West India, India

A Home for Nature Lovers (aka Jambhughoda Palace) as its name suggests, this is a quirky heritage homestay in one of Gujarat’s wildest and least explored regions.

Guest accommodation is in antique wood and red-tiled cottages dotted around the grounds of a rather dilapidated palace owned by HH Maharana Vikramsinghji and his family. Some of the rooms have more of an historic feel than others, and they vary greatly in size, but all have plenty of atmosphere and the location’s peaceful and quiet – even on weekends.

Simple, home-cooked food made with vegetables fresh from the palace gardens is served in an open-sided gazebo held up by impressive carved wood beams. If you’ve a day free, ask about trips to a nearby wildlife and bird sanctuary, or to weekly markets where local tribal people sell jewellery, earthenware and fresh produce.