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.

Suggested Itineraries

Ramgarh – Bhimtal
Duration: 4Nights/5Days

Day 1: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Railway Station – Ramgarh
Arrival at Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station. Meet and greet by our local representative. Drive to Ramgarh. Transfer to stay. Ramgarh in Uttarakhand, offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and lush fruit orchards to all its visitors. Embark on leisurely walk through the village lanes, interact with the warm-hearted locals and let the serenity of Ramgarh refresh your soul like nowhere else!
Evening visit the local market. Overnight stay at Ramgarh.
Distance: Airport 90Kms | Time: 3Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 60Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Ramgarh (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for a day trip covering Himalayan Viewpoint, Tagore Top, Ramgarh Orchards, Nathuakhan and Talla Ramgarh.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Ramgarh.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Ramgarh – Bhimtal
After breakfast depart for Bhimtal. Go for half-day local tour covering Bhimtal Lake, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Butterfly Museum.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Bhimtal.
Distance: 40Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Nainital Excursion
After breakfast go for a full-day tour of Nainital, often referred to as the “Lake District of India”. Today’s tour will cover Naini Lake, Naina Peak, Snow View Point, Tibetan Market, Zoo and the local market of Nainital. Drive back to Bhimtal.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Bhimtal.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station Drop
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Station.
Distance: Airport 60Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 30Kms | Time: 1Hr 30Mins | Meals: Breakfast

Bhimtal – Ranikhet – Kaneli/ Almora
Duration: 5Nights/6Days

Day 1: Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Railway Station – Bhimtal
Arrival at Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station. Meet and greet by our local representative. Drive to Bhimtal. Transfer to stay. Later go for half-day local tour covering Bhimtal Lake & Butterfly Museum.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Bhimtal.
Distance: Airport 60Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 30Kms | Time: 1Hr 30Mins | Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Day Excursion to Nainital
After breakfast go for a full-day tour of Nainital, often referred to as the “Lake District of India”. Today’s tour will cover Naini Lake, Naina Peak, Snow View Point, Tibetan Market, Zoo and the local market of Nainital. Drive back to Bhimtal.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Bhimtal.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Ranikhet
After breakfast depart for Ranikhet. A picturesque small, charming cantonment at an altitude of 6000Feet, Ranikhet is a located between two valleys in the Kumaon Himalayas. On arrival go for half-day tour of Ranikhet covering Golf Course, Kalika Temple, Jhula Devi / Ram Temple & Chaubattia Garden.
Evening free at leisure/ Visit the local market. Overnight stay at Ranikhet.
Distance: 55Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Kaneli/ Almora
After breakfast, depart for Almora. Considered the cultural centre of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Almora a beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 5400Feet, is known for its breath-taking views of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, and serene environment. On arrival visit the ancient Nanda Devi Temple and stroll along the lively Lala Bazaar, where handcrafted woolens, copperware, and local sweets like “Bal Mithai” and “Singori” of the oldest shop of Khem Singh. Transfer to stay.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Kaneli/Almora.
Distance: 50Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Almora (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for a full-day excursion around Almora. Begin with a visit to the Kasar Devi Temple, famous for its geomagnetic field as its inclusion in the Van Allen Belt. Next, proceed to the Chitai Golu Devta Temple, dedicated to the God of Justice and adorned with countless bells tied by devotees. The temple is steeped in local legend and offers a fascinating insight into Kumaoni beliefs and traditions. Visit to Katarmal Sun Temple.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Kaneli/ Almora.
Distance: 22Kms | Time: 1Hr | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station Drop
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Station.
Distance: Airport 115Kms | Time: 4Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 85Kms | Time: 3Hrs | Meals: Breakfast

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.