Van Serai Jageshwar, Almora - Uttarakhand
Anuj:
  • Built in traditional Kumaoni style, Van Serai is built on a hilltop just as you enter Jageshwar.
  • Birding and nature walks are the highlight here - the low altitude Deodars forests and the pine cover further up, are the perfect habitat for many rare bird species.
  •  Many years ago, Jageshwar used to be a pilgrim halt en-route to the famous Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage. The main deity at the Jageshwar temples nearby is Shiva, but the temples have a strong Buddhist influence. 
Forests of Deodars, burbling streams and a little sanctuary in the mountains. It is a spot that we were going to miss and we're so glad we didn't!

Other than the fact of the beautiful grove of Deodars peopled by myriad ancient temples, that mushroom out of the ground and dot the banks of the sweetly flowing little river, there is this gem of a Serai. Half hidden by the great trees, a mixture of rustic local construction and spring mattress comfort. This is a little haven of thought - from old doors, locally carved windows, ceramic and brass switches to home cooked, healthy food. Top it all with a cook who sings and plays the dhol, a gathering of musicians who jammed, and though we wanted the sound of silence and the wind in the trees, we got that and some lovely music to boot.

It is a well appointed haven of serenity, you can drive directly here or do a two day trek from Binsar. Stay in local village homes enroute to reach here and immerse yourself in the energy and comfort of the Serai. Our host Mohit has created a lovely spot IN a lovely spot, just minutes away from the ancient temples - there's even one in the front of the property!

MHE Adventures has mapped out a fantastic road trip which involves a stay at Van Serai in Jageshwar.