Raju Bharti's Cottage, Tirthan, Near Manali
Anuj:
  • One of India's most unique home-stays, built at the edge of the surging Tirthan river.
  •  The only way to access this heavenly place is to cross over seated on an apple cart!
  • Rustic wooden cottages, a wonderful host and...fresh trout for breakfast!
  • Take day hikes into the Great Himalayan National Park - a World Heritage site, sit by the side of the river and contemplate or simply sit back in the lawns and breathe the fresh mountain air!
What can you say about a place that makes you think of Alice in Wonderland the moment you enter? Nestled in the midst of the Tirthan Valley, just three hours drive from Kullu, you have to cross the Tirthan river in a makeshift cable car to reach Raju's homestay. 

As soon as you enter the cottage grounds, you're surrounded by apple, chikoo, apricot trees and cherry bushes and 4 bhutias (mountain dogs) come bounding up wagging a warm welcome...it's almost magical!

Raju Bharti is the man in charge and his cottages are rustic but extremely comfortable with running hot water and clean sheets every day. Some super trekking routes - for the serious and not-so-serious trekkers are nearby, and trout fishing for the passionate anglers. There's fresh trout for dinner (and sTirthan river.
ometimes even breakfast!) and a warm bonfire at night. It's the place to be - if you're looking for a quiet retreat with the family.

It's also the ideal place to consider as base camp, if you intend to go hiking in the valley. The Great Himalayan National Park, now a World Heritage site, is a short distance away, and there are several hiking routes in the area.

The Banjar Valley is about 450 km from Delhi and it should take you around 11 hours. Best time to go is when the plains get unbearably hot – May to October is perfect.