Abbotsford Heritage Homestay
Charm & character
Couples
Originally built in 1876, Abbotsford is a classic hill station house turned heritage homestay, full of character and surrounded by forests and fabulous mountain views.
Still home to the owners, the Prasada family, it offers a relaxed and welcoming base with a strong sense of history — one that’s been shaped by generations of writers, thinkers and culinary traditions.
We’d recommend it to anyone interested in nature, history, literature, or just a welcoming atmosphere and fantastic food.
The homestay’s charm and character come from its history, which guests can discover from the owner and host, Janhavi Prasada. The house has been in the Prasada family since 1903, and she has a wealth of information and stories about the local area, Indian politics, the culinary arts, literature, and many other subjects. The family has an evident love of literature, and books on diverse subjects are found all over the house, where the ‘Himalayan Echoes’ literature festival is hosted (organised by the indefatigable Janhavi).
For guests who want to explore outside the grounds, there are a host of excursions available from Abbotsford, including a culinary walk to a local market, a historical tour of Jim Corbett’s house, a round of golf at a unique course (watch out for leopards!), and a guided bird-watching trip into the Nanda Devi Bird Reserve – home to over 400 species of birds.
The Rooms
The homestay is made up of three buildings separated by a manicured lawn and surrounded by mountains and forests on one side and the town just below.
The Apsley House and Wordsworth Cottage buildings have just five guestrooms, while the oldest wing, Abbotsford House, is home to the Prasada family and the main restaurant area.
All the rooms are comfortable and homely, with a strong heritage feel.
Dining is usually a communal affair, taking place either in the main house or on the outside lawn, which becomes ‘Chica Café’ during the day. Food is taken seriously, with a farm-to-table approach. Much of the menu is seasonal and made from locally grown produce, emphasising Kumaon cuisine. However, expect family recipes from other regions and the option of Western (or ‘Continental’) dishes, too.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Agra
The Golden Triangle & The Himalayas
This is a proper adventure, taking in the riches of Rajasthan before venturing deep into the Himalayas to explore the off-the-beaten-track Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. After tiger-spotting in Corbett, escape to the unspoiled Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Here, colonial-era hill stations and quiet Himalayan villages offer a slower pace and extraordinary views, far from the tourist trail.
Highlights
Iconic sights
Seeing the best of Rajasthan (think the Taj, tigers and terrific forts, palaces and handicrafts)
Unique accommodation
Staying in haveli hotels and warm and welcoming luxury homestays with fascinating histories
Himalayan views
Ending the holiday on a (literal) high in the Himalayas, venturing into the Kumaon region that most tourists miss
Gallery
Delhi
The Birdlife of North India
This two-week itinerary takes you around North India to see for yourself the wide variety of bird species and animals that call these rugged, scenic landscapes home. Keen birders and the more intrepid travellers will particularly enjoy this holiday, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and safaris through national parks, along rivers and in sanctuaries.
Highlights
Corbett National Park
Staying deep in the heart of Corbett National Park in a forest lodge, an incredible setting for wildlife sightings
Chambal River
Cruising along the Chambal river on safari with a naturalist guide, providing expert information about the birds and animals you spot
Birding throughout
Plenty of birding opportunities in varying locations, from national parks to bird sanctuaries and a conservation reserve
Abbotsford Heritage Homestay on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Wonderful introduction to India
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
Amazing adventure in India & The Maldives
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
