Nine Furlongs
Epic Himalayan views,
Characterful cottages
Adventurers,
Couples,
Solos
Perched at an altitude of 2,400m in the Himalayan foothills of Binsar National Park, Nine Furlongs is a remarkable place with an extraordinary history in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
The journey to the hotel is an adventure, as it is only accessible via a 1.8km (‘nine furlongs’) dirt track, either as a bumpy off-road drive or as a pleasant countryside stroll. The journey’s reward is a small collection of cottages in a beautifully remote setting with incredible views of the Nanda Devi range of the mighty Himalayas. The morning views of those almighty and sacred peaks are awe-inspiring.
For those who appreciate an off-the-beaten-track adventure with the reward of a unique, peaceful, and beautiful setting with a wealth of history, we cannot recommend Nine Furlongs highly enough. Did we mention the views… ?
The experience is further enhanced by the hotel’s history and the stories of previous proprietors and guests. Formerly owned by an Indian philosopher and his Belgian wife, Nine Furlongs hosted an array of brilliant minds, including a famous Italian writer, a Hindi poet, Bob Dylan, Tim Leary, and a young Uma Thurman (with her father, the philosopher, Robert Thurman).
The hotel offers plenty of activities to help you enjoy the surrounding nature and glorious scenery. Bird walks, treks to nearby viewpoints, and visiting a local homestay (for lunch or a beautiful overnight experience) all build a picture of the area. We’d certainly recommend taking advantage of these experiences, but make sure you leave time to relax and get lost in the epic views with a cup of tea.
The Rooms
Guests can stay in one of the standalone cottages or one of the bedrooms in the main house. Each cottage has a different feel, with two slightly more rustic than the third; each has high-quality furnishings and log fireplaces, creating a cosy and fitting atmosphere for the location.
Power is solar-generated, which is adequate but means there are no showers, and guests wash the old-fashioned way from an antique brass bucket filled with hot water in a beautiful bathroom. The rustic touches don’t detract from the experience, and we love the lack of compromise and clarity about who this hotel suits.
We love it, and we think you will 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
Nine Furlongs on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
Amazing adventure in India & The Maldives
Wonderful introduction to India
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.
