80 kms from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road lays Thanedar, which enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to Thanedar (a couple of kms from Thanedar), 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 in this region 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. Mr. Prakash Thakur, the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has been a labor of love, is also the resident expert on the history and culture of this little piece of paradise.