk back to Khali Estate for one last night’s stay. From Khali, enjoy a trip to the nearby town of Almora to explore the markets. Spend a day in the old bazaars, or visit the town of Kasar Devi, known for being a stop on the famous Hippie Trail of the sixties. Have an indulgent lunch in town before we bring you back for the evening.
Bid farewell to your hosts at Khali. We’ll drive you back to Kathgodam to catch the late morning Shatabdi to New Delhi.
Per guest on twin-sharing basis*
10 Oct – 15 Oct, 2026
23 Oct – 27 Oct, 2026
Starts at INR 35,675 + 5% GST
*All prices are per guest on twin-sharing basis. If you would like a room to yourself, get in touch for special pricing.
10 Oct – 15 Oct, 2026
23 Oct – 27 Oct, 2026
Starts at INR 35,675 + 5% GST
Your stay in Binsar commences at Khali Estate, a small family-run hotel steeped in history and an integral part of Village Ways, while through the forested slopes are scattered the villages and farms of Binsar. Your room is in one of the picturesque stone rondavel cabins set amongst the pine trees, clustered around the British Raj style house that was built by General Sir Henry Ramsay. You can truly relax at Khali – it is peaceful (no TV), with good vegetarian food, attentive service and plenty of short walks. In winter there is a warming log fire in the sitting room.
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, you will stay in a village homestays – owned and managed by the village committee and benefitting the wider community. Connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling like you are intruding in anyone’s home.
In Binsar, the guesthouses are simple and comfortable, built in traditional style by the communities of Risal, Dalar, Kathdhara, Gonap, Satri and Matkanya. They have a living/dining room, kitchen, four twin bedrooms and shared shower/WCs.
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, you will stay in a village homestays – owned and managed by the village committee and benefitting the wider community. Connect with your hosts in a special way and enjoy life at the heart of a village, without feeling like you are intruding in anyone’s home.
In Binsar, the guesthouses are simple and comfortable, built in traditional style by the communities of Risal, Dalar, Kathdhara, Gonap, Satri and Matkanya. They have a living/dining room, kitchen, four twin bedrooms and shared shower/WCs.
In addition to the suggested itinerary above, we also can organise your arrival and departure from New Delhi, the capital city of India. This will include organising your transfer to Kathgodam and the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
We ask our guests to make their own arrangements for international travel to India. For Village Ways holidays in the foothills, the nearest airport is Delhi. Travel information for India, including visa requirements, can be found here.
Delhi is a fascinating and vibrant city. It epitomises the huge leaps forward that India is currently undergowing whilst reflecting the country’s great history. A new metro is being built but much is still moved around on overladen cycles and bullock carts. The shopping opportunities are excellent, particularly for textiles. Why not add a night’s stay in the city to your holiday?
Guest-house accommodation: We work with some very comfortable and hospitable guest-houses in the heart of Delhi. We can arrange overnight stays for you, or a day-room to freshen up after a night flight. We can also arrange an upgrade from a guesthouse to a hotel if you prefer.
Driver & car: One of the best ways to get around and across Delhi is by car. We offer carefully selected drivers to look after you for the day. On call for you, they will be able to take from shops to India Gate to the Red Fort and out to dinner – or wherever you choose.
Included in your holiday to and from the hills is a journey on the overnight Ranikhet Express from Delhi to Kathgodam. Included accommodation is in second class, air-conditioned carriages – 2-tier, open plan with curtains around groups of berths. Trains open for reservation 3 months before departure. As soon as reservations open we will be able to confirm your rail journey to you.
Upgrade to first class: You can upgrade to first class where the berths are in air-conditioned compartments of four or two. There is only one first class carriage which can get booked very early on.
From Delhi to the hills by car: You can also choose to travel up from Delhi (or return at the end of your holiday) by private car.
In Khali Estate
All holidays to Binsar include at least one night at Khali Estate, a marvelous place to relax and unwind. Many guests have added an extra night here at the beginning or end of their stay in the hills. If your journey here has been by night flight followed by overnight train it could be good idea to catch your breath with a quiet day here.
Extra nights in the village guesthouses
You may wish to prolong your exploration of the wonderful hill hamlets in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. There is so much to learn and appreciate about village life and the host communities would love to keep you for a day longer.
Agra
For many guests, a visit to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, regarded by many as one of the wonders of the world. Whether you wish to make a day trip or enjoy an overnight stay with time to explore more of Agra, we can arrange a visit to suit you.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, boasting some incredible architecture and seeped in history. Not to be missed are the Jantar Mantar observatory and the renowned Amber Fort. Add a visit here to complete the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
The prices mentioned above do not include the stay in New Delhi.
For international guests, prices begin at £1,195 per adult for an 8-night trip (3 nights in Delhi, 4 nights in Khali Estate, and 1 night in the village). Children under 5 are welcome at no cost. For children between the ages 5 and 13, the cost is £699 per child.
You can speak to us at +91 95601 93496 (Madhu) or email us at info@villageways.com for special pricing.