Palampur, North & Central India, India

Tucked away in a peaceful, verdant corner of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the Lodge at Wah is currently our preferred base for visiting Dharamsala/MacCleodganj, home in exile of the Dalai Lama. Why? The clue is in the name: ‘wah’ means ‘wow!’ in Hindi/Urdu, and tends to be the response of most new arrivals to the fabulous views of the snow-capped Dhauladar mountains, pine-scented air and rolling tea gardens surrounding the property. The Lodge is a labour of love by the fourth and most recent generation of the Chaiwalla family to own the estate – Surya and Upasana – who have brought their youthful energy to bear on this heavenly spot, creating a beautiful home from local slate, river stone and reclaimed timber. The result is a triumph, with earthy, wholesome, soothing interiors and leafy grounds. Jeep safaris to local viewpoints and picnic spots, visits to forgotten rock-cut temples and rides on the British-built Kangra narrow-gauge railway provide excuses to linger a day or two more.