Simply step out of the property straight into the forest! The area is richly populated with trees of all kinds: cedar, cypress, oak, pine, rhododendron and many others. Take an early morning walk to invigorate your lungs, or catch a romantic sunset. If you feel up to it, why not pack a picnic lunch and wander about in the forest, and spend a languid afternoon reading among the trees? Whatever you choose to do, the backdrop of the Himalayas is guaranteed to impress!

Very close to the cottages, a short and easy climb leads to the shrine of Kasar Devi, which an ancient shrine built in the 2nd century. The shrine is located at a height of 2116m, and there are amazing views of the Himalayas from the top. The valley on one side has roaring winds that blow most of the day. It is said that Swami Vivekananda spent some time meditating at the shrine at the surrounding areas.

Very close to the cottages, a short climb leads to Simtola Nature Park, spread over an area of 37 hectares. This project was initiated by the Forest Department in partnership with the local people, and has many walking trails.

For those who like walking in the midst of nature, the Golu Devta temple at Chitai and the forest sanctuary at Binsar can also be reached by taking walkng paths. At Binsar, we can also arrange for a trained forest guide to take you on a walk through the main areas of the forest reserve to a spot from where, on a clear day, the snow laden high Himalayas can be seen – as far as the famous peaks of Nanda Devi!

Binsar is a protected wildlife sanctuary with dense virgin forests of pine at the lower levels and oak nd rhododendron at the righer levels. It is within easy reach of the property. In addition to the wildlife, one of the draws of Binsar are the majestic views it affords of the Himalayas up to 300km away. We’d recommend taking along a guide (available at the forest post at the point of entry into the forest). Binsar also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an altiude of around 2400m, and it is believed that visiting this shrine bestows peace of mind.

This temple is dedicated to the popular local diety Golu Devta. It is believed that Golu Devta grants all wishes that are put forward with a pure heart. To express their gratitude, people hang bells at the temple. The temple complex has tens of thousands of bells put up by worshippers far and hear, across the ages. There are also stacks of letters from devotees strung up near the temple.

The ancient temple complex at Jageshwar houses 124 different temples dating from the 9th century to the 16th century. It is located in the midst of thick forests of deodar (known as the tree of the Gods). One of the temples in the complex is dedicated to Lord Nageshwara (a form of Shiva), and is considered to be the first of the 12 jyotirlingas in India.

Located by a river in a beautiful valley, this ashram was set up by Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj ji). Maharaj ji’s samadhi is at this ashram, and there is a huge bhandara / celebration on 15 June every year, to celebrate the consecration of the ashram.

The temple dedicated to the Sun located at Katarmal is within easy reach trip from the property, and can be done as half-day trip in a morning or afternoon. The temple is over 1000 years old, and is a beautiful example of intrictae sculpture. The first rays of the sun to hit the area fall on this temple. It is considered second in importance only to the Sun temple at Konark in Orissa. The complex has 45 other smaller temples with exquisite carvings. The complex can be reached after a short walk from the road through the forest.

Swedish Massage is exceptionally beneficial for relaxing the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes.  These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle knots. We’d be pleased to organise a session for you with an Swedish Massage therapist who lives in Almora.

A traditional Ayurvedic massage with warm oil is one of the best ways to release stress and bring about a feeling of well-being. We can arrange an appointment with a therapist locally, or for the ultimate pampering, you may choose to have the therapist visit you at your cottage! 

Reflexology is a natural method of healing that involves pressing certain points in the feet to relax and heal different organs in the body. If you have already experienced this, you probably know how good it is! Should you wish to experience a session of reflexology, we can arrange a session with one of our friends who lives locally. She hails from Britain and has made Almora her home for many years.