Nandini Cottage: Premium Boutique Homestay Kilmora

The cottage near Ranikhet in Uttarakhand hills, perched on a hillock, offers breath-taking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan range in front, and a verdant Pine forest at the back. On a clear day one can enjoy the view of Nanda Devi (second highest peak in India), Trishul-1,2 & 3, Nanda Ghunti, Mrigathuni range, Maiktoli, and Nanda Kot Ghat peaks. This charming Cottage, is meticulously designed to act as a ‘home away from home’ and Guests may enjoy the occasional snow fall during peak winters. The space "Nandini" is registered under the highest category of Homestay - "Rural Gold", by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. The cottage is strategically located between Ranikhet and Almora. Many places of tourist interest are within 30 minutes to 2 hours drive from the cottage like Katarmal Sun temple (25 min), Ranikhet (30 min), Almora (1 hr), Kausani (1.15 hr), Binsar (1.40 hr), Kasar Devi (1 hr), Jageshwar Dham (2 hr), Baba-avtar Cave (2 hr) etc. Famous Kainchi Dham is enroute to cottage while travelling from Kathgodham. The cottage is perched on a hillock presenting a commanding panoramic view of the valley and snow peaked Himalayan ranges. The approach to the cottage from the parking of the cottage is through a staircase and also through an outdoor elevator (Lift). The outdoor elevator is a boon for senior citizens as a major part of the ascend is covered by the outdoor elevator and only the last few staircases to the cottage have to be climbed on foot. Nandini is the only homestay in the entire North India and perhaps in the entire country with an outdoor elevator. There are 4 aesthetically designed Bed Rooms (BR) with attached washrooms and all modern facilities for the comfort of the guests. The rooms are named after the locally available fruits. BR at GF is named Khubani, has a attached deck with a separate entrance and the only pet friendly room of the cottage. There are 2 BRs at first floor named Kilmora and Hisalu, while the BR at second floor is named Kafal. All the rooms have balconies facing himalaya, while the second floor BR Kafal additionally has an open side terrace attached, which can be used for meditation or yoga exercises in the morning, sun basking during day time and enjoying bonfire or barbecue in the night while listening to music on JBL sound box. All the rooms have Samsung LED TV, mini Fridge, electric kettle with complimentary tea, coffee, sugar, milk sachets, bed side reading lights, ceiling fans, charging sockets, tower heaters, King size double bed with 8 inches spring mattresses, fitted linens, electric under sheet warmers (used during severe winters), mood elevating LED night lights, steam iron with ironing board, study table with computer chair, cupboard with hangers, luggage racks, guest chairs with center table, full size mirrors, double curtains etc. Yoga mat is also kept in each room for the guests who do not want to miss on their daily routine of yoga. The washrooms have glass partitioned bath area, wall hanging WC with bidet, exhaust fan, towel stand, LED mirrors, shaving mug, complimentary toiletries like dental kits, shaving kit, comb, hygiene bag, liquid soap and bath soap, shampoo, moisturizer, toilet paper roll, waste basket etc. The balconies have chairs with center table to enjoy your drink. Cloth line is also present in all the balconies where the guest can dry their clothes. The cottage also have a automatic washing machine which can be used by the guest (for long stay guest), if required. Cottage has a living cum dinning hall with a powder room. It has a 55 inch Samsung HD LED TV where all the guests can sit together and enjoy. A small dining table kept separately comes handy for a couple to enjoy their food without getting disturbed from other guests. Room service is also available. The cottage has a small library with books from reputed writers which the guest during their stay can get issued for their reading. Guest can play carom and other card games like ludo, snake & Ladders, chess and cards etc., which are kept in the cottage. The cottage has a lawn with gazebo and swing. A kids area in the lawn has a slide, children's swing, Merry-Go-Round and a puppy rider which would make a kids stay at the cottage really enjoyable and a memorable one. At the back and above the cottage in the forest area, we have made a Viewing point which gives a bird's eye view of the entire area, making it as a selfie point. The cottage has its own parking adjacent to the Ranikhet-Almora road (NH109). The parking is secured through CCTVs. A lot of investment has been done to take care of the sustainability like installation of roof top solar power and water harvesting. The organic waste is taken by the maid to feed her cows and is thus utilized. Guest access 'Kilmora' Bedroom is located at the first floor with an attached bathroom. It has a private balcony facing the valley and the Himalayas. It has a king size bed with 8 inches pocket mattress which is good for a couple with 2 small child under 5 years. Guest can request for a crib for their toddlers, which is subject to availability. An additional guest can be accommodated on a mattress on the floor. The guest can also request for an cot which is subject to availability. The guest also have assess to the shared Living and dinning hall. Guest can also get books issued from the collection of the cottage for reading during there stay in the cottage. A list of the books available in the cottage is placed in the room. Few indoor games like ludoo, chess and carrom boards are available for the guests in the cottage. A kids play area with swings, slides, Merry-Go-Round and Puppy Rider would make Kids stay enjoyable and memorable. Guest can enjoy cool breeze with mesmerizing views of Himalayas strolling in a well curated garden with Swing and Gazebo in summers and bask under sun in the winters. Guest can also meditate and practice yoga in the garden. During night bonfire (charges apply) can be enjoyed listening to music on Sound Box. Guest can also walk up to a view Point just above the cottage and in the Pine forest, which gives a birds eye view of the entire area. During your stay There are 3 caretakers in the cottage - 2 are 24x7 and stay in the cottage in a separate room with attached washroom. A maid comes daily for cleaning purpose. The caretakers prepare meals and take care of the needs of the guests. After reaching the cottage guests can contact the Caretakers who would then facilitate parking of their vehicles and carry their luggage to their allotted rooms. In case of any issues or clarification the guest can interact with the host, if present or call on mobile after taking number from the Caretakers. Other things to note The cottage has place for the driver of the guests to sleep in bunk beds in a separate building with attached washroom. A nominal amount per driver on per day basis is charged for the stay of the guest's driver. Guests are advised to inform in advance about availing the same for their driver. Bonfire and barbecue are arranged on chargeable basis and the guests are advised to inform in advance for them. Give about 2 hours time for preparation of lunch & dinner as everything is cooked fresh. For non-veg dishes please inform the Caretaker well in advance. Please do try the local kumaoni dishes they are tasty and nutritious - however the guest need to tell the caretaker well in advance as many local kumaoni dishes require pre-soaking in water. The cottage has a basic medical kit stocked with thermometer, bandage, cotton, nail cutter and some emergency medicines for stomach pains, fever etc. However, no antibiotics medicines are kept. Description of tourist areas nearby to the cottage is placed in each room of the cottage for the reference of the guests. The cottage maintains a small library. A list of books available in the library is kept in the room. Guest can get issued books for reading from the caretaker and return it while checking out.