Kotgarh, Apple orchard, Apple orchard cottages, apple orchard homestay, places to visit near Shimla, kothgarh himachal, places to visit in Himachal

Experience peace and tranquility while living in luxury in the lap of nature.
Meenakshi Jhina, Host at the Apple Orchard cottages

“We welcome you to our home in the apple village of Kotgarh, Where one is surrounded by apple orchards, snow laden peaks of Himalayas and breathtaking views. And the peace one can’t quite find anywhere else!”

~ Meenakshi Jhina, Host at the Apple Orchard cottages


Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Overview

Kotgarh, HimachalThis little hamlet is the perfect respite from the city as well as the over crowded hill stations during the summers. Kotgarh is the heart of Himachal’s Apple Orchard Country, it is where the famous Samuel Stokes began the apple boom. It is about 70 Kms ahead of the state capital, Shimla and about 15kms from Narkanda, which is famous for skiing during the winters. The further you move ahead of Shimla, you realize that you have left the vacationers and other travellers far behind and reached a peaceful region with astounding views all around. Surrounded by apple orchards, and the simplicity of village life, the cottages offer all the urban comforts that we city dwellers are accustomed to.

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Stay

Wooden cottages at Kotgarh There are 4 tastefully done wooden cottages, each with a shared long balcony overlooking the apple orchards and a breathtaking view of the mountains. One can spend hours just sitting in the balcony and gazing into horizon. There is a Suite with an attic and a room in the old house as well. All rooms have attached washroom with geysers and the basic urban comfort we city dwellers look out for.

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Food & Drinks

Common dining room A common dining room below one of the wooden cottage rooms serves delicious meals cooked by the homestay helps in the supervision of Meenakshi. Locally produced Jams/Chutneys are also on display for Sale.

Breakfast are typically a hearty affair with a range of Juices, Paranthas, Eggs, Sandwiches, Sausages/Baked Beans. One can also have Puri- Aloo etc on prior request.

Lunches are served on prior intimation as most travellers prefer to explore the region during the day and usually end up eating out.

Dinner is again a lavish affair and one non veg dish is served along with the usual Indian vegetarian food.

Bonfires are also arranged for groups to escape the evening chill.

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Activities

Trek to Hatu peakOne can choose to spend his time hiking on short treks around the village or just live the village life. Spend time chatting with your hosts over tea, meet the village folk and learn about their simple yet happy lives. The village of Kotgarh has quite a few heritage sites to visit, like the Oldest Missionary School, Heritage Church Building, Oldest Hospital, Oldest Apple Valley etc.

Activities:

  • Short treks
  • Picnic in the scenic regions
  • Trip/Trek to Hatu peak
  • Plucking fruits (Seasonal)
  • Bird watching
  • Reading/ Writing/ Painting

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Costs

Single Occupancy: INR 5500 per night

Double Occupancy: INR 7500 per night

Single room in Heritage wing: INR 6500 per night

Suite in Heritage wing (4 adults): INR 12000 per night

Entire Heritage wing (6 adults): INR 18000 per night

Extra adult: INR 2500 per night

Kids (below 12yrs)INR 1000 per night

Rates above are inclusive of :
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Bonfires and guided tours for walks through the forest
- Taxes

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Location

Kotgarh is located a scenic 2.5 hours drive from Shimla. You’ll be greeted with miles of apple orchards on your way to the heart of the apple valley of Himachal. As you move ahead from Shimla, the scenery gets more breathtaking with each mile crossed and the traffic begins to disappear.

Best time to visit:

  • All year round
  • Summer / Spring / Autumn (March to June and September to November): Pleasant, sunny days, cool nights, clear sunsets, lots of greenery.
  • Winter (November to March): Cold, spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas, snowfall if you're lucky!
  • Monsoon (July – August): Heavy downpours, spectacular greenery and sunsets. Also, apple plucking season!

Things to note

  • Fitness: The homestay is a perfect getaway for people of all ages and fitness levels – you can make your stay as relaxing or as active as you like.
  • Cash and ATMs: Only cash is accepted at the homestay. The nearest ATMs is 4Kms away.
  • Bathrooms: Each room comes with an attached bathroom, fitted with hot water geysers, showers and western style toilets.
  • Electricity: Like in most mountain regions in India, power cuts can happen. Please carry torches and spare batteries as needed.
  • Phone, Internet and TV: There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is plenty of natural beauty to keep you entertained. A TV is available in the common area. Most phone networks work well here and Wifi is available in the main house.
  • Pets:Pets are welcome.
  • Alcohol:Guests can carry their own. Soda / soft drinks can be provided on request and are chargeable. Ice cubes can be provided.
  • Driver’s Accommodation:Driver accommodation and food is available and chargeable at INR 500 per night. (with meals)

Checklist

Many of us have pre-conceived notions about rural India. Leave them behind, travel with an open mind, and you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you find.

  • Sunscreen, sunhat
  • Walking shoes
  • Warm jacket, woolen cap, gloves in winter
  • Umbrella, raincoat in the rainy season
  • Insect repellant if you are prone to mosquito bites
  • Books to read and write, stationery to paint and draw - anything you love to do and never get the time for
  • Binoculars for bird watching
  • Cosmetics you need
  • Prescription medicines, if any
  • Camera and batteries / charger

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.


Reviews

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Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Responsible Travel

Minimal pesticides and chemicals are used in the apple orchards, vegetables used in meals are sourced from local growers/ neighbors. Rain water harvesting is practiced at the homestay. Garbage and waste is separated into bio degradable and non-biodegradable waste before disposal. Local people are employed at the orchard for the upkeep of the orchards as well as the homestay. Meenakshi, the hostess is also actively involved in promoting local produce like Jams and Pickles, dried apples etc. They are displayed at the dining area and are delicious. Do buy a few and savor the taste of the mountains for a long time after your trip.

Below are some tips to travel responsibly while in Kotgarh:

  • Carry a good water bottle. Filtered water is available at the house for refilling your bottle. Refrain from buying numerous plastic mineral water bottles.
  • Pack your bags with environmentally friendly things. Carry as little plastic as possible.
  • Do not litter or leave behind any non-biodegradable waste. Carry it to the cities where better waste management systems are in place.
  • What you wear has an impact. Dress appropriately, especially when you walk into the villages.
  • Respect the local culture and refrain from physical intimacy in public places.
  • Experiment with local and fusion food served from the host kitchen, or prepare your own in your farm cottage’s kitchenette. Ask for modifications in the food according to your taste, instead of wasting it.
  • Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, especially in public places.
  • Seek permission before photographing people, so as to respect their privacy.
  • Please do not pluck any plants and flowers, and do not disturb the wildlife.

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.

Please email us at untravel@indiauntravelled.com to plan and book your travels.