“… Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place I belong…”
Some ‘homes’ never fade away from our dreams, no matter how young and old you are! In the middle of our rat race in the cities and metros –amidst all the rush and engagements of our fast and furious life, somewhere at the back of our mind we cherish a life surrounded by peace- in the middle of nature where you fall asleep listening to the sound of wind passing through the oak trees and dew drops, where you wake up listening to the oriole twitting through the open window. How often we try to live that hidden desire in the form of a photo frame on the wall of our living room or through the pages of a nature book after a busy day in office!
But what if you get to live this life for real, even for a few days?
All you need is a long weekend – a 8 hours smooth and beautiful drive from Delhi. You may start early and over a heavy breakfast with aluparatha and curd or sandwiches at the highways dhabas you may reach there just by the lunch time. Alternatively, there are number of restaurant- brands available these days for the travelers; so, you can have your lunch and enjoy a relaxing long drive in the mountains to reach the little village in Kumayun called Sunkya .Nestled in the Himalayan Mountains at an elevation of 7,500 feet, lies the little Hamlet.
Just as your GPRS would proudly announce about your arrival and you would be beginning to wonder “where am I’, with no one and no houses around except the tall trees, green grass-carpet and chirping birds , you will notice a jolly charming face smiling at you with a simple but warm welcome. Puran Singh, the owner of the house will guide you to the rest of the journey on foot after helping your car parked safely. It’s a small little trek of about 350 meters down the hill. With the giant oak tree filtering the sun beams and cold wind caressing your soul, you won’t be able to notice the beautiful hidden nest until a sudden turn of the mountain-path. One look from a distance and anyone would be thrilled to the thought that this is where we would be staying for a few days!
Puran Singh and his wife and kids are staying here for generations. These soft spoken, simple living villagers are always more than happy to host people at their home. They would tell you stories of their life, village, foods, the flood, the winter –how the time has changed ….and what not. One cannot but help but falling in love with these pure souls untouched by the complexities and negativity of city life.
Once you get freshen you may choose to take little nap and enjoy the siesta. The balcony opens on the other side of the house. The afternoon tea tastes never more rejuvenating – watching the sun setting beyond the green horizon of Himalayas. Hundreds of known and unknown Himalayan birds chirping around –busy to get their last round of food before darkness engulf the dense forest. If you visit in winter, the entire Hamlet gets covered with white marvels.
The lady of the house would be happier than you can imagine, if you would feel like accompanying her in the kitchen and be a part of the making of the delicious local foods. She would tell you the stories of organic farms and how vegetables are grown and their local names. After all, is not it the real essence of a home-stay experience?
If you are a birder , it would be irresistible to stop yourself from going to the forest walk with your SLR right after the mesmerizing sunrise from the other side of the mountain forests. The early morning symphony of Ruby Throat,, White-crested laughing thrush, Red and yellow billed magpies,, black headed jays, Plump headed parakeets would make you lost in the world of winged beauties. If you are lucky enough, even one km walk can end up a spotted deer, leopard sighting.
This beautiful abode can host around 10 people with two family rooms, one small room and also facility of camping in the woods.
Afternoons and late evenings are the time you lay lazy in the balcony listening to the sound of silence while enjoying your favorite books.
Thus, when think of your ‘dream home away from home “ , you know where to plan , pack early and don’t forget your books, indoor games along with the your tele lens and SLR.
INFORMATION :
Best time to visit :Oct to May
Nearest Rail : Kathgudam (56.3 km)
Nearest Airport : Pantnagar (90km)
Distance from Delhi :348 km
Distance from Nainital : 48 km
website connect: www.homestaysofindia.com
TW Rating
Author: TW News Bureau
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