We all were so drained by the time we got back home, that most of us just crashed on the huge soft lawn outside. We had just had our ZNMD moment, albeit with a few differences. If that was the summer in Spain, this was the onset of autumn in the Himalayan lake district of Nainital. If that was a road trip of three besties, this was a reunion, for our gang of 20. If sky and scuba diving was what they did in the movie, paragliding and yachting was our thing.
No, this is not another movie script, but a reunion for our motley gang. Our group of college friends, 20 in all, had gathered in Delhi from across the country, and a few of them had flown in from abroad. The seven hour drive from Delhi to Bhimtal was nothing short of a picnic, interspersed with antakshari and charades sessions. Finally after crossing Haldwani, the hill breeze welcomed us into the Kumaoni foothills.
It was mid afternoon when we checked into this stunning property, Estate 15 by Vista Rooms, in Bhowali, nestled between Bhimtal and Nainital, and equidistant from both. The house is a massive mansion to say the least, which can accommodate 30 people easily, and is well suited for corporate group sizes ranging from 20 - 30 people, or joint family getaways, or like in our case a whole set of college batchmates.
The estate is equipped with three suite rooms, a family room the highlight of which is the garden view, four deluxe rooms - all of these on the first floor of the estate. There are four additional rooms on the ground floor. Not only this, there is a tree house created in the garden that has two rooms (ground and top floor). Our gang filled up all the rooms, barring those on the ground floor. Not that we had plans of spending a lot of time in the rooms ;). The suite rooms are equipped with bathtubs too, where a warm soak can do away with all the fatigue of a day spent outdoors.
With nothing much to do in Bhowali, other than chilling at the estate, we spent the first evening around a bonfire, reminiscing about our college days and chalking out the activity plan for the next day. The mornings at Estate 15 are those where chirping birds wake you up, and you breathe in a crisp clean air, the moment you step out of the room. And when breakfast is served on the lawn, while soaking up the autumn sun and the eyes are filled with the sight of the mountains, you know it's going to be a great day.
As planned, we spent the late morning paragliding in Naukuchiatal. This nine cornered lake is located just 15 kms from the estate, and is a nature lover’s paradise. The rest of the day was spent on easy hikes around Bhimtal. Watching the sun go down, while sipping chai beside the lake, with my friends for company, is a memory that I will definitely not forget. This was followed by an evening of board games, chess and table tennis at Estate 15, before retiring for the night.
Half of the next day was spent in Nainital, yachting and boating in the kidney shaped lake, having a great time in the cafes lining the lakefront. The other half had us splitting into two teams for a game of basketball at the Estate 15 grounds. Delicious home cooked meals kept us satiated and full at all times during our stay at the Estate. And the hosts were most accommodating with all the requests made to them.
The three days spent at Estate 15, were rejuvenating and fun to say the least. The outdoor and indoor games, the little nooks for reading, the lush green lawn to laze in, and the huge garden with epic views to stroll in, makes the Estate 15 a go to destination for any group wanting to have a fun time in the Kumaon hills.
To book the property or to know more click here.
How to reach?
By Road: Estate 15 is at a 300km distance / 7 hours distance from New Delhi.
By Train: The closest railhead is Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, Estate 15 is an hour long drive away.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is 2 hours away from Estate 15. Pantnagar is connected via direct flight with Dehradun.
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