We were scheduled to stay in Kausani for 2 days-3nights. And chose to stay at Ashritha. They have a view to kill for. I will come to that….
But first, the basics – we were travelling with friends and had been assigned our respective rooms on the 1st floor. Each room is fairly big, with wooden floors, and have decent sized bathroom. With the geyser, room heaters, all in working condition, we were assured that the winter chill couldn’t treat us that bad. Do note, the rooms do not have their tea-coffee makers like in normal hotels. But then, the staff are so friendly and willing that they supply you with endless cups of tea/coffee through the day. And, in the way you like it!
The rooms open to a large verandah that gives the most mesmerising vie of the Himalayas. In fact, as I had started off with, the whole house looks into the valley below and the Himalayas not so far away. I’d sit in the grounds, parking myself in the route of the sun, and sing to myself most of the time.
It gets cold immediately after sunset. But the staff light a bonfire, get you steaming bowls of soups as you sing yet some more, and when done, serve you dinner by its side. On very cold nights, they also give you hot water bags.
Food at Ashritha is simple, yet very nice. But the best part about breakfast, lunch or dinner here is that you never have them indoors. You always have them in the grounds gazing at the Himalayas during the daytime, and while keeping yourself warm by the bonfire during dinner time. When it rains, they serve you food in the verandah. So you see, never indoors!
Ashritha is great for kids. They have a decent area for children to play; keep the badminton racquets and shuttle corks handy. Plus they have a zipline for them to practice on. With assistance, of course.
And then there is a dog and a cat too. All in all, the perfect place for children to turn into some wild little things. You are happy, for they mostly leave you alone so that you can gaze at the Himalayas to your heart’s content….
….and ruminate about life, loved ones….
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For the complete Uttarakhand Winter Roadtrip itinerary, where to stay, what to see and what to buy, read — An Uttarakhand Roadtrip Last Winters
(P.S: We have chronicled the summer road-trip in Uttarakhand in a separate series. Should you want to plan a similar trip, here’s help with itinerary, stay suggestions, shopping tips and food tips! Read — An Uttarakhand Road-trip This Summer)