Off the beaten track, yet extremely well connected, Rose Cottage is a cosy boutique homestay in the picturesque village of Hartola in Uttarakhand. It is 340 kilometers from New Delhi. You can drive up in about 8 hours. The drive from Nainital is only 50 kilometers, and from Mukteshwar, only 30 kilometers. Both these are truly wonderful drives where you that cross forests, rivulets, and some picturesque areas like Ramgarh. The last 10 kilometers from Nathuakhan village to Hartola is through a thick alpine forest called Kala Pahar, with fragrant Deodars and Oak trees.
Kathgodam is the closest railhead to Hartola. It is connected by many trains, including the Shatabdi from Delhi and the overnight Ranikhet Express. From Kathgodam, Rose Cottage is 75 kilometers, or a two hour drive. This route takes you through the famous Bhimtal Lake, Ramgarh and Nathuakhan.
Living Spaces
Rose Cottage has been designed lovingly by its environmentalist owners to be in harmony with the undulating landscape of its location. As a result, both the ground as well as the first are distinct units with their own gardens, verandahs and open spaces. The short path from the main gate to the 1st floor entrance, is wide, with a gentle gradient, through apple trees and flowering shrubs. In season, you can pluck an organic snack right off the tree.
As you enter Rose Cottage the living spaces are welcoming. The wooden floors, vaulted ceiling of natural pine, and the wonderful fire place are the owners' interpretation of the elements of a traditional home, but with greater comfort. The living space opens into a wooden verandah. Here, the views simply take your breath away.
Every single room is bathed in natural light with full sized windows overlooking the orchards, verdant valleys and snow covered peaks. At night you can gaze at millions of stars or simply spend time looking at the twinkling lights of Ranikhet or Almora in the valley below. On colder nights, the fireplace in the living room with its vaulted 25-foot ceiling is an ideal place to spend time with family and friends or simply curl up on a sofa and read a good book.
Eating
Inside or out - whatever the season, even a simple meal is a delight. The kitchen is beautifully equipped for any special needs that you may have. The dining table by the entrance is great for summer and winter meals and the garden and verandah's delightful for late breakfasts or lunch.
The meals include an American breakfast, while the lunch and dinner fare comprise home cooked Indian meals with some simple non-Indian dishes.