Kumaoni Stone Cottage Stay

Location: Almora, Uttarakhand

Check-In Time: 02:00 PM

Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

A perfect getaway where one can immerse themselves in the silence & sounds of nature and leave with the satisfaction of having written a love letter to oneself. The spot is in a peaceful rural setting near Binsar in Kumaon Himalayas which faces the surreal Himalayan ranges. There is a beautiful 15 minutes downhill walk between the forest from the road head to reach the spot which is an experience in itself.  A magical 10 acre property surrounded by virgin Oak, Rhododendron, Pine forests, terraced fields laden with seasonal fruits, vegetables and to top it all, a small private perennial natural spring. The 100-year-old traditional Kumaoni style stone house in the resort has been painstakingly restored and offers 3 tastefully designed en suite bedrooms & 2 standalone cottages. The roof is made of pine logs that were embedded and sealed with mud. The ground floor has been restored into a cozy seating area with board games and cushions where one can either play or grab a book from the library and enjoy reading while sitting in the laps of nature. The courtyard is neatly paved with slate slabs, and stone stairs which is a perfect place for lounging around, gazing at the blue sky in the day and counting stars at night. 

The vast expanse of the spot gives one an opportunity to explore, have an adventurous yet therapeutic experience with nature. The place offers many activities:

Nature walk to Waterfall (1 Hour): A beautiful nature walk between the jungle trails to the waterfall. Climb the rocks & reach the green pond and the fall with water gushing from atop! Get the opportunity to take a bath in the natural pond. The walk is guided or accompanied by the beloved chachu, a resident of the nearby Naugaon village who with his mysterious mountain metaphors would sweep one away!

Bird Watching: A guide with binoculars is provided to catch the rich river habitat that attracts Pallas's Lesser and Grey-headed Fish Eagle, numerous kingfishers, Brown and Tawny Fish Owl. The emblematic Great Horn bills journey daily up and down the valley spotted feeding on the ficus trees on the riverside. Many other long tailed colourful birds can also be spotted. 

Village walk to Naugaon (2-3 Hours): Experience the simple hospitality and warmth of the local villagers by visiting them at their homes with a guide. Drink a cup of chai with them & understand their Kumaoni traditions and customs. Get a sense of admiration for the frugal, yet cheerful lives they lead. Explore the old water powered flour mill, pay respects to the temple of local deity “Siam”.

Mountain biking: Pedal hard and cover 4 times more of the earth with mountain biking between the forest trail on the rocky paths of the mountain which links to the surrounding wilderness.

How to Reach?

The location is approx 1 hour 30 min drive  from Almora, 2.5 hours from Bhimtal, 4 hours from Nainital, 4.5 hours from Corbett National Park, 2 hours Ranikhet. Shared & private cabs are easily accessible to the spot. 

By Train: The nearest rail head is Kathgodam (3 to 4 hours) which has regular train services.

By Air: Pantnagar, near Kathgodam, is the closest airport (135 kms). Flight operates between Delhi and Pantnagar, 4 days a week.