I’ve actually bounced back from the malaise, fatigue and monotony
of everyday life after a week well spent at this little piece of heaven
on earth. A week, you may ask, quite incredulously.a full
seven days in back - of - beyond Almora? With no TV, no internet, no
shopping.and yes, 2 under - 14s in tow?
Destinations such as this are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, the
unhappiness expressed by a’bored - to - their skins’ family from
Mumbai being a case in point. However if peace, quiet and solitude is
what you are seeking, Kalmatia will live up to all your expectations,
and more!
A cluster of a few cottages, all very aesthetically done up and with
all modern comforts is what comprises this little advertised resort.
We were booked at the Eagles Nest, the largest of these, with a cozy
sitting area with a neat fireplace on the ground floor and sleeping
arrangments on the first, with a loft bed thrown in. I am told this
affords the most splendid views of the snow covered Himalayas, which
we were not fortunate enough to see.February and March are
ideal, I am told.
We were spoilt silly for choice as far as food went, and were served a
large variety ranging from Continental to Thai to Italian. hats off to
the KS kitchen! Service is excellent, and the staff very pleasant and most non intrusive.
Time was spent lazing around on hammocks, plenty of reading
( A small in house library has a motley collection of books and
periodicals should you run out of your own), board and card games with
the kids, long walks along forest trails( absolutely delightful) and
the occasional evening movie on the husband’s laptop. Believe me, the
week just flew! Having seen most of Kumaon over the years we did
not really feel the need to sightsee. A day’s trip to the Binsar forest
reserve does deserve mention here however. am sure it would have been
even better had the weather gods been kinder. The resort also arranges
treks/village walks for a fee.
In short, a completely rejuvenating and fulfilling vacation. Our kids
are quite used to the kind of places we opt to holiday in and
keep themselves busy.they enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
We’d love to go back for a shorter break one winter, if possible with
our 5 year old labrador! A tip here. most people we know choose to
drive to Kumaon. its a very comfortable overnight ride on the Ranikhet
Express from Delhi, with all sorts of cabs now available at Kathgodam
Stn to carry you into the hills.