The lodge at wah, Kandbari
The Idea
When Pooja decided to build a home in the mountains, only one place called out to her. Kandbari seemed absolutely perfect - a stream flowing alongside, a quiet village, tons of greenscape and lots of lovely paths to walk.
With sustainability being at the core of her lifestyle, she embarked upon making a home in the hills, employing many measures to keep it eco-friendly. As a prior guest, she realized that no partnership would be better than having us come on board to continue this journey!
The villa is made with lime and stone, with 18 inch thick walls that helps keep it cool during the summers and warm during the winters. Some interesting ingredients used with the quantity for this sort of construction include 7200 kg of Lime, 300 kg of Urad daal powder, 300 kg of Methi Dana powder, 600 kg of Guggal soln 600 kg and 600 kg of Jaggery soln !
All the rooms are situated in a manner as to enjoy plenty of sunshine all day. The contouring of the land is done such that water permeates at all levels, and plenty of water recycling has been ensured around the garden.
Efforts were made throughout to keep The Lodge at Wah, Kandbari a natural, eco-friendly home. These efforts continue in our daily operations so that our guests can enjoy a wholesome experience, far off the beaten path.
The village
The village of Kandbari is deceptively quiet and tranquil. Behind the scenes, many activists call this their home.
As you leave the main road behind, the peace of this area will bring instant bliss. Houses dot the place from time to time, with lots of farmland, trees and streams in between. Glimpses of the mountain ranges appear amongst bamboo groves that will make you want to lie beneath them with a good book.
Tiny paths veer off the tarmac road, leading to secret spots where rocks form the perfect seats, with the sound of a stream constantly near by. The local waterholes have clear waters, which are great points to jump into during the warmer months.
We can’t even begin to describe the number of gorgeous walks, or the magical views of the valley here. We love going on long walks, being invited by multiple village folks for endless cups of chai and chatter, and letting the peace of this place just wash over us. Honestly, it is like landing up in a beautifully service home in the middle of an Enchanted Forest!
Idyllic Days
How do you envision your perfect vacation? For us, a perfect day in the mountains is spent in a relaxed and idyllic manner. It involves immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings through the practice of shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing."
We like to begin our day with a slow, mindful walk through the enchanted forest, breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding flora and fauna. The path winds through tall trees, over babbling streams, and alongside fields of wildflowers.
As the morning turns to afternoon, the focus shifts to rest and reflection. A wholesome lunch is enjoyed at home, while listening to the sound of birds chirping. Meals are simple, soul-filling affairs, using seasonal produce from our gardens and locally sourced ingredients.
After lunch and maybe a quick nap, the afternoon is spent exploring the magical valley, perhaps with a leisurely hike up the mountain or a meandering stroll along a gentle riverbank. Along the way, we take ample opportunities to pause and absorb the breathtaking views, sit quietly in meditation, or simply bask in the peacefulness of the surroundings.
As the day draws to a close, we return home, where a cozy campfire awaits us. Gathered around the fire, we share stories and relax, as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Overall, it is a perfect day spent in the mountains, immersed in nature. A truly enchanted experience, one that leaves a lasting sense of peace and rejuvenation.
