SaffronStays Altura, Mukteshwar - pahadi meals served at this pet-friendly orchard villa

Nanda Devi and Trishul stand out among the peaks you can see from here, and at night there are distant lights from Almora city. Mornings bring lovely sunrises and birdsong; in the evening, you can stargaze by a warm bonfire. The garden has fruit trees, too. Mr. and Mrs. Bhagwant make guests feel at home with their genuine warmth and attentive care. The home-cooked food is delicious, consistently a 10/10 for me, and reasonably priced. Be sure to try the lemon tea, made with fresh rosemary and lemons from their own garden. The views, meals and hospitality made this a memorable stay, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I spent two nights here, and the bonfire stargazing was a highlight. The sunrises and birdsong made the mornings lovely, with Nanda Devi, Trishul and other peaks in view, plus the far-off lights of Almora city. Mr. and Mrs. Bhagwant were warm and caring hosts who made me feel at home. The meals were home-cooked, very reasonably priced and a definite 10/10. Their lemon tea with garden-grown lemons and fresh rosemary is a must-try. There are malta, peaches, apples, oranges and lemons on the property, a real treat if they happen to be fruiting. A heavenly place with great food and views. Highly recommended.

We had five days of breakfasts, lunches and dinners without a repeat, and every meal was delicious, made with really fresh ingredients. In December, there were Maltas and Narangis each day, a lovely extra on top of all that food. It’s been almost a week since I got back, and I still can’t decide whether the stay or the meals were better. Mr. Bhagwant was a wonderful host and did everything he could to make our Christmas visit special. He shared stories about nearby villages, forests and valleys, and the fruits growing in his garden. The rooms were spotless, cozy and tastefully decorated. From the balcony, there’s a splendid valley view and majestic peaks straight ahead. The property is right off the road, and the warm welcome made us feel like part of the family, as if we were in a home away from home.

The mountain calm settles around you as soon as you step onto the property, and the Himalayan views are beautiful. It’s a lovely place for anyone wanting quiet surroundings, a comfortable stay and hosts who truly care about your experience. Highly recommended.