TouchStone by MettāDhura - Charming Open House

TouchStone by MettāDhura: Feel the Himalayan serenity Touchstone stands as the purity of aesthetic bliss amidst Himalayan landscape. With its intricate wood work and beautiful stone masonry by local artisans TouchStone is a feast to one’s senses, more so because of its visual and tactile aesthetics. TouchStone is MettāDhura’s third unit perfect for a family or friends get together. The space MettāDhura is an experiential homestead built in a quaint little sub-alpine Himalayan village Merdhura in Jalna Block, Almora. MettāDhura has a studio SoulSpace a cozy chalet Inspire amidst an orchard of deciduous fruit trees and evergreen pine and oak trees spread over an acre. We, a group of nature lovers (under the banner of Kumaon Elements) have built this small place in the hills to unwind from the drills of our modern-day urban lives. A space for rest, peace and mindfulness built on the Buddhist practice of “mettā” or “maitrī”, loving-kindness and compassion for all beings. Our cottages are built with locally available material by local artisans and syncs with the serene atmosphere of the village and the forests nearby. Our farm and orchard are occasionally visited by a family of a barking deer and her fawn, butterflies, porcupines, and by monkeys during the harvesting. Every day starts with birdsongs and ends with their lullaby. TouchStone has a well-equipped a kitchenette, a cozy dinning and dressing area in the ground floor. The ground floor also has a aesthetically pleasing queen size wooden bed with angethi(stone fireplace) and a spacious window seat to laze around. The stair bed area above has a queen size wooden futon, a study table and a dressing area. A large balcony (80 sq.ft.) opens to the Himalayan Valley view in this floor, making it a perfect place to chill out in the evenings. Guest access We aim at experiential tourism and giving our guests a homely feel. They can enjoy the serenity and beauty of the place at their own leisure in the patio or balcony on the first floor. Guest can roam & relax around the orchard, take walks in the forest trails within & around the property. The surrounding forest & nearby hills with the snowcapped Himalayas as the backdrop creates a lovely frame to lose oneself. The last 750 mt. of the approaching road is kuchha country road and driving vehicle should be avoided if it rains or snow. Guest should be prepared to walk this distance and come prepared for both rains and cold as in mountains weather can change quickly. Guests are requested to carry any essential medicine/food item that they cannot do without, being situated in a rural and remote area these may not be available locally. Other things to note 1. 1. We serve traditional meals at our own dine area Bon Appétit (Additional Rs. 1500/head/day for all meals). Serving food apart from evening tea at house is chargeable separately. On the other hand if you love to cook, you can having basic kitchen amenities and specific items ( Rs. 700/ day). 2. Our home is close to forest which is habitat of few wild animals, co-exist harmlessly. 3. The rough hilly terrain can be a challenge and discomforting for some guests, especially toddlers or small children, elderly and persons with mobility or visual disabilities. Please be informed and consider these before reservation. 4. We would prefer your driver to manage own accommodation available at nearby market (7km from MettāDhura) with a reasonable rate. 5. For winter and guest need, use of fireplace and room heater is provided in night. Also, outside fireplace can be arranged and charges for all these are payable separately. 6. We request our guests to be respectful of the local culture and lives. 7. We will love to see responsible living. Your love & affection to MettāDhura will help us to keep it always beautiful and ensure its tranquillity to all the fellow travellers.