Experience Local Uttarakhand at an homestay near Auli | NotonMap
The mountains have something very comforting about them. The scale at which they soar creates a sense of wonder and gives a sense of perspective. Uttarakhand- the state of abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage- houses such picturesque landscapes. And the best way to experience the beauty of this state is by living like a local. Mountain View Abode, a homestay, near Auli, will cater to this need of yours. This homely accommodation is a location which is not on the map and will, therefore provide the much sought out tranquility.
Stay At Notonmap Mountain View Abode, Near Auli
The first sight of the homestay is pretty surreal. During your walk on the path leading to the homestay, you might be looking down and watching your steps. But the end of the journey holds a surprise! You reach the clearing, and the view is breath-taking! Your eyes will have their own share of struggle. They won’t know whether to focus on the vibrancy of the rustic homestay near Auli or the magnificence of the Nanda Devi peak.
Ranaji, the host, is a vibrant, charismatic man and excellent at breaking the ice. Once you hear him talk about the peaks sheltering the house — Nanda Devi, Barmal, Sleeping Beauty, Hathi Parvat- you’ll already feel at home. As students, we learnt about Nanda Devi- the second-highest mountain. But imagine actually witnessing it and waking up to it! It is surreal. In addition, the rooms will further enhance this experience. You wake up in rooms which have rustic interiors, mud-plastered walls, and a wooden truss roof.
Now that the house and the rooms are being talked about, here are some interesting facts about this homestay. This homestay near Auli is a 400-year-old house built in the Vernacular style of Architecture. The legend says that this property was the first house to be built in the village. All the other houses were built uphill. And while traditionally houses in the mountains have a ground floor which houses the cattle, and the upper level with a sloping roof, this house has been refurbished.
The lower room has transformed into a cosy bedroom. The upper level inhabits two rooms, which can house 2- 4 people (extra mattresses are provided). Made wholly from recycled wood and crafted by local artisans, the furniture gives a rustic feel to the place. The play of traditional colours of bright blue, red and yellow against the backdrop of brown mud adds to the visual dynamism.
Experience farm fresh produce
One can find themselves to be hungrier than usual in the hills. Don’t worry. Your hunger gets satiated the moment you enter the aangan of the homestay. You can find apples hanging from the branch in the courtyard. Mamta Didi, the wife of Ranaji will hand you a hot cup of tea, straight from the Ringal wood furbished kitchen. This tea, prepared on a chulah, has a flavour, which one must have never tasted before.
This difference in flavour and taste manifests even in the meals. It is so because the vegetables are fresh and handpicked. The experience is further enhanced as the food gets served in a ‘Thali’ system. The thali has modest and delicious local dishes like Chasedo, ‘Kapeli’, ‘Chaunsa’ and many more. The best part is that you can take your meal outside and have your dinner under the shade of the starry sky. The bird-feeder designed right outside the dining room is the most loved feature of this quaint kitchen. It ensures that the food is not wasted, as all the leftovers are almost always served to the birds.
Activites At Notonmap Mountain View Abode
Ranaji is middle-aged, but has the zeal of an adventurous teenager! He is an avid nature lover, loves to travel, and very knowledgeable about the local culture. Ask him to accompany in your nature trails, and treks. He’d be more than happy to do so! In fact, he will encourage you to go with him to the fields, learn about the local vegetables and cooking techniques. Not only will you get to go out for cattle herding but also for Rajma picking, if Ranaji’s brother- Kundan Bhaiya- is around.
Another astounding fact about the village is that all the residents are members of the same extended family! As we date back in time, we learn that the establishment of the village started with this very homestay. While the house resides at the bottom pedestal, the village spreads out uphill. Do take a walk in the evening into the village. You’ll find people gathered in front of the temple and talk about their day. The people are warm and hospitable, and in no time, you will be a part of their conversation.
- Gwaldung is a picturesque spot about 20 minutes trek uphill. The route is narrow and beautiful, as you walk along the mountain peaks on one side, with little streams on the way.
- Surrounding this home stay is Joshimath town. While Joshimath acts as a perfect getaway for those seeking expeditions and trekking, it is also home to many pilgrim centers. Renowned for the four cardinal pīthas established by Adi Shankara, Joshimath attracts a lot of tourists. The auspicious ‘Kalpavruksha’ tree, under which the philosopher meditated is said to make people’s wishes come true!
- The famous tourist destination, Auli is a 30-minute trek from the home stay. You could also visit Auli from Joshimath in the cable car, which is the largest in Asia. Be mesmerized by the vast panoramas of one of the tallest peaks in the country!
- Tapovan and Badrinath are other destinations you could visit if you happen to stay for more than a day in the village. Tapovan has a collection of five hot water springs. One of the temples there houses a hot spring. The water coming from the spring is said to be medicinal and can cure joint pains. After a long day, the experience of sitting under a hot water stream here is incomparable.
An hour and a half away from Joshimath, Badrinath is one of the five Kedars, which holds a significant value in the Hindu mythology. Even if you are not a religious person, the journey to Badrinath is sure to instigate some spiritual vibes in you.
- By Air: The nearest airport to the village is the Dehradun Airport, also known as the Jolly Grant Airport. From the Airport, you can either hire a private vehicle or take a bus to take an 8-hour journey towards Joshimath. The village is another half an hour ride uphill from here.
- Another alternative is to get on the bus (Uttarakhand Parivahan) to Auli and get down at the ‘TV Tower’ on Parsari road.
- By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is the Dehradun Station, from where you take a bus/cab/private vehicle to Joshimath, the village is an hour away from there.
- Another way is to reach Haridwar / Rishikesh and then take a bus going to Joshimath, and then follow the route ahead as mentioned above.
- By Road: Joshimath is well connected by NH7, which passes through the town. It is a 9-hour drive if traveling on road from Rishikesh side. After reaching Joshimath, take the route to Auli, you will reach in an hour.
You’ll find legends, stories, history, religion, myths, all in the lap of nature. So, hurry up and pack your bags for NotOnMap Mountain View Abode!
Originally published at https://blog.notonmap.com on August 4, 2019.
