Perched in the serene, forested hills of Shyamkhet near Bhowali and Ramgarh in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Himalaica stands as a fine example of sustainable mountain living. Conceived as a quiet sanctuary away from urban turmoil, this private estate combines the peaceful ambiance of the Kumaon region with thoughtful design and natural beauty.
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| Himalaica Rest House Nainital Uttarakhand |
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| Rest House Himalaica Nainital .cntraveller.in |
History and Background
Himalaica is the creation of Shalini and Uttam Dave, who spent over eight years painstakingly designing and constructing the property. Unlike older colonial bungalows built by British officers, Himalaica represents a modern era of boutique hill homes built with deep reverence for traditional local craftsmanship.Built slowly over nearly a decade, the estate was handcrafted with the help of skilled local artisans and stone-masons, ensuring that the development honored the topography and native ecology of the surrounding oak and pine woods rather than disrupting it.
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Architectural Character
The architecture of Himalaica seamlessly blends traditional mountain stone-and-timber construction with contemporary architectural elements:
Local Stonework & Timber:
The exterior walls are crafted from exposed regional stone, offering natural thermal insulation against winter cold and summer heat, topped with sloping pitched roofs tailored for mountain rainfall.
Glass Conservatory:
A standout structural feature is the glass conservatory, which allows natural daylight to flood the living spaces while offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan forest and garden flora.
Spatial Layout: The main residence comprises a spacious living room, a reading den with a fireplace, a formal dining area, and four guest bedrooms. A separate standalone cottage offers two bedrooms, a dining lounge, and a shaded verandah.Interiors:
The aesthetic indoors centers on cozy elegance—featuring plush upholstery, curated artworks, antique furnishings, and timber-beamed ceilings.
Present StatusToday,
Himalaica operates as an exclusive, high-end boutique homestay offering a peaceful mountain getaway. The property is renowned for its personal touch and home-style hospitality, where guests enjoy farm-to-table dining and direct access to regional nature trails, such as the trek to Gagar View Point overlooking the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.Maintained with meticulous care, the estate garden features fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and quiet sitting nooks. Accompanied by the resident dogs, visitors experience a blend of traditional Kumaoni warmth and modern luxury, making Himalaica one of the most sought-after eco-friendly retreats in the Kumaon hills.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nainital_district
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com )
