Unreal views. Eco-friendly practices. Secluded retreat. Modern spaces. All these beautiful details have been poured into this property. Discover a unique blend of sustainability and breathtaking vistas at The Kumaon.
After an early morning train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam and another 4-hour drive from Kathgodam to the hotel, I was exhausted. But as soon as I arrived at The Kumaon, my fatigue was quickly replaced by a sense of wonder and tranquillity. Surrounded by spectacular undulating hills and the most awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas- The Kumaon is a sustainably designed, private retreat tucked away in the Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand.
Upon entering my room, I could not help but fall in love with the view of the mighty Himalayan range from the floor-to-ceiling windows. I could easily spend hours watching the panoramic landscape with white clouds, blue sky and different greens of earth.
The Kumaon has 10 suites, nestled in pairs one atop the other, all north-facing with the views of the valley and mountains. Each suite has a heated bed and traditional wood-burning bukharis. The bathroom has a mini ecosystem with different plants and a skylight. Copper, bamboo, and stones, these are the three things which are dominantly used in the architecture and the materials have been allowed to retain their natural quality, making it even more sustainable.
My days while staying at the property were immersed in the distinctly diverse flora and fauna. To know more about the rich biodiversity of the Kumaoni region, I went on one of the many tailor-made nature walks designed by the hotel. I trekked to an ancient and important temple dedicated to the Goddess Durga, the Kasar Devi temple. I was accompanied by a naturalist from the property who spotted birds and identified different plants along the way that I would rarely see in an urban city. We even saw woodpeckers and could evidently hear them pecking as they flitted from branch to branch. The sun felt comfortably warm; the view was surreal, and the occasional breeze, everything kept me motivated to reach the temple. Or maybe I should credit the temple’s magnetism, which has attracted the most eclectic of travellers, including personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, DH Lawrence, and Bob Dylan to name a few. I finally arrived and was immediately soaked in all the spiritual energy around me. I saw the quaint meditation cave and took a few moments of quietude. I felt at peace. When it comes to tailor-made nature excursions, The Kumaon is an expert. From surreal village walks or treks through the lush forests to neighbouring local temples, and trips to the Binsar wildlife sanctuary in the vicinity, each excursion unfolds a new dimension of the place.
Food at The Kumaon is made of seasonal produce and healthy local ingredients. The portion size was adequate and my stomach never felt heavy after completing my meal. The breakfast consists of fresh cut fruits, freshly squeezed juices and detox drinks, basket of breads and muffins, and our favourite breakfast meals which we always enjoy, like chana poori. Lunch is continental where you are served a 3-course meal of soup, salad, and mains. My absolute favourite was Jhingora (barnyard millet) tabbouleh with sweet potato wafers. It was flavourful and went along with my grilled chicken with pepper jus. Dinner was delicious traditional Kumaoni thali which had small bowls of different curries, rice, chutneys, and curd. There was dessert after our major meals and each day it was a delicious surprise. From lemon tarts, and custard, to kheer and local famous sweets like bal mithai and singauri, everything was just yum! Each bite of our meal was a healthy culinary indulgence.
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Just like the days, my evenings and nights were also exciting and filled with adventure. I went on a village tour to understand the local life. Passing through homes, huge lemon trees, and people unwinding for the day, I was taken to my picnic spot for the evening. Sipping my tea, chatting, clicking pictures from my Instagram, I could not help but feel grateful for this moment of peace and beauty. The nights are a starry affair at The Kumaon. There was an astronomy session organised, which was full of knowledge and enthusiasm. This was the first time in my life that I had seen so many planets and their moons. Although it was chilly, the bonfire and the magnificent beauty of the moon helped the session continue.
The Kumaon practises what they preach to the T when it comes to being eco-friendly and going vocal for local. Whether it is dining at the striking cantilevered restaurant suspended over the valley below, taking a massage at the spa with locally sourced oils, reading in the library, trekking to explore the region, or just simply soaking in the views, The Kumaon gives you an experience you desire.
By Vidhi Gupta
