Down a short walk on a mountain path, surrounded by apple trees and the greenery of Uttarakhand, is Shiva’s Cottage of Five Senses. A place to get away from the routine humdrum of the city and soak in the life of the mountains, while staying in a house that provides all the comforts of home. The Cottage is meant for couples, families, group of friends, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers,
artists, poets, writers, musicians, backpackers and peace seekers. The Cottage:
It provides accommodation for 2 couples/ families/ group of friends, with 2 bedrooms imparting unhindered view of Himalayan snow peaks, a living-cum-dining hall with 2 sofa-cum-beds, a dining table and a well-equipped kitchen. The name - “Cottage of Five Senses” aptly describes its serene place in the lap of nature, catering to each of the five senses of sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. The front deck of the Cottage is a favourite place for all, inviting one to spend endless hours of the day soaking in the views of the stunning snow-clad Himalayan peaks and to stay up at night, breathing in the pine-scented mountain air while staring at the star-studded sky. The sounds of birds during the day and the symphony of the mountains during the night provide an incredible musical experience to anyone who wants to listen. One can also taste hand-plucked apples from trees in the apple season and enjoy freshly picked seasonal organic vegetables from the small vegetable patch in the garden. The cool mountain breeze touches the face with an extraordinary freshness, while taking away all weariness with it. Reaching here:
Bhatelia is just 6 kms before Mukteshwar, the highest point of Uttarakhand. By Road:
If traveling by car from Delhi, take the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Moradabad-Haldwani-Kathgodam Road. Then onwards on the Kathgodam-Bhowali-Mukteshwar Road or the Kathgodam-Bhimtal- Mukteshwar Road. By Train & Taxi:
Trains run from New Delhi/Old Delhi stations to Kathgodam Railway Station. Hire a taxi from Kathgodam Station up to the Cottage. Its a drive of 2-2.5 hours with a nice tea break along the serpentine mountainous roads. Contact numbers for pre-booking a taxi can be provided. Location:
The Cottage is located near Bhatelia Market. Hanuman Mandir on the hilltop is the closet landmark which can be seen from a distance. To reach the Cottage, follow an approach road opposite a milestone written "Bhatelia 0/Pahadpani" 16 from the main Dhanachuli Road. (Road from Bhimtal to Mukteshwar) This is a 5-minute drive, leading up to the last motorable point. This is followed by a 5-minute walk down a mountainous concrete pathway amongst the Apple Orchards and mountain greenery, to reach the cottage along with your luggage, while being helped by the caretaker. Things to do:
The serene yet mesmerizing atmosphere of this place lets one’s creative self emerge. So carry with you - a pair of binoculars for the bird-watcher in you; brush, paints and canvas for your artistic self; a notebook and pen to discover within yourself a writer or a poet, and a good camera for that nature-photographer. Also keep handy, a book to enjoy reading in the tranquil nature and a pair of walking shoes to go on walks in the nearby hilly areas. In the winter months (End of December - January), see the green turn to a serene white, as snowfalls delight you and the snow surrounds the cottage and beyond.
