Majkhali is one of the less populated villages of India, located in Ranikhet in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. Nestled in woodland and with countryside views, this pretty destination will suit anyone who needs a break and an unforgettable stay. This is one of those rare and unique places you want to stay if you are looking for a boutique hotel in Majkhali — Colonel’s Paradise, where comfort, charm, and calm insistently intertwine.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
A boutique hotel can be described as one that has a limited number of rooms and that strives to provide a unique and highly individualistic feel to its guests. In contrast with large commercial hotels, boutique hotels aim to provide customized service, attractive rooms and interiors, and a setting that would be in harmony with the geographical location.
Boutique hotels were first established in the 1980s as a backlash against the sterility of the chain operations. They are commonly known to be compact, artistic, and run mainly by owners. All the facilities in these hotels are themed, featuring the country’s culture and specific products and services.
There is a difference between non-luxury or low-cost hotels and boutique hotels, which are not just about the cost, but also regarding the feeling they offer. While the luxury hotels are massive and exquisite, the concept of boutique hotels is to create a personalized feel. Although there are several reasons to stay at a budget or economy hotel, boutique hotels offer personality and place attachment.
Colonel’s Paradise is a small hotel that perfectly suits the definition of a boutique hotel. Every room is selected, helping the guests immerse themselves in Kumaoni culture. The hospitality team takes utmost care to ensure that the guests receive royal treatment beyond the hotel’s standards. Meals are enjoyed in superb local fashion, and guests are treated more like relatives of the host rather than just mere tourists.
Why Choose Majkhali for Your Stay?
Majkhali, situated just 12 km from Ranikhet, offers visitors a serene and peaceful retreat. It is a suitable location for those who need to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature, offering expansive vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas.
The scent of pine needles fills the chilly mountain air as you reach Majakhali, while rustling leaves and chattering birds fill the forest. Lush pine and deodar forests surround the settlement; if you’re fortunate, you might see a Himalayan magpie or a barking deer.
In addition, Majkhali features small country paths that lead to organic farms, peaceful landscapes, and ancient shrines, such as the Binsar Mahadev Temple. Visitors can meet pleasant people, view traditional houses, and experience the modest yet genuine hospitality of rural Kumaoni life along these pathways.
Majkhali has a year-round suitable climate due to its altitude. Winter is cold but spectacular, with snow occasionally falling; summer is fun and brings quick, refreshing rains; autumn offers golden spaces and crystal-clear skies; and spring brings wildflowers and gentle breezes. The weather consistently enhances the experience, whether trekking in the forest or enjoying a book.
Best Time to Visit Majkhali
One of the many reasons to choose Majkhali as your next travel destination is its year-round appeal. Here’s a seasonal travel guide to help you plan your visit:
- Spring (March to May): The hills come alive with blooming rhododendrons, wild daisies, and fresh green foliage. It’s the ideal season for nature photography, gentle treks, and forest walks. Birdwatching is at its peak, and early risers can enjoy some of the most colourful Himalayan sunrises.
- Summer (June to August): The perfect time to escape city heat, with temperatures rarely exceeding 28°C. Light rainfall adds freshness to the air. Guests can enjoy leisurely indoor board games, serene reading spots in the gardens, and guided nature walks to hidden viewpoints.
- Autumn (September to November): This is one of the best opportunities to admire the panorama of the Great Himalayas. The landscape still comprises pretty winter scenery such as the snowcapped mountains, Trishul Peak, and Nanda Devi. It becomes autumn, and the trees turn golden and russet, thus making the perfect environment. Festivals during this time also make it possible for the visitors to experience or delve deeper into the region’s local culture.
- Winter (December to February): A season of solitude and serenity. Occasional snowfall adds a magical touch, and nights by the bonfire become unforgettable. Great for honeymooners, writers, and those seeking quiet introspection. Guests are advised to bring layered clothing, warm socks, and thermals.
Introducing Colonel’s Paradise – A True Boutique Experience
Colonel’s Paradise is an experience rather than just a place to stay. A retired Indian Army Colonel designed and constructed the resort to share his passion for the Himalayas and offer visitors a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. The hotel, which the Colonel’s family runs, combines heartfelt warmth with orderly hospitality.
Each room has a distinct style, including wall art created by regional artists, traditional Kumaoni textiles, and handcrafted wooden furniture. The design honours the surrounding natural environment by integrating with the hillside and optimizing vistas.
Visitors often praise the individualized treatment, which includes arranging a surprise bonfire for an anniversary, cooking a regional meal upon request, or leading visitors along a trail that isn’t marked on maps. The staff ensures every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.
The kitchen is a point of pride. Colonel’s Paradise serves traditional Kumaoni dishes like aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki churkani, and mandua roti. The ingredients are locally sourced, and meals are served fresh, often in the garden or verandah with mountain views.
Outdoor amenities are equally inviting. There’s a yoga deck where you can meditate at sunrise, garden benches under flowering trees, and a bonfire circle that becomes the heart of evening gatherings. The children’s play area includes swings, a mini climbing zone, and open game space — all secured and supervised. Whether you enjoy solitude, bonding with family, or working remotely, Colonel’s Paradise is designed to support your purpose and enrich your stay.
Room Categories and Amenities
Colonel’s Paradise provides its guests with a carefully planned choice of rooms that will meet the needs of various customers.
Deluxe Rooms: These rooms are about 300 square feet and are equipped with wooden furniture, warm lights, and glass doors leading to the balcony. Its views consist of snow mountains and green valleys.
Family Suites: Large suites with a bedroom and living room are perfect for an adult couple with kids or groups. Extra mattress, an additional cooler, and extra closet spaces are some of the features that are provided in the room.
Heritage Rooms: Some furniture used in the cottages is antique pieces purchased from local markets. At the same time, the interior walls are painted with ethnic murals, and the colours used are traditional Kumaoni. Ideal for the tourist who would want to go beyond food trips.
All rooms include:
- Free high-speed WiFi suitable for remote work
- En-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water
- In-room dining and daily housekeeping
- Wardrobe, reading lamps, and a writing desk
- Garden or valley-facing balconies with seating
- Property-wide amenities:
- 24/7 power backup and solar water heating
- CCTV-monitored premises with night security
- On-site restaurant serving Indian and local cuisine
- Open lawn for bonfires and stargazing
These features elevate the comfort level and create an atmosphere reflecting boutique hospitality’s essence.
Experiences That Define a Boutique Stay
There are various experiences that any guest at Colonel’s Paradise can always choose from.
- Morning walks through pine forests: Go for nature walks and admire the breathtaking beauty of landscapes, animated by the fresh air and birds singing. Hike to view the early morning sun rise over the Himalayan mountain ranges, or walk alone.
- Local village tours: Tourists can visit nearby villages to get a feel of Kumaoni culture. Meeting the locals, observing traditional homes, exploring terraced farms and participating in a cooking class.
- Picnic lunches: Cooked food can also be ordered from the kitchen, and meals can be enjoyed outdoors, by the riverside, under a cedar tree, or overlooking a terrace of fields.
- Evening bonfires: Relax around the desk with fire and your family while the staff performs local narratives and serves some meals. Optionally, enjoy folk music or stargazing under clear mountain skies.
- Customized treks and nature trails: Options range from strolls to moderate hikes, all led by local guides. Learn about regional flora and fauna while discovering hidden viewpoints.
- Additional offerings: Guests can request birdwatching tours, yoga sessions, Kumaoni cooking demonstrations, or photography walks tailored to their interests.
Top 5 Boutique Hotels in Majkhali
Colonel’s Paradise – Best Overall Boutique Experience
Colonel’s Paradise stands out for its personalized service, breathtaking Himalayan views, and authentic Kumaoni atmosphere. It’s ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers seeking peace and luxury. The rooms are large, the food is homemade, and the surroundings are picture-perfect.
West View Heritage Bungalows
A colonial-era hotel offering vintage charm. Ideal for guests who prefer old-world luxury, but located slightly away from Majkhali.
Woodsvilla Resort
Perched on a hill with expansive views. Known for peaceful vibes and nature-friendly design, suitable for group travellers and extended stays.
Chevron Rosemount
A heritage property popular with families, offering cosy interiors and gardens. It may lack the intimate setting of a boutique.
Hotel Parijat Retreat
A value-for-money choice amid greenery. It offers clean rooms and tranquillity, but with fewer curated experiences.
Why Colonel’s Paradise Ranks #1: It blends all the elements of an actual boutique hotel — personal care, authentic design, immersive experiences, and unbeatable views — while offering value and comfort unmatched in the region.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Majkhali’s central location makes it an ideal base for sightseeing:
- Chaubatia Orchards: Famous for apples, plums, and peaches. Best visited in spring and autumn.
- Jhula Devi Temple: A centuries-old temple known for hundreds of bells offered by devotees. A peaceful spiritual retreat.
- Bhalu Dam: A serene spot for nature walks and birdwatching.
- Ranikhet Golf Course: Among the highest in Asia. Even if you don’t play, the views are worth seeing.
- Haidakhan Temple: perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views and spiritual significance.
Short day trips to Almora, Binsar, and Kausani are highly recommended for cultural exploration and Himalayan vistas.
Who Should Choose This Boutique Hotel?
- Couples: Ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries. Enjoy romantic dinners, mountain-view balconies, and private experiences.
- Families: Safe spaces for children, kids’ play area, family suites, and nearby easy activities.
- Solo travellers: Quiet atmosphere, scenic spots for reflection, and safe surroundings.
- Remote workers: Peaceful work environment with reliable WiFi, natural lighting, and inspiration-rich views.
What Sets Colonel’s Paradise Apart
- Authentic hospitality: Built and managed by a retired Colonel and his family, offering heartfelt care and disciplined service.
- Unique location: Far enough to be calm but not isolated regarding roads.
- Unobstructed views: Start your day with a view of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli right from the window.
- Exceptional value: Boutique amenities without luxury prices.
Booking Your Stay
Booking your stay at Colonel’s Paradise is direct. Reserve through the official website, call for custom assistance, or inquire about seasonal packages.
Benefits of booking directly:
- Best available rates
- Customized plans and packages
- Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Personalized room preferences
Majkhali is more than a destination — it’s a mindset of slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with the world. And Colonel’s Paradise is its perfect gateway. Whether you visit for romance, rest, or reflection, this boutique hotel offers warmth, authenticity, and natural beauty.
Don’t just plan a trip — plan a transformation.