Tucked below the oak trees of Niglahat, Garden Valley is an idyllic place to submerge oneself in the various shades of green. Facing the reserve forest on the mountain in front, this white and green ‘erstwhile village cottage’ has been restored beautifully. A short drive away from Nainital, this is one place which many might miss under its foliaged camouflage. The pleasant sound of the gushing stream below the house is a constant presence in the background.
Maintaining the essence of the almost 100 year’s old house, the wall textures, high roofs and wooden floorings have been meticulously refurbished. Mrs. Pavan and Nalin Seth sighted the property almost 15 years back and an initial idea of a summer home soon converted into a fulltime household. Ever since, the couple has put in immense ingenuity in making this a perfect retreat, with close attention to the self styled sprawling gardens, the artistically grown vegetables, greenhouse, a weathercock in the garden, little water holes and houses for birds, a place for the poultry and the ponies. Even with a farm like coterie of animals, guests are welcome to bring their pets as there is plenty of room to accommodate them.
Pavan and her son Akshay’s famous culinary skills are captured in many testimonials by visitors. With a love for good food, there are a plethora of organically grown fruits and vegetables; oranges, plums, asparagus, artichokes, kiwis, pepper, cabbage, lemon grass to name a few. Many fruits bottled into delectable home-made jams and marmalades.
Manoeuvring through some cow stoppers, one reaches a sunny open clearing, perfect for picnics and the soak in the winter sun.
Activities:
- The famous Kenchi Temple is a short trek away and has legendary stories about the Neem Karoli Baba who said to be an avatar of the monkey god, Hanuman.
- Mild treks to Macchli Diggi (the Britishers raised fish here), Gaggar and down to the river can be organised.
- The children can take rides on the ponies on the property.
- Special meals can be arranged in the garden or by the river.
- A picnic hamper accompanies you down to the river, to dip your feet in the freezing stream while the sun shines brightly above you.
- Barbeques can be arranged for guests.
- The bonfire is great to catch up with everyone in the evening.
- Fishing and angling trips can be arranged in Khairna, which is famous for its lush orchards in the backdrop of the Himalayan peaks. It is a short drive of about 11 kilometres.
- With the area covered in thick foliage of various plants and trees, many birds and butterflies can be found. A pheasant has adopted the house already and is often seen perched outside the guest room in the main cottage.
- Centrally located, Niglahat is a perfect pit stop for sight-seeing to places like Nainital, Bhimtaal, Saattaal, Naukuchiyataal, Ranikhet & Mukteshwara.
Facilities:
- Pick up and drop can be arranged on prior notice.
- The internet, if required urgently, can be accessed by a short drive to Bhowali.