If you are thriving for a well deserved holiday, you can choose to go to the hills for a refreshing weather and the enchanting mountains. The choices have been mind boggling so far with options like Nainital, Mussoorie and Simla being the favorite picks of the season.
However, the mid-summer night dream becomes a crude nightmare, as these frequently visited mountains are thronged by city dwellers each year.To the rescue comes a refreshing take in vacationing. Dhanachuli, a quiet hillock breathes fresh air and gives vacationers uncountable reasons to enjoy. Located approximately 7000 ft above sea level, this quaint hill station has exactly what your summer getaway requires - a breathtaking scenery with astounding weather.
Just a kilometer beyond the main market of Dhanachuli is perched Te Aroha – Magnificence beyond compare. Synonymous with classic heritage and a magnificent view of the mountain ranges, this place is a winner. The summer colonial house owned by Mr. Sumant Batra is now converted into a boutique luxury hotel which is the perfect getaway for families and buzy corporates who love experimenting with new destinations.
My search for an unconventional summer getaway ended at Te Aroha. Barely 3 hours drive from the plain region of Kathgodam, the smooth drive uphill is a totally different experience. The swaying trees give your eyes a visual treat while the fragrance in the air pleases your nostrils. Since Dhanachuli is not a frequented place, there is barely...If you are thriving for a well deserved holiday, you can choose to go to the hills for a refreshing weather and the enchanting mountains. The choices have been mind boggling so far with options like Nainital, Mussoorie and Simla being the favorite picks of the season.
However, the mid-summer night dream becomes a crude nightmare, as these frequently visited mountains are thronged by city dwellers each year.To the rescue comes a refreshing take in vacationing. Dhanachuli, a quiet hillock breathes fresh air and gives vacationers uncountable reasons to enjoy. Located approximately 7000 ft above sea level, this quaint hill station has exactly what your summer getaway requires - a breathtaking scenery with astounding weather.
Just a kilometer beyond the main market of Dhanachuli is perched Te Aroha – Magnificence beyond compare. Synonymous with classic heritage and a magnificent view of the mountain ranges, this place is a winner. The summer colonial house owned by Mr. Sumant Batra is now converted into a boutique luxury hotel which is the perfect getaway for families and buzy corporates who love experimenting with new destinations.
My search for an unconventional summer getaway ended at Te Aroha. Barely 3 hours drive from the plain region of Kathgodam, the smooth drive uphill is a totally different experience. The swaying trees give your eyes a visual treat while the fragrance in the air pleases your nostrils. Since Dhanachuli is not a frequented place, there is barely any traffic to be seen.
The arrival to the resort was rather timely and warmly welcomed by the hospitable staff. A fresh glass of Rhodendron juice, made from Rhodendron flowers grown in the Himalayas was offered as welcome drink. Devoid of any artificial preservatives, it was truly fresh and energizing.
The attic - Our abode for two days
We were escorted to our room that was way too high but offered a spectacular view of the mountain ranges. The suite had a rather warm ambiance with a touch of British heritage that was displayed in every corner of the room. While the antique furniture transported us to the British colonial style, the colossal glass windows displayed the breathtaking views of the landscape.
The luxury in the room was oozing with high rise beds and soft mattress alluring us for deep sleep. Such beds are not to be seen these days unfortunately.
The attic, as it was appropriately named had another room adjoining the main room taken up by a flight of stairs. The room above was thrown open to the most enticing view I can ever imagine. Calm and serene, it had an interesting blue colored couch and a coffee table book written by Mr. Sumant Batra. A few cookies with a cup of tea while looking at the mesmerizing view of the delirious mountains satiated me.
Comfortable high rise beds
A warm shower relieved my tiredness completely. Later, we were invited for lunch in the restaurant. A touch of class with finesse is what the fine dining restaurant can be stated.
With a cover of 32 people, the restaurant is well lit up with natural light entering from every corner. Devoid of fans or air conditioners, the temperature was apt for a scrumptious meal. The attendants in their smart uniforms offered us fresh Indian cuisine. The chef, a talented native from the Garhwal region was well aware with the Indian and Chinese cuisine who ensured the meal was without any artificial preservatives. The simple food was extremely palatable and devoured.
Mr. Batra was kind enough to take me around the place. A lawyer by profession, he began his ardent journey when he came to Dhanacholi 13 years back. A romance with the place and he was ready to build a dream home away from the maddening city life of Delhi. It was with the support of his friends and family that he later built it into a beautiful resort.
Exquisite lanterns hanging outside the rooms
The Te Aroha resort has overall 12 rooms which are made with special attention to décor and ambiance. The resort that was his home around 13 years back is now a magnificent abode to tourists who come here to take back unforgettable memories.
Each room at Te Aroha has very different names that are basic but very unique. Names like Three steps down, the Attic, the Master’s Bedroom, the Deck seemed basic but were adorned with different color tones and artifacts’.
Chosen with perfection, every furniture is carefully selected and placed accordingly in every room with precision matching the color tone. Each room has splendid views of the mountain ranges. The Master bedroom with a large shower area and a separate sitting area had a view of the garden, so if you would like to sit with a cup of tea before a shower you can do that willingly. Each room has its own balcony that offers complete privacy for the guest.
The epitome of undying love - Waheeda and Guru Dutt
Each room at Te Aroma has another interesting concept. It follows a different theme of famous pairs from Hollywood and Bollywood that is rarely seen anywhere. The unforgettable pair of Waheeda and Guru Dutt was framed in the attic that spoke in volumes about the duo’s odyssey. Similarly other pairs were also framed in other rooms that talked about their meticulous journey while being in sync with each other.
A few stairs up further took us towards a museum that was ardently done. A small tea room with a floral upholstery matched with the quaint surrounding of the beautiful room. Different flavors of tea, tea jars and artifacts’ looked perfect. The tea room had masterpieces of the most allured books of old times. Classic novels or recent memoirs were placed neatly in the shacks that reflected a classic aura.
The magnificent Tea Room
Adjoining to the tea room is a recreation room with all indoor activities to unwind and get occupied with. A favorite with children, it is clubbed with every little facility to entertain them while the parents are involved in reading their favorite books.
A large area with a volleyball court looks magnificent. If you love outdoor sports, you can try your hand for a good match with your friends. The open air volleyball match amidst trees and fresh air is bound to satisfy you more than a match played in a metropolitan club.
While touring around the property, a thunder storm breaks and a downpour is welcomed as a respite for us. The air got chiller and the rain elevated our spirits even further. We were then escorted to our rooms to dry ourselves. As dinner time approached, we looked forward to another scrumptious meal prepared by the talented chef. A Chinese meal was served that consisted of Chicken clear soup and Vegetable clear soup followed by some rice and Chinese vegetables that were made with perfection.
Mesmerizing collection of Artifacts
A good night sleep was something we were all looking forward to and we took leave to retire for the day. The next morning we woke up to see the sun rise. Early morning sun at Dhanachuli is a sight you should not miss. The Te Aroha resort offers a spectacular view of the morning sun that can be witnessed easily. The beautiful sun rising above the mountains looks enchanting. A cup of tea devoured while watching the sun rising between the mountains is a sight incomparable.
We looked forward to the morning trek that was taken by a native of Uttarakhnad, Mr. Dongar Singh. He escorted us through the thick jungles explaining about the flora and fauna of Dhanachuli. While we huffed and puffed through the high terrain, gasping for breath, we stopped to absorb the scintillating view. Though it was bit late for the bird watching, we did manage to look at few parrots here and there.
The one hour long trek ended and we returned back to the resort. Famished as ever, we walked towards the restaurant. The open dining area of the restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges with a spectacular view of the morning sun. We chose to sit outside and enjoy the continental breakfast the chef prepared for us. Different varieties of jams on the table made fresh without preservatives were the most delicious jams I have ever tasted. The platter of sausage, eggs, Hash brown with fresh juice was thoroughly enjoyed with the cool breeze and magnificent view.
Th spectacular sun rise from Te Aroha
A village trek was organized that took us through the local farms and residents of Dhanachuli. We passed though different kinds of trees like Rhodendron, pine, oak while on the trek. The natives were warm and friendly who gleamed with happiness and offered us local fruits from their orchards. A tea experience in one of the local’s house was organized that tasted different and pleasant. The ripe plums and peaches offered to us straight from their kitchen garden were juicy that were fresh without any fertilizers or preservatives.
While we returned back, it was dark and chilly. The wind was cold and the attendants were kind enough to light up a born fire for us. Chilled beers and some snacks got us ready for a fun filled evening with few friends staying at the resort. It was time for dinner and although we were filled to the brim, the Himalayan cuisine specially prepared for us ignited our appetite.
The adventurous village Trek
The main dishes that consisted of Pahari Mutton, Besan ki sabzi, Palak ki subzi was served with rice and rotis. Light and delicious, these dishes were totally different and enjoyed by us.
It was time to retire to bed and sadly the stay was coming to an end. The morning after, I quietly sat and immersed myself to the beautiful surrounding of Dhanachuli. I was truly impressed by the waywe were looked after by the staff of Te Aroha. My stay will always be a memorable one.
Te Aroha has completed three years and is gearing on to become the most unconventional way to holidaying on the hills. If you are looking for a dream vacation with good time to spare, visit Te Aroha place for an unforgettable time.More