As the mercury soars in New Delhi, India Real Time presents destinations for beating the heat that have been tried and tested by WSJ correspondents in India.
WHERE: Hotel Eagles Nest above Dharamkot/McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.
WHAT: A renovated former American mission house on a mountain top with seven guest bedrooms in the main house.
HOW WE GOT THERE: Kingfisher Red turboprop flight to Dharamshala from New Delhi then a 1.5-hour taxi ride that can be arranged through the hotel.
CONTACT: +91 (0) 92184 02822; info@hoteleaglesnest.com
THE PRICE: 8,000-11,000 ($177-$244) rupees a night per suite, according to the web site; includes all meals and activities.
WHAT WE FOUND: When we were looking for a place to stay above Dharamshala, the unanimous verdict of people we asked was the Chonor House in McLeod Ganj. But it was fully booked. So we took a chance on the lesser known Hotel Eagles Nest, which at first glance had the dubious distinction of being located up a steep and rough Jeep track followed by a half-kilometer walk.
But that, it turned out, was possibly its greatest advantage, especially since either a porter or a horse will carry your bags. The house is surrounded by a lawn, verandas and woods, as well as its own unbeatable scenic overlook that gives you, on a clear day, snowy peaks and dusty plains.