Kumaoni Architecture
One of the great pleasures of being near cultural centers like Almora and Jageshwar is to see Kumaoni architecture of the olden days still preserved in the towns and villages nearby.
Kumaon with Kids: A Family Travel Guide to the Uttarakhand Hills
Whenever we travel, we like to plan everything out so that we don’t have to book at the last minute and can stay at some of the more unique places, rather than stay in “whatever is available”. For me, there’s as much joy in planning the journey as going on […]
5 Signs You Need a Slow Holiday in the Himalayas (And Where to Find One)
Everyone is talking about Slow travel these days. You may have read many articles on traveling more slowly and spending more time instead of rushing from one place to another. What is Slow Travel? Is it just a marketing gimmick or more? More importantly, is a Slow Holiday really what […]
Keeping Nayalap wild
While I write this, it has been more than 6 years since Nayalap was started. During this time, some have preferred to stay in the forest. There have been others who have asked us about keeping in the wild. Many would have preferred manicured lawns. Many asked us to keep […]
The village organics
When moving to the village near Shitlakhet, we were excited about growing some produce. The idea of living in a clean environment and growing chemical-free food was of great interest to us. After 2 years, we finally have some success and many hard lessons learnt. The land was barren for […]
The rise of offbeat destinations amongst Indian travelers
From the 80s to the 2000s, travel was an experience in itself. There was a sense of adventure as middle-class families poured over magazines and railway timetables to plan trips and book travel. Stations along the route were also destinations, with most of them being famous culinarily. From stations, families […]
Monsoons at Nayalap
Like with the rest of the country, the mountains heave a sigh of relief when the monsoons arrive. There is an immediate layer of green – a coldness in the air, a fog to add to the mystery and the sound of cicadas signalling the beginning and the end of […]
Spring at Nayalap
India has two major seasons, with a brief autumn and spring in between. It’s only in the Himalayas and especially around this region of Shitlakhet and Salla Rautela that you get to see the beauty of spring. As winters recede, the days become warmer, and you need to wear fewer […]
Winter in Shitlakhet
Shitlakhet, located in the Kumaon region, is a serene winter getaway that transforms into a magical wonderland during the colder months. Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and dense forests, this tranquil hamlet offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and local culture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solace […]
Delectable Kumaoni Desserts
Kumaon has a beautifully sweet side, and one that is made with great care. While a lot has been said and written about Kumaoni cuisine, the sweet tooth in most of us craves for local desserts – for the rush of sugar tempered down by the carbs of flour or […]