The Retreat, Bhimtal

KUMAON, 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.

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. We don’t have WiFi connection facility.

Cancellation Policy:

45 – 30 days prior to check-in date – 50 % of full amount would be charged as retention

31 – 16 days prior to check-in date – 75 % of full amount would be charged as retention

15 Days prior to check-in date – 100% of full amount would be charged as retention.

Bookings made for long weekends, festivals and blackout periods (sold-out dates, special festivals, Christmas & New Year) are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Getting There:

By Road:
Bhimtal is well-connected by road with cities like Delhi (approximately 300Kms away). The journey offers beautiful views of the hilly landscape. Buses, taxis, or self-drive are viable options.

By Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 21Kms away. From the station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhimtal.

By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, 58Kms away. Pantnagar is a domestic airport having flights from many major cities of the country. From the airport, taxis or cabs can be hired to reach Bhimtal.

We will share the exact directions upon confirmation. We have pickup, drop facility from the Airport/Railway 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.

To Experience:

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. 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.

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 8Kms 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.

Sattal – A Group of Seven Lakes: Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated near Bhimtal, Nainital district in Uttarakhand. The lakes are located between thick jungles of oak and pine trees, perched at an elevation of 1,370 meters, right below lush orchards in the Mehragaon valley. Sattal is one of the few pristine and uncontaminated freshwater biomes in India and acts as true heaven for migratory birds.

Impact Footprint

Heritage Conservation: The colonial-era architecture, adorned with ancestral heirlooms and antique furniture, speaks of a bygone era.

Guided Tours and Workshops on Butterfly: The Butterfly Research Centre offers guided tours and workshops, providing an opportunity to learn about different species, their life cycles, and conservation efforts.

Cultural Immersion: Participate in village walks and interact with the friendly local community.

Sustainable Agriculture: Home-cooked meals for guests emphasize the importance of planting and maintaining fields, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact Footprint

Heritage Conservation: The colonial-era architecture, adorned with ancestral heirlooms and antique furniture, speaks of a bygone era.

Cultural Immersion: Participate in village walks and interact with the friendly local community.

Sustainable Agriculture: Home-cooked meals for guests emphasize the importance of planting and maintaining fields, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.