Close your eyes and listen to the enchanting sounds of nature. Open them to gaze at snow-capped Himalayan peaks, marvelling at their magnificence. Let the quietude of the mountains wash over you. Eat delicious food cooked with fresh grown vegetables. If, like me, you are dying to get away from the cacophony of city life and discover the enthralling solitude that only nature can offer, then Casa Dream-The Resort is the answer.
Located in a small hamlet called Satbunga, near Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand, it is easily approachable from Delhi. Kathgodam is the nearest Railway Station, located around 50 km from here. The resort organized the pickup on chargeable basis(the charges were Rs. 1500 one way). It took us around 2 hours to reach. One can also drive down directly from Delhi(about 350 km). Google maps accurately guides up to the resort, and for more information, please contact the resort here.
On the way, we crossed the famous Bhimtal lake, and stopped for a while to admire its beauty. Boating is quite popular here.
The way to the resort is lined with forests on both sides. As you start climbing, you can feel the drop in the temperature and the freshness in the air. And suddenly, the view changes and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks begin to emerge in distance. That’s when you know that the resort is approaching.
When we reached, the realization struck that no pictures can do justice to this heavenly place. The location and views from the resort are to die for. 'A Place Like No Other' says the tagline, and the resort does live up to it offering an amazing experience that will keep you coming for more.
About the Resort
This resort was opened in April 2017 and offers stunning 270 degrees view of the snow-capped Himalayan Peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi. It is located on a hilltop amidst fruit orchards and farms, and offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
The resort experiences snowfall in winter months but remains accessible throughout the year. The weather remains cold all around the year and the visitors are advised to check the prevailing temperature and pack light/heavy woolens accordingly.
Even without the snow falling, it is bliss to just sit on the comfortable sofas in their waiting area, and try to identify the peaks staring straight ahead, sipping a cup of coffee and munching fresh pakodas.
The views of the sunrise and sunset from the resort are spectacular.
The resort will also arrange a tour of the adjoining orchards and gardens on request.
For an exclusive experience, a bonfire can be organized, and if you are in a large group and want to party, a DJ can also be arranged.
The nature trail can be explored through a morning/night safari at the nearby Sitla range and bird watching in the hills is also a wonderful activity to indulge in.
Ideal for
Families, couples, anyone seeking quiet time with nature
Rooms and Facilities
The resort presently has 30 rooms which are very tastefully decorated. 20 more rooms expected to be added by Feb 18. In fact, the manager of the property told us that most of the rooms are adorned by paintings made by the owner personally. It is this personal touch and attention to detail that we observed throughout our stay with them. The rooms are of 3 types-
1. Deluxe Suite which are fashioned as modern double rooms with a balcony opening out to a wonderful view
2. Mud Rooms which give you a feel of living in a village albeit with all modern comforts. Presently they have only 2 such rooms but are going to add more
3. Duplex Rooms which are on the third floor and can accomodate 4 people easily. They have a tiny woorden staircase leading up to another floor within the room with 2 beds and a toilet.
We stayed in the duplex room and had a wonderful experience. It is large and comfortable. The balcony opens out to stunning views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks, and during the day there is nothing better than to sit there basking in the sunshine with a good book and a cup of coffee. The experience refreshes you completely.
They have floor heating in select rooms. However, the hotel staff can arrange for a blower immediately on request. The bathrooms are equipped with hot water geysers and showers. The rooms have facilities for making tea/coffee/green tea and 2 bottles of mineral water are also included in the package. They have TV's in all the rooms.
The facilities in the resort include games like pool, snooker, table tennis, air hockey and foosball. They also have a small play area for kids. A lift has also been installed in the premises.
Budget
At present, the rooms tariffs start from Rs. 6000 + taxes. The resort also offers many attractive packages and discounts from time to time, which can be seen on their site.
Food
The food deserves a special mention because it was very well prepared and delicious. They have an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant and they can arrange meals out on the terrace adjoining the restaurant. It is a real treat to eat out in good weather, gazing out at the majestic mountains.
Most of the ingredients used in cooking are grown in their own farm and the taste of fresh food is out of the world. The food can also be customized as per the guests' choice. I would recommend their dal-e-gulzar if you like the taste of garlic in your food.
They also provide room service which is a blessing, especially in cold weather. The staff is extremely helpful and will go out of their way to make sure you have a memorable stay.
Nearby Attractions
The resort is located is close to some famous destinations
Mukteshwar
Distance: 12km
Temple:
Located about 12km from the resort, Muketeshwar is home to a 350 year old Shiva Temple. Stand atop the hill, and hear the chiming bells of the temple awaken your faith in the divine.
Chauli ki Jali:
Close to the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple lie the overhanging cliffs known as Chauli ki Jali. This place offers adventure activities like rock climbing, valley crossing, rappelling etc. organized through independent agencies.
Sunrise point:
Located at the KMVN guest house, the sunrise point offers a panoramic view of the snow clad Himalayas.
Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls:
The start of the trail to the Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls is about an hour’s drive from the resort. It is a pristine waterfall, untouched by commercialization and a narrow trail leads to it. The river has to be crossed 4 times and I could not even reach it because I didn't have that much time on my hands. But I'd recommend taking a guide with you before venturing into the forest. Also, it is a bit strenuous so it is not recommended for old people or those with any health problems.
Naukuchiatal, Sattal and Bhimtal:
Distance: 35-40km
These famous lakes are located about 2 hours from the resort on the way to Kathgodam. Paragliding is also organized at Naukuchiatal.
Nainital:
Distance: 40 km
Well, this famous hill station needs no introduction and if one is so inclined, the stay can be combined with a trip to Nainital as well.
What really struck me after coming back was the unforgettable experience it offered to unwind, relax and explore nature. The resort is also offering a chance to experience this once in a lifetime experience. Visit http://casadream.in/contest/win-holiday/ to enter the lucky draw and win yourself a dream holiday at Casa Dream! Plan your stay now, because as they say, “The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” It can be magnificent.