A Visit To Regal Kinwani House Above Rishikesh!

Kinwani House -   A Confluence Of Nature , Heritage And Regal Grandeur!

By Sharmila Chand

Nestled in the foothills of The Himalayas, Kinwani House is a charming retreat with old world charm. It's location is unique - with its longitude nearly aligning with 79 degrees east, passing through all twelve Shiva temples from Kedarnath to Kanyakumari, enhancing its spiritual aura, making it a remarkable destination. Here you not only experience stunning views of the Himalayas but also get a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Tehri Garhwal.

Nature & Cultural Heritage

A beautiful comfortable 40 minutes drive from Rishikesh, took us to the stunning home of the Royal family, 'Kinwani House'. 

The estate, built in 1954, now stands as an architectural gem, a testament to passionate restoration, regal grandeur and a beacon of warm luxe hospitality. It offers a unique blend of modern comfort, natural beauty, and cultural richness, making it a perfect choice for discerning travellers.

From the moment I arrived,   Marisha Chheda, Resort Manager and her team made sure I was looked after with lot of care. They wanted to give me a memorable staycation as expressed by Aditya Paul Lakhanpal, Chairman, JPL Group, when he tells me, "Our goal is to seamlessly blend the regal charm of the past with modern luxury, offering our guests a stay that is as memorable as it is meaningful. We invite you to explore the spiritual treasures of Rishikesh and experience the tranquil beauty of Kinwani House-a place where history and luxury meet in harmony."

My weekend in the lap of luxury began as I stepped in The Princess Suite. The decor is stunning,  seamlessly infused with traditional and contemporary touches,  featuring signature Aalia Collection amenities.

Spread over two floors, the tastefully re-done House comprises six large suites, each with their own ensuite baths, drawing rooms and private decks.  Each suite is a harmonious blend of old world charm and contemporary elegance, offering a unique blend of art deco design and modern luxury, providing guests with an exclusive luxe  experience.

What I loved the most was  lush gardens, sweeping views of the holy river Ganges, breathtaking panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayan foothills, a soothing atmosphere for moments of peace and tranquility.

For me High Tea is the most important event of the day and here it was organised perfectly in the garden.

Sundowner at the beautiful conservatory with a bar and sitting area under the stars, is the most pretty space designed for utmost relaxation and savour your favourite beverages.  A rejuvenating retreat in a luxurious setting.

Dining: An Ode To Local Flavours!

I was happy to see the menu that blends local regional dishes and world cuisine. Be it a hearty breakfast featuring both Indian and international favourites, or meals, the food caters to every palate. While the chef is happy to prepare your choice of global cuisine but what you should not miss is  the Pahari cuisine. Go for  'Pahari Thali' and relish  local ingredients and specialities of the region. Chef Arvind Negi, Aalia Collection pointed out, "Our culinary offerings blend local flavors with global influences, ensuring a delightful gastronomic journey. From fragrant biryanis and robust curries, to succulent kebabs and the authentic Pahadi thali, our menu across celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of India. For our discerning global travelers, we present a thoughtfully curated selection of international dishes. Whether one wishes to experience Oriental, Continental, Italian, or Thai flavours, we love to create exquisite dishes."

Holistic Wellness

Start the day with a serene Sunrise Yoga session, followed by an indulgent spa treatment featuring varied therapies. Refresh with a   dip at the temperature controlled outdoor pool offering vistas of serene backdrop.

Immersive experiences

The team curates exclusive activities, including both cultural and adventure immersive experiences. A visit to the iconic Parmarth Niketan Ashram to evening arti at Triveni Ghat on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh is a must for those spiritually inclined. For trek lovers there are several trails, the most beautiful being hiking up to the ancient Kunjapuri Devi Temple. Weather permitting, river rafting and bungee jumping are adventure sports one could partake in for those seeking thrills. Hike through pristine mountain trails, soak in the beauty of nature, or indulge in yoga and mindful meditation amidst the serenity of the Himalayas. The choice is all yours!

To Conclude

If you looking for a serene getaway enveloped in natural splendor, The Kinwani House is the perfect retreat. Here is an elegant Regal abode away from the touristic crowd with experiences that are both enriching and indulgent. Whether it's enjoying a curated menu under the stars, relaxing in the temperature controlled pool with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, or embarking on a bespoke adventure with Kinwani Concierge, every aspect of Kinwani House is designed to leave a lasting impression for your memorable vacay.

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