| Soulitude Cottage
Ramgarh, Uttarakhand. |
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Nestled on a quiet hillside in Gagar (near Nainital), Soulitude, as the name suggests, provides complete solitude for the soul. Face-to-face with the mighty Kumaon Himalayas, it is so quiet here that one can actually hear the sounds of silence – and this all-pervading sense of quietude transports one into a completely different world..... into the world of ‘Soulitude’.
Fresh mountain air, spectacular 180-degree snow views, long walks, good food and warm hospitality..... Soulitude has just the right ambience for rest, relaxation and fun. Soulitude is ideal for those looking to get away from the clutter of the city..... to slow down..... rejuvenate..... and simply be !
Soulitude offers a bouquet of 10 exquisite rooms with all the luxuries of a fine vacation home. We hope the Soulitude experience will be one that you will cherish and want to come back to for more !
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The 'Soul' of Soulitude lies in this room. This lovely sitting room breathes the freshness of the crisp mountain air into it's decor through the colours used here. With a large deck outside and the sun streaming in through it's large windows, this room is the hub of all activities. The triple height glass roof adds to the openness and allows for lots of natural light during the day. The impressive brick fireplace and the bukhari along with comfortable seating make this room warm and inviting – just the right place to be in on those the cold wintry evenings.
The cottage has a cosy sitting room with great views. Done up in whites, blues and greens, the decor of this room tries to capture it's pristine surroundings in an effort to bring a little bit of the outdoors - indoors ! For those who might be looking to catch up with a movie or news by the fireside, there is a home theater system with a flat screen TV.
There is an open kitchen and a dining table adjacent to the sitting room which could be of use to those travelling with little ones. However, meals are only served in the main dining room. |
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This room is decorated in warm and inviting hues of rust and yellows. A hand-painted ceiling and an old fashioned fireplace add to the charm of this room. It has great views of the Himalayas and a direct access to a joyful patch of green.
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This room is decorated in warm and inviting hues of rust and yellows. A large skylight and an old fashioned fireplace make this room a cheerful place to be in. It has wonderful views of the Himalayas and you can step out to a wooden deck..... reading a book on the “jack-n-jill” two seater under the apple tree is a sheer delight!
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This lovely room is decorated in soft pinks and lilac. Its most attractive when the morning sun streams in, drenching the 4 poster bed and the room with it's warm comforting rays. The Himalayan views are best appreciated lazing on a lounger on the deck outside, which is also the perfect place to soak in the sun, the breeze, the view and celebrate all that Nature has to offer.
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Situated at the highest point of the property, this suite has an independent entrance. The unique 2-way open fireplace warms the living room and the bedroom together while the colours and patterns integrate both spaces harmoniously. The suite’s elevation provides unique views of the Himalayan peaks, the valley and the forest and its skylights gets the best of the morning sunshine. Its connected to a private deck and the living room has a sofa-bed for children.
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The Orchards
Gagar, Ramgarh, is known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of Kumaon’. The lush hillsides of Soulitude have been amply blessed with orchards of the choicest peaches, pears, apricots, plums, apples, walnuts and almonds.
Fresh fruits and organically grown vegetables and herbs are used in our kitchen and may be handpicked by visitors.
The Gardens
Soulitude is set amidst beautifully terraced gardens. Basic landscaping has been done in order to allow Nature to take its course so that the virgin beauty of the hills remains untouched.
The flora and fauna add brilliant strokes of colour to the mountainside in different seasons.
The gardens are dotted with outdoor benches and picnic tables at just the right places to take in the brilliant views of the great Himalayas. A good book and a homemade lemonade, flavoured with the freshest mint from the gardens, is the perfect way to spend a lazy day !
Some of the terraces are used to grow organic vegetables and herbs which are used extensively in the Kitchen. |
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Skilled in varied cuisines, the kitchen staff of Soulitude can rustle up a gastronomic delight whether it is the sumptuous Indian 'khaana' or the delicately balanced flavours of Continental dishes or Chinese and Mexican fare. Meals are served in the delightful country style Dining Room with blue stained furniture.
The meals, using our organic vegetables and herbs, are served with a range of homemade pickles, jams and juices. We make our own pastas and
noodles as well.
Meals for guests staying at our Cottage next door are also served in this
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The Decks
Wonderful stone and wood terraces wrap around the house at various levels and are a perfect vantage point to view the grandeur of the Himalayas as well as to soak in the brilliant sun. These Decks are also great for amateur astronomers who might like to stargaze - not to mention the 'Tandoori NIghts' which are always a hit with all visitors.
The Sitting Room
The 'Soul' of Soulitude lies in this room. This lovely sitting room breathes the freshness of the crisp mountain air into it's decor through the colours used here. With a large deck outside and the sun streaming in through it's large windows, this room is the hub of all activities. The triple height glass roof adds to the openness and allows for lots of natural light during the day. The impressive brick fireplace and the bukhari along with comfortable seating make this room warm and inviting – just the right place to be in on those the cold wintry evenings.
The Study
The Study is the ideal spot for indoor relaxation..... cuddle up in a warm blanket and a favourite book or play a round of scrabble or catch up on a movie - it can all happen here in this cheerful little lounge around the warmth of an old fashioned bukhari !
Though the charm of the Soulitude experience lies in reconnecting with Nature through outdoorsy activities, lots of indoor entertainment is available in the Study. A large variety of books and magazines is available along with a selection of movies and music. A range of board games and puzzles is also stocked at the Study to keep the little ones busy ! For those who need to be in touch with the outside world, the Study desk is equipped with a personal computer with internet connectivity (BSNL willing !) and a printer.
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Soulitude is an evergreen destination! Since each season has it’s own charm, anytime is a perfect time to visit us!
Winters (December to February)
Shimmering with fresh snow, the views of the Himalayas are simply spectacular at this time. If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to catch a snowfall.
Winters are a paradox - till about 3p.m. at 7000ft, one can be out in the most brilliant sunshine with just a light layer almost every day (usually no clouds, except when snowfall is expected, and certainly no Delhi smog). Once the sun moves away, however, it is time to move indoor and grab a cosy seat next to a roaring fire.
Spring (March & April)
March and April is when Nature springs back to life. The chill of the winters is over and the fruit trees begin to blossom. The snow views in March are still good enough to take your breath away, though they become a bit more elusive in April.
Summers (May & June)
The Summers see the greening of the hillsides and a riot of colours as the flowers are in full bloom and the trees are laden with fruits. You may treat yourself to the most luscious peaches, plums and apricots straight from the trees. The Himalayan snow views become a bit difficult to catch at this time of the year, though an occasional or partial view can never be ruled out.
Monsoons (July to September)
The monsoon showers bathe the hills in the most vibrant shades of green. It is almost magical to see the clouds flowing down the mountainsides into the surrounding valleys. For fruit lovers, there is plentitude of apples & pears and walnuts & chestnuts ready to be plucked off the trees. The flowers stand out brilliantly against the silver grey mists. It usually never rains continuously so outdoor activities are rarely a problem. To top it all up, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the mighty peaks when the cloud cover dissipates temporarily. The views of the mountains are surprisingly spectacular after a rain storm, even beating some of the clearest winter views, because of the dramatic monsoon setting.
Autumn (October & November)
The evergreen trees on the hillsides are still amply green after the rain while the fruit trees are in a winding up mode before the Big Freeze. The veils of the Himalayas begin to lift to reveal the most magnificent views of the peaks. For those who don't want to brave the winters, this is the ideal time to catch the views of the snow clad Himalayas while the surroundings are still green and attractive.
Climate
Gagar enjoys great climate through the year – mists of the monsoon, warm sunshine of the winters, blossoms of spring, cool breezes of the summer, clean crisp air, the star studded skies and eternal peaks of the Himalayas - a place where one can truly appreciate Nature at its best.
Gagar’s weather remains pleasant throughout most of the year.
Summer temperatures peak at around 25 degrees Celsius, but in winter, temperatures can dip below zero. We recommend guests carry some sort of warm clothing year-round. Even in summer, evenings can be quite cool.
What to carry with you
Guests are advised to carry sun block, sunglasses and sun hats since the sun at 7,000 ft in a clean atmosphere can be surprisingly strong, especially in winters.
Guests will require heavy warm woolens during the winter months (temperatures are below freezing during winter nights) and medium to light woolens in the summer/monsoon months since it can get quite cold if the wind blows in from the snowy peaks from the North.
Raincoats and umbrellas are advisable during the rainy months.
Good hiking boots are highly recommended for your comfort although regular walking shoes will also suffice. Slippery soles are not advisable. An extra pair during monsoons is preferable.
A good camera, as Soulitude is really a photographers' dream !
Paints, brushes and notebooks since ideas and inspirations flow freely (many film scripts have been written here).
If you would like to fish at Soulitude by the Riverside or at any of the tals, we would recommend that you carry your own equipment, especially flies, plugs and spinners. We do keep some nets and basic tackle, but can't promise it will match your own.
How to get there
By Car - From Delhi:
Route 1 : 325 km, a journey of around 6-7 hours from Delhi via Hapur, Gajraula, Moradabad, Rampur, Bilaspur, Rudrapur, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Bhimtal, Bhowali to Gagar, Ramgarh.
Route 2 : 325 km, a journey of around 6-7 hours from Delhi via Hapur, Gajraula, Moradabad, Tanda, Dariyal, Bajpur--Kaladhungi, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Bhimtal, Bhowali to Gagar which has lesser traffic at times.
Route 3 : 300 km, a journey of around 6-7 hours from Delhi via Hapur, Gajraula, Moradabad, Tanda, Dariyal, Bajpur--Kaladhungi, Nainital, Bhimtal, Bhowali to Gagar. Though this is a scenic and shorter route it should be avoided during peak tourist season due to the traffic congestion within Nainital.
By Train : Kathgodam railway station. The car journey from Kathgodam to Soulitude takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar. A private carrier manages regular flights to Pantnagar from Delhi. Private and chartered planes may also use this airport. The distance from Pantnagar to Gagar can be covered by road in 2 hours 30 minutes.
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Tariff |
| Suites |
Season |
Off Season |
| Nirvana |
Rs.12000/- |
Rs.9000/- |
| Bliss |
Rs.12000/- |
Rs.9000/- |
| Bliss |
Rs.12000/- |
Rs.9000/- |
| Awakening |
Rs.12000/- |
Rs.9000/- |
Junior Suites |
| Joy |
Rs.10000/- |
Rs.7500/- |
| Delight |
Rs.10000/- |
Rs.7500/- |
| The Master’s Touch |
Rs.10000/- |
Rs.7500/- |
| The Secret Garden |
Rs.10000/- |
Rs.7500/- |
Rooms |
| Celebration |
Rs.8000/- |
Rs.6000/- |
| Peace |
Rs.8000/- |
Rs.6000/- |
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Including : Breakfast and taxes as applicable.
Season time includes all school vacations including the Summer, Dussherra, and Winter breaks, all weekends Friday through Sunday as well as all public holidays.
Extra child occupancy: Extra bed and breakfast at a charge of INR 1000 for children between ages of 5 and 12. Cot and pram available on request.
Extra adult occupancy: Extra bed and breakfast at a charge of INR 1500.
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Tele : +91-11-41612107, 26823836. Mobile: 9810002772, 9910002772. |
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