A 20 minute cab ride from the Dharamshala bus stand will take you to Sheela Chowk, near which the walk begins for THE BALLU. The path leads its way through the village, where the cute dogs and the smiling naughty kids are a common sight. Up the river and into the farm land one can see this 111 year old Himachali house, peeping through the pink wild flowers. As you approach be rest assured that Leela & Kurumbi (the resident dogs) will come out to greet you, unless its one of those days :-)
KP, the owner of The Ballu and a dear friend, runs the place at his own pace. Things are in a way suspended in a zone which only a few glimpse. Days are spent drinking coffee at the veranda with incessant spurts of laughter and madness. All this as the snow capped mountains shimmer with the sun kissed trees. The kitchen is a central part of The Ballu just like in most homes. It is where I like to hang out watching KP make the perfect dosa and coconut chutney.
If you are a walker you will surely love this place with so much to explore around. And if adventure is what you need then KP will make sure he takes you to Triund or Kareri Lake on any given day. Just pack your small night bag and leave to explore the jungles... or spend weeks reading on the hammock. Whatever be your scene, The Ballu definitely has something special in store for you. Yet it all happens at a pace which lets things breathe and grow.
Watch the vibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUAmxQX6WhQ
Happy exploring!