Kot Kailash Kumaon

The Kumaoni meals were a real highlight, fresh and full of flavour, with the comfort of home cooking. Pushkar, the owner, made us feel almost like family with his warm, attentive hosting, and Chandan, Balam, and the rest of the team were courteous, helpful, and quick to assist. Kot Kailash is a beautiful, well-kept heritage-style property in a quiet spot among Kumaon's forests and mountains. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and full of character, just as described. It was one of our most memorable New Year's stays, and we'll definitely be back.

For photographers and bird watchers, the remote setting is a treat, with changing light, dramatic scenery, and plenty of birdlife. We stayed in the Kumaon Vann Cottage, which was spacious and tastefully finished, with remarkable views over the peaks and valleys. Mist moved through the forest in the morning, and we watched golden sunsets from the room. The local Kumaoni food was fresh, wholesome, and carefully made, with a comforting but refined feel. Don't miss the Banoffee. Pushkar and his team have put real personality into Kot Kailash, and their passion shows throughout. Our few days in Vriddh Jageshwar were magical, and we hope to return soon.

We paid 20,000 per night for the Vann cottage, but the room was a serious disappointment. Nails stuck out of the floor, and we found insects and dead cockroaches inside. From the sitout, the neighbouring building was right in view, with people smoking, clothes drying, and music playing. The food was average and had little variety. The property sits beside the road with several small buildings nearby, and when we arrived, some people, possibly staff or their friends, were drinking beer and playing cards. We booked two nights but left after one. The website and magazine marketing had led us to expect something very different. At these top five-star rates, the facilities and service were unacceptable, though this might have been bearable at a lower price. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

It felt good to find the pause my heart needed. Kot Kailash has a gentle calm to it, with buransh, the Himalayas, nature, and kind people all around. The host and staff are what stay with me most. Pushkar's warmth, the stories and laughter, and food that felt like home made it easy to forget the outside world for a while. The comfort, peace, and memories have stayed with me since leaving, and I'll keep coming back.