A True Farm Stay Experience in the Heart of Kotkhai
Come stay with me in Upper Shimla. Trade screen time for mist-covered deodar forests, fresh apricots, and the quiet life of my family's apple orchard.
Every balcony at my home opens up to these mesmerizing views of the valley. This is the perfect spot for your morning tea or to simply watch the monsoon clouds roll in.
The interiors are designed to feel like a warm embrace, with intricate woodwork done by local artisans. This is a look inside one of the rooms, where you can see the valley right from your window.
A bowl of freshly plucked Sahiba apricots from our orchard. This is what farm-to-table truly means here; you eat what the land offers, pure and organic.
I want to show you this beautiful world. A short film of the simple moments here, from drinking fresh spring water to watching the mist cover the deodar forests.
Your daily cardio is a walk through our family's apple orchard. This is a point of view video showing a typical morning stroll among the apple trees with the Himalayas in the background.
Sometimes we just pack a few things, drive to a secluded spot, and cook a meal outdoors on a chulha. This is the kind of impromptu adventure that makes life here so special.
A happy moment for me on the farm. I am a farm girl at heart, and I love sharing this simple, grounded way of life with my guests.
This is the feeling I want to share with you. A quiet morning, a warm cup of tea, and an endless, misty valley. It's the perfect recipe for a digital detox.
About Featured
When you visit, don't expect a standard hotel routine. We have no TV, no AC, and definitely no rush. You’ll be staying in a traditional wood-paneled room in my family’s apple orchard, waking up to the smell of fresh mountain air and a home-cooked pahadi breakfast. It is a true digital detox where the only schedule is the sun rising over the valley.
Life at the Orchard
This isn't a commercial resort; it is my home. I built these spaces to share the peace I find in the hills of Kotkhai. Every room is finished with local pine wood, and every balcony offers an unobstructed view of the valley.
What to Expect
- Digital Detox: There is no TV or AC here. We prioritize the sound of wind in the deodar trees and the sight of the monsoon fog.
- Farm-to-Table Meals: We cook using ingredients grown right here. You might have organic vegetables from the garden or seasonal fruit plucked fresh from the tree. Expect authentic Pahadi dishes like Siddu and Sepu Vadi, sometimes cooked outdoors on a chulha.
- The Experience: You are here to live like a local. Whether you want to join me for a morning yoga practice, hike the forest trails to find hidden water springs, or just sit on the balcony with a cup of masala tea, the pace is entirely up to you.
Why Stay in Kotkhai
Upper Shimla offers a look at a quieter, less-traversed side of Himachal Pradesh. It is a place for those who want to get their hands dirty in the orchard, learn about local history, or simply find the balance that city life often takes away. If you are looking for a place to hit the reset button and connect with nature in its rawest form, you have found it.
Manikarnika
I’m Manikarnika. I split my time between teaching yoga in Delhi and tending to our family farm here in the hills. I’m just as happy doing a deep breathing session on a cliffside as I am picking fresh apricots with my hands in the dirt. This place isn't a business; it’s where I recharge, and I open my doors for you to do the same.
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