Bird House, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal

Wake up to literally hundreds of birds chirping at your windowsill, or filling the surrounding forests just off the highway with birdsong.

Once a royal residence, this is the ideal getaway for ornithologists, but you don't need to be serious to spend a couple of days in this sylvan, double-storied bungalow.

You'll never be crowded because there are only four rooms, and the chef can cook you special requests.

Bookings at birdhouse@takethisweekendoff.com and rates (depending on the room) are Rs 4,900-6,950 for two people for two nights and three days, including breakfast.