An approaching long weekend, the extensive roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine, and the revival of the travel industry only equal to one thing – an overpowering zest to escape the four walls of your home and travel. Having experienced a change in the travel industry’s face, and the ideology of consciously supporting small businesses, our overarching idea of vacation has witnessed a learning curve. With the zeal to reclaim my love for travel and be vocal for local, I recently discovered one of the most quaint and hospitable homestays near Mukteshwar – Dhara Homestay, Peora.
Situated in the beautiful village of Peora, Dhara Homestay is at the conjunction of the village settlement and terrace farms. A quick yet scenic drive of 78 km from Kathgodam Railway Station, passing along Bhimtal, leads to this beautiful homestay in the hills. However, the off-beat and secluded location is only accessible after a km long hike from Talla Peora, which runs along with various huts and houses in the area.
Ideal for:
Dhara Homestay is perfect for couples, a family, friends, and even solo travellers. The host, Mr Jeevan Singh Bisht, has two rooms to offer at his homestay with all the necessary amenities. If you’re looking to work from the hills, this might be one of the economic and scenic spaces to work and relax in Uttarakhand.
About the property:
Overlooking the majestic Shivalik peaks and the glittering town of Almora, Dhara Homestay offers heritage and pristine stay in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
The rooms are well-furnished in deodar wood and open to a panoramic view of the village. One of the rooms is also furnished with a kitchenette, cooking ware and cooking essentials, so that you can bring out the holiday chef in you and try new cuisine. The carefully constructed room with multiple windows lets in the sunrise so effortlessly that you wouldn’t even need to step outside of your blankets to soak the sun.
Food:
The host, Mr Jeevan Singh, and his son, Mr Hemant Bisht, prepare a few of the most delicious meals for the stayers. During the winters, you can enjoy your meals as the burning fire-wood keeps you warm.
Tip: If you’re staying with the Bisht family during the winters, do not forget to ask them for their special lemon dessert.
Tariff: INR 1,500/day
Nearest town: Almora
Amenities: Breakfast, Heating, Iron, Sound system, Dedicated workspace, Kitchenette, Cooking basics, Parking
Contact information: Dhara Homestay
How to reach:
Air: The nearest airport to Peora is Pantnagar Airport at Pantnagar, which is only 111 km away from Dhara Homestay. Cabs and taxis are readily available for hire from the airport.
Train: The closest rail connection to the property is Kathgodam Railway Station. A drive of 78 km through Bhimtal, Bhowali, and Lohali leads to Peora.
Road: You can also venture out on a road trip from the capital city, Delhi, to Peora. The long yet scenic drive of 353 km goes along the route: Ghaziabad – Hapur – Gajruala – Moradabad – Bazpur – Kaladhungi – Nainital – Chhara – Lohali – Chopara – Peora.
Things to do around the property:
The strategic location of the homestay allows the stayers an opportunity to venture out on a couple of day trips in the region:
Kasar Devi Temple
Situated on the edge of a ridge, Kasar Devi has been marked on the map for its spiritual magnetic fields. Back in the day, Swami Vivekanand, Timothy Leary and Bob Dylan had also visited the temple to meditate and experiment with mind and body. It’s widely known that Kasar Devi shares the same high geomagnetic fields as Machu Pichu in Peru and Stone Henge in Great Britain.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
If you enjoy being closer to nature or a wildlife enthusiast, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is sure to prove worthwhile. It is a habitat for rare animals and floral species. You can also try camping and nature walk in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary's highest vantage point is Binsar Zero Point, which is the perfect point to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas.
If you’ve ever wondered how would it be to live the Kumaoni life in a quiet village, Dhara Homestay will be the perfect stay for you. You can spend days soaking in the warm sun as the in-house cat, Kushu, keeps you company. All the basic and modern amenities will be at your disposal while you enjoy an authentic and serene holiday in the hills.