Tikli Bottom
Delhi

Located outside Delhi in the Aravali hills, 30kms from the airport, this elegant Lutyens-style country farmhouse is a wonderfully relaxed and serene introduction to India.

A large well-kept garden with a pretty half-moon shaped swimming pool acts as the focal point of the property and leads down to picturesque farmland, which stretches out to the horizon as far as the eye can see. At certain times of year, the fields turn a warm golden shade with mustard flowers, providing a particularly splendid view. Animals roam freely around here, from farm chickens to domesticated dogs, and even emus and buffaloes. Better still, this idyllic spot is a bird-watchers paradise and you are bound to see a huge variety of indigenous species flying around the grounds here – it’s likely that you will even see some that you have never seen anywhere else before.

Tikli is home to just 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms, meaning that this guest house has an intimate and homely feel. Each room comes with comfortable beds, sophisticated furnishings and tasteful Indian touches, plus, plenty of privacy. The welcoming owners, Martin and Annie Howard's philosophy is to create a friendly, family-like atmosphere with communal and civilised dining. The organic food that they serve is delicious and of great quality, as are the drinks that are generously provided. While not super speedy, Wi-fi is complementary at this hotel. Other amenities include useful airport transfers, air conditioning and massage treatments – we recommend taking advantage of all of these perks during a stay here.

With rustic landscape, clean air and great birdlife, Tikli Bottom is perfect as either a soft landing on arrival in India or as a haven before departing on a long-haul flight home. Guests here can take relaxing walks in the valley, explore the countryside by bicycle, play golf on a course nearby, or just laze around and bask in the peace and quiet of Delhi’s rural surroundings. The overriding tranquillity away from the frenzied hustle and bustle of most places in India will add to this memorable experience whatever you choose to do.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus