The Kumaon
Minimal, raw, and deeply contextual. Raw concrete soffits, locally quarried stone, bamboo cladding, copper wire, pinewood floors. No fuss, no butler service — the setting does the talking. Think Geoffrey Bawa meets mountain village.
Request a top-floor Terrace Chalet for the bay window and large private terrace — it's worth the ask even if not guaranteed
Why It Matters
1 Michelin Key. Built largely by hand — 93 people and six mules — on a remote ridge with no heavy machinery. The cantilevered Amaranth restaurant suspended over the valley is one of the most dramatic dining rooms in India. All staff are from surrounding villages. First boutique eco-hotel to bring Geoffrey Bawa-lineage architecture to the Indian Himalayas.
Ten suites on a ridge at 1,600m above sea level in Kasar Devi, overlooking the Nanda Devi range. Designed by Sri Lankan architects Pradeep Kodikara and Jineshi Samaraweera of Zowa Architects — disciples of Geoffrey Bawa — it's a rare example of tropical modernism transplanted to a Himalayan hillside, built almost entirely by hand using 93 workers and six mules. Originally conceived as a private estate, it became one of India's most architecturally celebrated small hotels, now holding 1 Michelin Key.
Where You'll Stay
2 room types available
Garden Chalet
From INR40,120 / nightLower-floor suites built from locally quarried stone, mirroring the aesthetic of traditional Kumaoni village homes. Instead of a terrace, each opens to a private outdoor sitting area ensconced in the property's natural fauna — fruit trees, oak, rhododendron. Same floor-to-ceiling windows as the upper units with valley and mountain views. Wood-burning bukhari, pinewood floors, kadappah tile bathrooms, and the same custom-made furniture throughout.
Terrace Chalet
From INR40,120 / nightUpper-floor suites built with fly-ash bricks clad in bamboo sticks and copper wire. Bay windows look directly out to the Great Himalayan range, and each opens onto a large private terrace jutting into the mountain air. Interior materials include local pinewood floors, a bed/table/seating island unit finished in smooth cement render, kadappah black stone tile bathrooms, and custom-woven Kumaoni wool furnishings. Traditional wood-burning bukhari fireplace for warmth in cold months.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Short excursion to the ancient market town of Almora with hand-carved window facades, traditional metalwork shops, and the Lal Bagh bazaar.
On-site badminton and cricket available on the property grounds.
Full-day majestic walk through four arboreal zones — oak and rhododendron, pine, back to a ridge, then through a cedar grove — emerging into the sacred Jageshwar temple complex dedicated to Shiva.
40-minute drive to the protected Binsar sanctuary. Visit an ancient Shiva temple in a meadow, then hike to Zero Point for 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks from Himachal to Nepal. Leopards, Himalayan black bears, and 600+ bird species inhabit the sanctuary.
Guided stargazing on the ridge, taking advantage of the minimal light pollution at altitude. Planets and moons visible to the naked eye. Usually accompanied by a bonfire.
A 2–3 hour guided round trip to the ancient Kasar Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, perched at the top of 'Cranks Ridge' with sweeping valley views to Almora. A resident naturalist identifies birds and plants along the route. The temple drew Swami Vivekananda, DH Lawrence, Bob Dylan, Timothy Leary, and Cat Stevens. A meditation cave sits adjacent to the temple.
Half-day hike to Chitai, the Bell Temple, venerating local deity Golu Dev. The entire temple is covered in bells of all sizes left by worshippers whose wishes were granted.
Full-day descent from Kasar Devi to Balta village through fruit orchards and traditional thatched houses, giving an immersive look at Kumaoni agricultural life.
One-hour drive to Katarmal, one of only three extant sun temples in India, built by the Katyuri dynasty (800–1100 AD) and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Full-day hike from the hotel descending through Hawalbagh village to the Kosi river. Hotel packs a picnic hamper. Swimming and sunbathing on large riverine boulders. Particularly popular in summer.
Half-day descending hike into an adjacent valley to a waterfall. Passes local villages and terraced agricultural fields. Ideal for swimming under the waterfall on hot days.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary wireless internet access throughout property and in rooms.
Complimentary continental and Indian breakfast buffet served daily 8–10:30am: locally baked breads, farm-fresh eggs, seasonal jams, fresh fruits and juices, cereal, organic muesli, and a daily changing Indian menu.
Book-stocked library in the main building with board games, fireplaces at every couch, and light snack service 8am–7pm. Positioned below the cantilevered Amaranth restaurant.
A communal outdoor terrace with sofas and a fire pit, ideal for watching the sun drop behind the Himalayan peaks. One of the most popular spots on property.
Dogs welcome at INR 1,500 per night. Bowls and simple cooked meals available. Property also has four resident dogs who roam freely.
The property has no swimming pool. The Kosi river (full-day hike) is the nearest swimming option.
Rooms have no air conditioning. The 1,600m altitude keeps temperatures naturally cool. Traditional wood-burning bukharis provide warmth in colder months.
Shuttle service to nearby destinations available at a surcharge.
Free self-parking available on site. Note: vehicles park approximately 250m from the hotel; guests walk or take a short pony ride from the road.
BUILD YOUR THE KUMAON PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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