Purnima Cottage — Hotel in Uttarakhand

An Enchanting Retreat Amidst Nature's Embrace!

My stay at Purnima Cottage the charming 2-room homestay nestled in the serene landscapes of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the serene beauty of nature - lush green hills, vibrant fruit trees, and the peaceful ambiance of organic farming right next to our stay.

The homestay itself was a haven of modern comfort seamlessly woven into the tapestry of nature. Every amenity was thoughtfully curated by the host Mrs. Khushi Giri and Mr. Narottam Giri, ensuring a seamless convenience. Whether it was the cozy bedrooms with their inviting ambiance or the well-equipped kitchen where I could whip up a meal using fresh produce sourced right from the farm, every detail spoke of warmth and hospitality.

What truly set this homestay apart, however, was the genuine warmth of caretaker Suresh bhaiya who welcomed us with open arms. His hospitality knew no bounds as they shared stories of local lore, and treated us to delicious homemade meals sourced from their organic farm bursting with flavours of the region.

But perhaps the highlight of my stay was the opportunity to immerse myself in the tranquil surroundings. Each morning greeted me with the symphony of chirping birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, inviting me to explore the hidden gems of this pristine paradise. Waking up to the breathtaking views of the hills from our window was truly rejuvenating for the soul. Watching the sunset from the terrace was truly a highlight of our stay. And I won't forget the culinary delights that accompanied the bonfire experience! As the fire burned low, we couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unforgettable experience we had shared.

But that's not all – the homestay's proximity to Almora, Nainital, Bhimtal, Kainchi Dham, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Haldwani, and other nearby destinations opened up a world of exploration and adventure right at our doorstep. Each day brought new opportunities to discover the natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance of these enchanting locales. Whether it was a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Almora, a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Bhimtal and Nainital, or a visit to the revered Kainchi Dham ashram and Mukteshwar Mahadev, every excursion was easily accessible from the homestay, allowing us to make the most of our time in this breathtaking region.

Overall, our experience at the homestay in Mukteshwar was nothing short of magical. It was the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature, unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life, and experience genuine hospitality by Mrs. & Mr. Giri in the lap of the Himalayas. We can't...

Ultimate review of Purnima Cottage (March 2025)

Pros:

Spacious living room, perfect for playing games and chilling with friends and family.

Clean 2BHK + 2 toilet unit, comfortable for 4 people. A 5th, smaller-sized person can adjust on a 2.5ft x 5ft couch.

Decent-sized sit-out with a glass window—good for high tea with a valley view.

Large lawn area for dinner and drinks with a bonfire (free of cost).

Food is decent but basic. Expect homely meals, not restaurant-style dishes.

WiFi is fast enough for work calls and meetings.

Small bar cabinet with cocktail, beer, wine glasses, and a jigger.

Interiors are well-done—5 stars on aesthetics.

Cons:

Location is a pain. It’s 4.4 km of complete off-road terrain from the main road. Some reviews mentioned it, and I thought it wouldn’t be a deal-breaker. I was wrong. It’s a bumpy ride, and the property is 45 minutes away from Mukteshwar temple.

Not worth the isolation. Despite being in the hills, it does not offer breathtaking, unobstructed views. You get a valley sunset, but it's behind the trees—not the expansive hilltop view you'd expect at this distance. (For better views, stay in Sitla with a west-facing property—stunning sunsets and panoramic landscapes.)

No basic heating appliances. No microwave, no induction, no kettle—not even for boiling water.

Kitchen is off-limits. You cannot cook, not even Maggi or tea. The in-house menu covers standard North Indian veg/non-veg dishes, but if you prefer cooking or want variety (Continental, Mughlai, Italian, Chinese), this place is not for you.

Cook-for-hire option is a rip-off. If you hire the cook for ₹1,000/day, you also pay ₹250/day for gas and buy everything yourself—oil, salt, spices, ingredients. Unless you want a full-time hassle, burnt food and waste your groceries, just stick to à la carte, you would be in peace. (Speaking as a foodie, others might not mind.)

Tiny, useless TV. A 32-inch Mi TV that failed to run YouTube despite 20 attempts. Basically, don’t count on it.

Final Verdict:

Book this if you don’t care about stunning views, easy access to Mukteshwar, or multi-cuisine food or occasional cooking but just want to relax at a secluded property with basic facilities. Otherwise, pick something else—you’ll thank yourself later.

PS: "To the respectful and kind owners who have invested not just money but their heart and soul into this place—sorry for being brutally honest and unbiased. As a frequent traveler with over 20+ Airbnb homestay experiences, this is to help fellow travelers make an informed investment towards their...

I recently stayed at this incredibly beautiful and cozy property, and it was truly a gem! Despite the slightly challenging road to reach it, the serenity and breathtaking views more than made up for it. My visit coincided with my birthday, and the host, Sarita, went above and beyond to make it special by arranging a cake for me, enhancing the overall experience. The interior was not only comfortable but also equipped with all the necessary amenities. Additionally, the caretaker, Suresh, was incredibly attentive and accommodating. The furniture and architecture perfectly complemented the stunning location. I highly recommend this property for anyone seeking a...