“Chanfi!”

Reviewed 10 September 2013

Destination Soulitude in the himalayas , always wins hands down with the family!! Soulitude by the riverside, would be equally delightful, – was a given!
Within minutes of moving from kathgodam railway station, one can smell the crisp mountain air, it only helps, that it is early morning! As you take the road meandering through the kumaon Hills the sun comes up on you in all its majesty , to signal happy days ahead.
It takes about an hour to reach the ‘ until ‘ driving point for village chamfi.there are eager porters waiting to welcome and escort you to the property.we disembark at an old rustic suspended bridge, that looks like British legacy, and begin our morning walk. The approach builds expectation and keeps the holiday mood upbeat! ( family actually held hands as we walked and talked our way up the natural mountain trail) investment in good walking shoes is a must.
When the property shows up from behind a clump of trees, one just stands, glued to the spot ,at the sheer beauty of the location. it is magical ! Nestled comfortably among the hills on all sides, sits the very charming SOULITUDE, with the river gurgling happily in its insides.
Soulitude by the riverside, is not your regular regular resort holiday……. Infact it is an escape from one! It has the ambience of a mountain chalet. The rooms are large,neat comfortable, and with great views. Service staff is trained to be discreet, on call, but not obtrusive. Food is delicious home style fare, and the cooks often have local flavours as add ons.your time and space are your own, you are encouraged to walk or trek around a bit,or simply sit, book in hand,with your feet in the flowing water.4 hours into the place,and you feel the calmness descending on you, and it brings along the essential disconnect…..from noise, from traffic, from pollution and above all from everything routine.
The owner couple manish and ratna,very obviously have tremendous vision, and both their properties are a pure reflection of very refined taste and sensibilities.It is their great attention to detail, in a seemingly effortless manner which is a huge plus.onealso found them very aware of their responsibility to the fragile ecosystem.great care is taken to run the place in a manner which does not only take away from the resource system- local materials are used for construction, local people employed and trained as artisans and staff,their families taken care of,even the vegetables and fruit grown on the premises,are used and shared by all.
Go prepared to JUST BE.holiday at an altered pace and let the simple natural energies of the place take over,as you discover a new rhythm in your soul.
Only one question will plague your mind…..” When will i do this again”” ?
Stayed March 2013,travelled with family.