Parvada Bungalows, a luxury home stay is situated in Parvada Village just about 5 kms from Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand.

Parvada Bungalows

It took us about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach from Kathgodam Railway Station to Parvada Bungalows. Although, it was very hot at Kathgodam but as we reached the Bungalows, it was a pleasant weather. The whole place was soaked in greenery and fresh air.

Close up

There was serene beauty of hills that was creating hypnotic views. At the entrance itself, I simply wanted to stand . breathe and feel the cool breeze around. The area was so refreshing that I thought my lungs will turn pink soon again. There was a flight of stairs leading upto the temple of Ganesh Ji that further led to the terrace. I was really happy to see the start of the property with Ganesh Ji.

Temple of Ganesha

For a while before even freshening up, I sat on the terrace to feel the magnetic environment while having my welcome drink – Buransh from Rhododendron tree.

Buransh

Next to terrace was dining room which had a good seating arrangement and a sofa to get the view of hills on opposite side.

Terrace

There were more tables around for guests dining.

Terrace

Mystic views from Parvada Bungalows

Beyond this area was kitchen which was spic and span and well maintained. Below this area is a lounge where one can sit and read endlessly while enjoying the mother nature.

Reading lounge

Above the terrace, there is a room having wall sized windows. One can do yoga there, exercise and meditate. The room can also be used for exhibitions or meetings. We did yoga everyday and I was so impacted by yoga that I have now incorporated the same in my daily routine which I was missing since last 4-5 months.

Yoga Room

My cottage at Parvada Bungalows

My cottage had a wooden floor , a dressing room and a bathroom on the ground floor. A huge window lured me to the spectacular view outside. While sitting on my comfortable chair, I could see the astounding view.

My cottage

There was a flight of stairs leading to another room with bathroom. Almost wall size window provided a magnificent view of hills. This room was well lit with natural light. There was ample air as well.

Room on the first floor

Outside my bungalow was a balcony and a huge sitting space. One can sit for hours and gaze around forever.

Outside my Bungalow

There are many trees in the estate like peach, guava, plum, pear, peach, apricot, Cafphal and Hisalu. There was terrace farming done all over.

Orchards

Per my discussion with the owner, Ms. Vasudha Sondhi, they will be keeping the estate very green and will only be building ten rooms or bungalows. In the night, there was very dim light lit. All of these things clearly showed the angle of Responsible Tourism.

My experience at Parvada Bungalows

I felt refreshed after having Buransh, the drink directly from the rhododendron flower. It was like kaanji (An Indian drink made from black carrots in winters). Then we had chaat in big katoris, the pahaari dish along with sandwiches.

Chaat

After freshening up, we took the property round. There was a suite having drawing room on the ground floor and a bedroom on the first floor with a balcony. Then, there was a cottage room which had wall sized windows, dressing area and a bathroom. All rooms were well ventilated. I was loving the luxury homestay. After a while we retired to our rooms to relax. Then, we had an early dinner which was delicious. We had Keish and my favorute pasta. Just loved both the dishes.

Keish

I was happy to know that the local person of Parvada village was making all of this. I learnt from Ms. Vasudha Sondhi that Prakash, the chef was trained from Delhi for his job.

Next day we headed to Bhalughat which was an experience in itself and which deserves a separate write up. We were escorted by the staff of Parvada Bungalows. Nagmal was a nice guy and ensured we were doing safe trek to the falls. He was taking care of our stuff and safety. Very nice guy. The driver who took us to the Bhaughat was also courteous. We spent around 5 hours to and fro Bhalughat and Parvada Bungalows.

Bhalu Ghat

We savored Kumaoni Thali in the afternoon. I must say, it was an experience. All the dishes were non oily and had nutritious value. There was a perfect blend of spices. I just loved the thali.

Kumaoni Thali

In the evening, there was a group of women arrived that have joined hands with the authorities of Parvada Bungalows under the scheme ‘Seekho’. They make woolen and Crochet stuff under the guidance of authorities.

Crochet and woollen stuff made by Village women

I truly felt, it was a brilliant initiative to include local village people which not only increases their income but also makes them independent and dignified. I even talked to them. They were so happy to work and felt good at being independent earning member of the family.

Parvada Village women working

Then, there was a musical band that had come over to sing local songs. They were explaining meanings of songs. It was a nice experience to listen to emotions of local people in this beautiful village. All of this was another initiative under Responsible Tourism. In dinner we had Bhaat dal soup with rice. It was very filling and lip smacking.

Local band at Parvada Bungalows

Next day we were supposed to go to Jageshwar temple. It was a nice trip but a long one each side being three hours. But the trip was worth it. Traditional temple since ages! I felt very calm and peaceful at the temple. Its a must visit. The temple is famous for one of the Jyotirlinga of Shiva that fell at this place.

Jageshwar Temple

That night we had mixed vegetable and local daal which was mouthwatering. Next day morning, we had a nice culinary session of Bhaang Jeere ki chutney and Jhingora ki kheer. Bhang jeere ki chutney is made from the seeds of bhaang and is amazingly tasty. Jhingora kheer is simple to make and is delicious as well. I must say, I was getting ‘Ghar ka khana’ at the homestay- Parvada Bungalows. Hospitality was awesome. Naveen, who was serving us throughout , was very nice and a courteous staff member. I must say, the whole staff was very well behaved, caring and polite.

Not only the authorities and staff are guest friendly, but they are also birds friendly. They had kept bird’s feed and water on the terrace at different places. They also made little houses for birds.

Bird’s feed

Caron, the Manager was very nice and ensured seamless and comfortable stay. She was a great person and was pre emptive of our needs. Chandrani ensured end to end perfect management of our trip. She treated us really well. Overall, it was a great experience, I would highly recommend Parvada Bungalows to all of those who love to relax, calm down, trek, do hiking or stay in a peaceful and fresh environment full of greenery and away from any hussle bustle of the city. It is easily accessible from Delhi and trains that are connected with Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, it takes only 2.5 to 3 hours to reach this beautiful luxury homestay.

Nidhi KM

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