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80 kms
from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road lies Kotgarh,
which enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916
Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought
the first apple saplings to Kotgarh, the place he adopted
as his home. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious'
apple orchard that he planted there.
Nestled amongst acres of apple blossoms is the Banjara
Orchard Retreat - an eco-friendly getaway that will
enchant nature lovers. There are fully furnished rooms,
Family Suites and independent Log Cabins
with attached baths and a well-equipped kitchen to cater
to a variety of tastes.
Prakash thakur, the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has
been a labour of love, is also the resident expert on the
history and culture of this little piece of paradise.
Best time to visit
The Retreat stays open all year round. However
temperatures vary with the seasons. April - November -
Pleasant days (light woolens) and cold nights. December -
March - Likelihood of snow and minimum temperatures touch
zero degrees C.
Accommodation
6 Double Rooms, 2 Family Suites and 2 independent
Log Cabins, all
Tariff
For tariff details,
click here
Places to visit around the Retreat
Tani - Jubbar Lake
Famous for 'Nag Devta' temple built along the lake. The
lake is 6 Kms from the retreat.
Hattu Peak
15 Kms away, at 11,000 ft, this peak offers a panoramic
view of the snowline.
St.Mary's Church
Built in 1843; this church at Kotgarh is one of the oldest
churches in India.
Parmjyotir Temple
Built by Stokes in the Pahari style, the temple is 1 Km
away from the retreat.
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