Kotkhai, Shimla
A Hilltop Retroscape
Padara, Kotkhai, Himanchal Pradesh
Looking out at a valley blooming with pines, green fields, and small dots for houses, our abode in Kotkhai reflects the lavish Himachali lifestyle from the olden times. Here, the balconies glimmer under the Sun and the glass windows open up to the hills galore. The smell of fresh home-cooked meals takes up the air along with the chuckles of kids who host you with the most loving heart. With a basketball court in the front yard, apple orchards all around, and a sunrise worth waking up early for, this home has many little wonders in store for you. Nestled in Padara, a small town just 13km from Kotkhai, the house is easy to reach by road. It sits hidden from the popular tourist destination of Shimla, which is 65km away.
8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Beds
2 Baths
HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
Jeep ride to Nawar Valley: Brimming with a jungle, green peaks, & apple and pear orchards, the Nawar Valley is a treat to the eyes. Drive up to the viewpoint with us, where you can play traditional games, and enjoy a pleasant picnic. Wait for the sun to go down in all its glory before you head back for a hearty meal at the house.
Around Kotkhai The region of Kotkhai still preserves most of its olden culture and lifestyle, making it an idyllic and interesting place to walk through. With cow sheds, wooden houses, streams, and fields; the village is picture-perfect. There’s also an ancient castle that you could stop by at, when in the village.
Hatkoti Temple One of the most ancient shrines of Himachal, the Hatkoti Temple is made of wood and stone. An easy drive from the house, the temple is a great place to visit on an early morning, when the day is still starting to warm up.
Giri Ganga Drive or hike up to Giri Ganga, which is the origin of a river. There’s also a temple up there, reflecting the quaint Himachali architecture.
Kupar Peak If you hike further up from Giri Ganga, you’ll end up at the Kupar Peak, a hill in the vicinity of Padara. With stunning views of the Himachali mountains and a mesmerising sunset, this place makes for a great spot for camping overnight.
AMENITIES
Shower
Linen Included
Common Hangout Area
Hot Water
Storage Facility
Bedside Lamps
Mountain View
Valley View
HOW TO REACH
◘By Car: Drive on Shimla-Rohru highway and take a left at Kotkhai towards Padara. From Kotkhai,
Padara, where the abode is located, is nearly 13km.
◘By Bus: Take a bus to Shimla. From Shimla, there are direct HRTC buses to Kotkhai, which cost just
INR 122. You can book them on HRTC’s website in advance for convenience. From Kotkhai, you can
take another bus or a taxi to Padara.
◘By Air: Fly down to the Shimla Airport which is 75 km away from Kotkhai. Then take a bus or Taxi
towards Padara as prompted above. A taxi would cost approximately INR 3000 from the airport.
◘By Train: Take a train to Shimla, from where Padara is 65 km. You can make the onward journey by bus or taxi as mentioned. The approximate fare for a taxi is INR 2500.
Important:
For further detailed directions, please call the property prior to your arrival. You will receive the contact details in the booking confirmation email itself. If you’d like for us to pick you up from a nearby town, that’s possible too. You can place a pick-up request with us in advance.
AREA - Padara, Kotkhai
Padara is a small town near Kotkhai, 46km from Rohru and 65km from Shimla. Reflecting the traditional Himachali lifestyle, it offers beautiful spots for sunrise, sunset, camping, stargazing, and strolling around.
LOCATION - Zostel Homes Kotkhai (Shimla)
Our lavish abode sits on a tiny hill overlooking a vast landscape of the valley, away from the hustle of people. Walking down the road would lead you to the rural township with its many small wonders.
House Policies
- The property is not pet-friendly.
- Drinking and smoking are prohibited inside the property. Guests are requested to resort to open areas for the same.
- Any kind of footwear is not allowed inside the house. Guests will be provided with a slip-on.
- No room or luggage services will be provided at the property.
- All the food served will be home cooked.
- Any special request regarding food or facilities needs to be intimated in advance.
- Nature and surroundings should always be respected and taken care of.
- The area will have to be kept noise-free after 10 pm.
HOSTED By Suresh Chauhan
Suresh Chauhan is a seasoned orchardist and an avid traveller and trekker. An active promoter of local traditions, he is a believer in communal harmony and development. Fond of the Himachali culture, he always has umpteen local stories to share. Friendly and easy going, he also loves to drive his guests around the mountain tops in his jeep!