Pine Croft Aroma

When you arrive tired, the views can perk you right up. The chilly pool with the hills in sight is another way to feel refreshed. Getting to the resort is part of the experience: from the parking area, there’s a good trek through the forest, while a tractor carries the luggage along the rough trail. The secluded spot is in the calming Himalayan wilderness, yet comfort hasn’t been overlooked. Mr Susheel and Mrs Mohini have planned cozy A-frame attic cottages and spacious rooms with good washrooms. I hadn’t expected this kind of luxury in such a remote place. The food is homely and doesn’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated, unlike food at typical hotels.

What makes the stay memorable is the personal hospitality from Mr. Susheel and Mohini, who are warm and lovely to talk with. Their care helped make us comfortable while unwinding in a peaceful natural setting away from the usual tourist crowds. The property offers good value for what’s there: charming cottages and A-frame houses, around 17 rooms, a restaurant, pool room, plunge pool, and a stargazing deck for clear-sky evenings. It’s in the forest at Churani Budhlakote, Nainital, about a 2.6 km walk from Pangot. You can park there and follow a beautiful jungle trail to the property. It really feels like an escape in the middle of the forest.

Getting there is part of the lovely experience. The property is tucked into serene Pangot village and reached via a scenic 3.5 km trek. The host can arrange a gypsy ride to a midpoint, then guests walk the remaining 700 meters. Once there, the view makes the effort worthwhile. The rooms were cozy, clean, and well maintained.

The stay is a long way from the city, and I wouldn’t recommend staying more than a day. Dogs wander around, including inside the cafe, so only book if you’re comfortable being close to them. The view was just okay, and the A-frame rooms got very hot during the day without proper fans. Service was fast and the food was good, thanks to Harish bhaiya. There was a misunderstanding with the owner, who I found arrogant. When we responded arrogantly too, he started threatening us with a police complaint or a missing report, and other things. That behavior gets one star from me.