In December 2019, I planned a mountain getaway with friends. Which turned out to be the last trip for all for a long period, as the pandemic took over the world shortly after. We chose Kotgarh, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, for its picturesque scenery and proximity to Chandigarh.
We arrived in Kotgarh at sundown and checked into our resort, an orchard with stunning views of the mountain range. Much of our days were spent exploring the village roads and forests, visiting Tani Jubbar Lake, and sunbathing in the orchard. In the evenings, we gathered around the bonfire and savoured the cold weather.
One evening, we went to meet a friend’s senior from college who ran a jam-making business in a nearby village, Saroga. Kartik and Anuradha welcomed us into their lovely home, and we spent a delightful evening over coffee and cake. They shared the story of how they came
as tourists to the area in 2005 and fell in love with it so much that they decided to build a life there. They started making jams and preserves under their own label, The Kotgarh Fruit Bageecha, which they launched in 2013.
Their home was beautifully decorated and offered stunning views of the greater Himalayas. They had built it using upcycled wood and locally sourced materials, with the goal of being as nature-friendly as possible. We were all impressed with what they had created in this slightly remote area. During our conversation, they mentioned that their home would be a
perfect place for a bed and breakfast. As we said our goodbyes, we expressed our hope to visit again as their guests.
As fate would have it, a couple of years later, I found myself at Raahghar, a platform that connects travellers with unique homestays and boutique hotels. The first property that we signed up for was Saroga Woods, Anuradha, and Kartik’s home.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Kartik and Anuradha in their beautiful home. It is a truly special place, run by warm and welcoming hosts. At an altitude of 8000 feet, this Himalayan homestay offers breathtaking views and all the comforts of home for an authentic mountain experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating mountain getaway in the Himalayas.
