Van Serai

The staff were courteous, which is the main reason I’m giving the hotel a higher rating. We booked two rooms for two nights with family. It’s just before Jageshwar Temple, a few minutes away on foot or by taxi, but the property sits up high, so getting there on foot can be hard for older people. In winter, the heating and hot water were a real problem. There was only one heater in the room, and it wasn’t enough for the cold. The geysers seemed to have very limited hot water; after other guests used it, I either had to wait for hours or take a cold shower. I caught a cold and spent a lot on a doctor’s consultation and medicine. If you’re considering booking, I’d avoid the hotel website. It was more expensive, and there was no money back guarantee, so a cancellation could mean losing the full amount. Meals were also very expensive: dinner was a flat 500 per person, regardless of what or how much you ate. And I’d avoid visiting in winter, since the heater isn’t sufficient and hot water is limited.

Prashant welcomed us warmly and looked after everything during our stay, which made the experience even nicer. We were at Vanserai Forest Lodge in November, and the whole place felt peaceful, with a lovely forest atmosphere and a warm, spiritual feel. The property was beautifully maintained, and the staff were kind, helpful, and easy to deal with. The food was fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. Anyone visiting Jageshwer Dham should stay here for a memorable experience. Highly recommended! (Picture with prashant)

There’s no phone signal here. Airtel and Vodafone had zero reception, so you’ll need to rely on the in-house Wi-Fi to communicate. The property is pet friendly, and they have a dog named Gabbar. The food is entirely vegetarian, with no onion or garlic. We visited in November, and it was cold because the sun doesn’t reach the property for long. It seems ideal in summer, and if you enjoy rain, the monsoon season sounds like paradise. The place has positive vibes, with deodar trees all around.

Set in a wooded mountain forest among deodar trees, the ecolodge faces a stream. The property is laid out beautifully, with decorations and artworks that feel carefully hand curated.