5 must-stay unsung resorts

Don't get fooled by the name. This is the kind of place that's still rare in India, and though it's as close to Delhi as almost any suburb, chances are the vast majority of Dilliwallahs won't have heard of it. That's because this Lutyens bungalow, run by owners Martin and Annie Howard, use the recommendatory route to take bookings and keep louts out.

And only the lah-di-dah get in. The reason is that for approximately Rs 9,000 for a couple, you can stay, eat and drink to your heart's content. Swimming pool, spacious rooms, great gardens, and happy conversations. For bookings, email: honiwala@tiklibottom.com .

The Verandah in the Forest, Matheran, Maharashtra: Also known as Barr House, this gorgeous house set within the wooded landscape of India's only "pedestrian" hill station, is set in the Sahayadri ranges.

Built in the 19th century, the chief feature of the retreat is a sprawling verandah that wraps the bungalow, and where you can spend quality time "" that's when you're not walking along the many trails or strolling down to Charlotte lake. Great for the ultimate nature getaway. Bookings at Rs 4,000 for a couple per night, at sales@neemranahotels.com .

Bird House, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal: Wake up to literally hundreds of birds chirping at your window sill, or filling the surrounding forests just off the highway with birdsong. Once a royal residence, this is the ideal getaway for ornithologists, but you don't need to be serious to spend a couple of day's in this sylvan, double-storied bungalow.

You'll never be crowded because there are only four rooms, and the chef can cook you special requests. Bookings at birdhouse@takethisweekendoff.com , and rates (depending on the room) are Rs 4,900-6,950 for two people for two nights and three days, including breakfast.

Malabar House, Kochi, Kerala: Built over two-and-a-half centuries ago right next to St Francis' Church, overlooking a part of the harbour, it has a Jewish heritage, as do many of the buildings in the vicinity. At the crossroads of trade and commerce, Malabar House changed hands from Cochin Jew to British colonial sahib to, now, a German and Basque couple. It is this interesting cultural ancestry that gives the hotel much of its atmosphere.

Besides great seafood and the typical Kerala massages, you also get a taste of traditional as well as European living (a great mix), as film director Bernardo Bertolucci discovered on his stay here. No wonder he wrote, "We are really sad: today we leave this bliss," in the visitor's book. Rooms are Rs 9,500-14,000 in peak season, less in other seasons, and you can book at www.malabarhouse.com .

Taragarh Palace, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh: Horses in the stable, great meals on the table...this 1930s palace that was bought by the Kashmir family, and has recently been renovated, is a great getaway in the Himalayas.

Managed by WelcomHeritage, the hotel has fabulous views of the Dhauladhar ranges. The 26 rooms and suites come with a host of facilities "" a fitness centre, ayurvedic massages, horse riding, tennis, badminton, a swimming pool (in the summer season) and so on. A two nights, three days package is for Rs 7,555 and includes bed tea, breakfast and one meal. Rooms (and suites) are Rs 3,000-4,300 per couple per night. Bookings can be made at info@taragarh.com .