The Retreat
Bhimtal, (Uttarakhand)
House Rules
Check-in time: 12:00 pm
Check-out time: 10:00 am
For early check-ins or late check-outs don’t be shy to check with us.
Slow and soft music is okay, but please do not play loud music. You are in the middle of nature and a village
Services of the staff are available until 10:00 pm
We follow a strict no-smoking policy inside the house. You may ask the caretaker for an ashtray and smoke outside the house if you need to.
Water at Himalayan Eagle is drawn from natural spring approx. 5Kms away. There is enough for all of us however we advise you not to waste water and be responsible
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Wifi and Connectivity:
There is a good 4G connectivity for Airtel and Jio users, unless the weather is bad. Anyone who needs dedicated connection should carry an Airtel/Jio Sim and it works very good for video/work. We don’t have a WiFi connection facility.
Cancellation Policy:
Date of booking – 28 days before arrival: 25 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
21 Days – 27 Days: 50 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
14 Days – 20 Days: 75 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
7 Days – 13 Days: 90 % cancellation fee on the total booking amount
Less than 7 days: No Refunds
Getting There:
By Train:Kathgodam Station: 65Kms / 3Hrs
By Air: Pantnagar Airport:75Kms / 1Hr 30Mins
We will share the exact directions upon confirmation.
We have pickup, drop facility from Dehradun Airport/Kotdwara Station, which are chargeable additionally.
We also offer accommodation for the drivers at the property at an additional cost. Please inform us at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Reaching the property in daylight is advisable
The Stay
The Retreat is a family-owned homestay, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand. This 170-year-old estate bungalow, originally part of the Bhimtal Tea Estate, has stood the test of time. Its colonial-era architecture, adorned with ancestral heirlooms and antique furniture, speaks of a bygone era. This property has been preserved lovingly by generations of the Smetacek family. The stay offers a unique and peaceful environment that allows you to relax and create lasting memories.
Experience the beauty of the countryside, where rustic charm meets modern luxury. The homestay is the ideal destination for everyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With breath-taking views, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere, relax and recharge in nature’s embrace. The large sit-outs are ideal to enjoy the lovely views & lush greenery and share some chai and stories with the hosts.
The homestay has a total of three rooms, each with its own attached bathrooms. The rooms are decorated in an old-style colonial fashion, exuding a comforting old world charm. All the rooms are designed in a rustic manner with artefacts and paintings collected from the time that Mr.Frederick Smetacek first acquired the estate in the 1940’s.
The house has one central dining and lounge area, from where there is an entrance to all the rooms. This space is where travellers can hang out and read, dine and observe all the heritage artefacts that tell you a lot about the family heritage. The homestay is owned and managed by Padmini, a.k.a Paddy Smetacek, a warm and friendly hostess who ensures your stay is warm and comfortable. Along with her six children, four of whom who live on the estate with her and her two dogs, she beautifully runs this charming homestay with her passion and heart. For the ones who like to stay in and relax, this is a great place to read and write. The various, cozy indoor nooks and the charming outdoor spaces act as lovely reading corners.
To See
Victoria Dam and Bhimeshwar Temple: Located at one end of Bhimtal Lake, the Victoria Dam provides stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. Close to it is the ancient 17th-century Bhimeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a spiritual touch to your exploration.
Butterfly Research Centre: For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Butterfly Research Centre is highly recommended as part of Bhimtal sightseeing. It is the fourth-largest collection of butterflies and moths in India, with over 240 species found in Bhimtal alone.
Naukuchiatal: Just 4 km from Bhimtal lies Naukuchiatal, a unique nine-cornered lake. You can indulge in adventure activities, including rowing, paddling, and yachting, here.
Folk Culture Museum (Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya): For those who love culture and our roots, this museum should be the best option to delve into the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
To Do
Paddy’s cottage is an ideal place for slow travellers as well as adventure junkies and activity seekers. You can lounge around all day if you wish with a book (there is a small collection of books to keep you busy).
There are various nature trails that one can embark on to explore the surroundings. A twenty minute walk from the cottage, and you reach a beautiful, ancient church set amidst the forests.
For travellers seeking more activity, you could go to the main town for some boating and kayaking, or make your way to Naukuchiatal located 15 minutes away for a para-gliding adventure.
Welcome to The Retreat Bhimtal, a 170-year-old heritage homestay where history, charm, and warmth come together.
Guests can enjoy activities like guided forest walks, bird watching, or learning to bake with Paddy, who also creates exquisite jams, breads, and desserts. Evenings here are best spent listening to tales of the past over a warm cup of tea.
Guests also can go down to the village to sample delicious “Pahadi Lunch”, which can be a unique experience.
suggested Itineraries
Lansdowne – Khirsu – Rishikesh
Duration: 05 Nights/ 06 Days
Day 1: Dehradun – Lansdowne
Today on arrival pick up from Airport / Railway station and proceed towards Lansdowne via Kotdwar, on arrival check in at hotel & relax. Lansdowne is situated at an altitude of 1700 mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests. Evening free for individual activities.
Overnight at Lansdowne
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 2: Lansdowne (Sight Seeing)
Today after breakfast local sightseeing of Lansdowne, places to visit (Church, Tip-In-Top, St.John’s Church, St. Marry’s Church, Lansdowne Lake (Bhulla Tal), Tarkeshwar Mahadev etc) evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Lansdowne
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 3: Lansdowne -- Khirsu
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 81 kms away from Lansdowne on Kotdwar – Pauri Road. (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests. On arrival check in at hotel & relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 4: Khirsu (Sight Seeing)
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 81 kms away from Lansdowne on Kotdwar – Pauri Road. (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests. On arrival check in at hotel relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 5: Khirsu -- Rishikesh
After breakfast checkout from hotel and proceed to Rishikesh via Devpryag. On arrival check in hotel & relax. Later explore local temple and Market of Rishikesh. Evening join Ganga aarti at Swarg Ashram. Later back to hotel
Overnight at Rishikesh
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure check out the hotel and drive back to Delhi/ Calcutta
Corn Village – Dhanaulti – Chamba – Khirsu
Duration: 06 Nights/ 07 Days
Day 1: Dehradun – Mussoorie/ Corn Village
Today on arrival pick up from Airport / Railway station and proceed towards Mussoorie via Dehradun, on arrival check in at hotel & relax. Free for individual activities.
Dinner & Overnight at Corn Village
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 2: Mussoorie
Breakfast at hotel. Today half day Sightseeing to Kempty Fall, after enjoying the water fall of Kempty comes back to Mussoorie evening explores local Mussoorie and enjoy walk at the Mall, later back to hotel.
Overnight at Corn Village
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 3: Mussoorie – Dhanaulti
After breakfast drive towards Dhanaulti.which is 25 kms away from Mussoorie on Mussoorie – Chamba Road. On arrival check in to hotel. Later sightseeing tour of Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti is situated at an altitude of 2286 mts above sea level. Dhanaulti is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow – capped Himalayas. Later back to hotel.
Overnight at Dhanaulti
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 4: Dhanaulti – Chamba
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure Check out the hotel Proceed to Chamba, explore local view of Chamba, It has an overlooking view of spectacular snowcapped mountains of Himalayas, On arrival check in at Hotel & relax, Later proceed to visit Tehri Dam (One of the largest Dam of India), evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Chamba
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 5: Chamba – Khirsu
Today after breakfast check out the hotel and drive toward Pauri which is 113 kms away from Chamba. (It’s a Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter of Pauri Garhwal) It is situated at an altitude of 1814 mts above sea level abundantly blessed with nature’s bounty like snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests (Beautiful town, Pauri is a district headquarter) on arrival check in at hotel & relax, later enjoy the sightseeing local Market of Pauri, evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 6: Khirsu (Sightseeing)
Today after breakfast go for sightseeing tour of Pauri, places to visit (Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kandolia Devta Temple, Nag Devta Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Khirsu & Pauri City) evening back to hotel.
Overnight at Khirsu
Distance: 7 km | Time: 5 Hrs. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay Option :
Day 7: Khirsu – Dehradun/ Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Today at leisure check out the hotel and drive back to Delhi/ Calcutta
Impact Footprint
Cultural Preservation: Supporting the preservation of local community traditions and festivals. Kathbaddi Fair is the famous fair of Khirsu which is organized every year in April.
Economic Empowerment: Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism, generating employment for local communities and income generation for local businesses.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly practices within the homestay and community.
Community Kitchen: Community kitchen bringing everyone together, food ties us to our community and it’s the thing that make us feel good and connected.