Hillside Sanctum was built to hide away in the mountains around Kangra. It is a cosy, minimalistic cottage taking inspiration from Scandinavian and Pahadi vernacular styles. It has all the amenities you need to be comfortable with a view. As quaint as homestays go – this one is for people who prefer quiet, peace, and solitude with a view of the Dhauladhars.
Made of stone and wood, the property was built to let the light in and keep the cold out. Follow the seasons by staying for a longer duration, witness beautiful misty mornings and breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Next door, you will find a similarly-built cottage painted white that was restored – a fixer-upper with elements of the modern and the traditional.
With freshwater coming from the stream, the homestay is meticulously and responsibly maintained by its friendly host in a variety of ways – from the garden produce to the local building material to the waste management (plastic is taken to the city and given to a recycling unit, to make tiles!)
comforts
It is a combination of luxury and vernacular aesthetics. There’s space for a study (use the little working desk for some of your best creative output!) a patio to sip chai and read a Ruskin Bond novel, and cushy couches to pass the time in comfort. The hosts have maintained a little bookshelf so you’ll never run out of things to read. You will also have access to a small kitchen with all basic cookware, kitchenware and a dining area for meals. The private washroom is luxuriously done up to accommodate modern tastes. The cottage is equipped with everything you need to actually live here for a while. Privacy is sacred and you will get plenty of it.
Up to four people can stay in each of the main stone cottages or the two studio rooms.
food
Since the property is built with an attached kitchen, you are invited to try your hand at cooking your own meals with produce from the farm. Produce grown here includes broccoli, cabbage, spinach, mustard, garlic, etc. There are orchard fruits like cherries, peaches, oranges, and pears from which the hosts make jam and delicious preserves that you will want to take home.
If you are not keen to cook your own meals, the host will be happy to prepare them for you on request for a nominal fee of Rs. 150 to Rs. 250 per meal.
ideal for
Look – every stay of ours is ideal for people who find peace in the environment. Hillside Sanctum is no different. There have been short workshops for writers and artists here – and for good reason. There is much inspiration to be found both inside and outside the cottage. If you just want to breathe and nothing else – the air here is fresh and crisp and relatively untainted by city smog. If you like gentle, exploratory treks, there are multiple trails. If you want to go paragliding for fun or even learn the sport some of the best pilots in the country are only a short drive away.
getting there
The property is located 15 mins from the paragliding capital of India – Bir in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. A 2-5 min walk on gentle terrain is involved in reaching the property from the road-head/parking area. Accurate location will be provided at the time of confirmation.
things to do
Trails, guided hikes, walking, reading, exploring, eating, learning new things, spotting wildlife – you can always find something to do at the Hillside Sanctum. You can also go paragliding or opt for paragliding courses to become a pilot yourself! We’ll be happy to connect you with the best trainers and pilots in the area.
price
The property is priced at Rs. 3,500 to 4,000 a night including accommodation and taxes for two. Meals are not included.
