Mary Budden Estate, Almora

Tucked away high in the forest of Uttarakhand the Mary Budden Estate is a true haven of luxury set in one of the last pristine natural environments still to be encountered in India. A windy road leads up to the estate, a restored 19th century heritage home which is also one of the few privately owned properties within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The estate consists of two luxurious and warmly decorated large cottages while an additional home situated in the Dalar village provides an opportunity for a village homestay. Luxury notwithstanding the owners have put great care in ensuring that the estate remains ecologically sustainable by harvesting rain water, using solar energy and cooking with organic produce from the garden.