Our last moment cancellation to the trip to Dharamshala due to some unwanted chaos created by the hotelier, led to this most deserving and welcoming place called Gethia in the Nainital district, amidst the beautiful mountains. Gethia is nature's true wonders! To some, who have not heard much about this place, it is located 16 kms from the city of Nainital. Person travelling to Nainital should visit Two Chimneys, an old British bungalow (acquired by Mr. Tarun Tejpal) converted to a resort with a total of seven rooms only. so beware to book it early if you want to experience the nature at its best! One would never be disappointed to be at this "Home away from Home".
Our seven hour drive to Gethia from Ghaziabad, was a journey which I would never like to forget admist the beautiful mountains, scenic beauty and a pleasant weather coupled with some bad stretch of road towards Bajpur and no motels along the highway! Thankfully, we had taken idlis and snacks with us which saved our efforts to search for a motel. On reaching Two chimneys, we freshened up and straight away headed for lunch as we were all down with hunger pangs. The food was welcoming and well served with Phulkas, Dum Aloo, Palak Paneer, Kadi Pakoda, Rice, Papad and salad. The lunch was well prepared and homely. After having lunch, we headed back to our room and noticed it to the fullest. We stayed in "The Goat Shed" (the room's name) which is quite approachable to the dining area, the pool , the common room and the main entrance. A family of 2+2 can be easily accommodated and is well designed too! It seems, in the British days, this room was actually a home to the goats. And hence the name "Goat Shed" was derived!
None of the rooms have television and one would not feel to have one! This place is well stocked with books in their library for those who are voracious reader. With a cup of tea in one hand, and a book on the other, one could easily get into thoughts with a peace of mind. For a family person like me, where kids play an important role, and the need to keep them busy, is taken care as well! There is a common room which provides one with a television, and indoor game activities like table tennis and snooker. A beautiful and a big lawn is a place where kids can enjoy to the fullest. My beautiful daughters had a gala of time playing pakdam pakdai, badminton , lazing and bullying each other which is their favourite past time. On the other hand, I and my husband preferred to play badminton which lasted for hours together. For those, who do not carry their own badminton kit, the property provides one..As the day passed and the sun was ready to set, the chilling wind blew the way it could freeze anyone. We headed back to the room straight inside the blanket to get the warmth just before we were called for the dinner. We were served with Burmese food which was introduced by Mrs. Tejpal who was indeed inspired by one of her trips to Burma. For foodies, this is one authentic try!
Sitting besides the bonfire braving the cold weather, having dinner was fun to end it up with dessert, Banofee Pie! We then proceeded to hit the bed. The day was a package of pleasant moments.
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| Two Chimneys, Gethia |
None of the rooms have television and one would not feel to have one! This place is well stocked with books in their library for those who are voracious reader. With a cup of tea in one hand, and a book on the other, one could easily get into thoughts with a peace of mind. For a family person like me, where kids play an important role, and the need to keep them busy, is taken care as well! There is a common room which provides one with a television, and indoor game activities like table tennis and snooker. A beautiful and a big lawn is a place where kids can enjoy to the fullest. My beautiful daughters had a gala of time playing pakdam pakdai, badminton , lazing and bullying each other which is their favourite past time. On the other hand, I and my husband preferred to play badminton which lasted for hours together. For those, who do not carry their own badminton kit, the property provides one..As the day passed and the sun was ready to set, the chilling wind blew the way it could freeze anyone. We headed back to the room straight inside the blanket to get the warmth just before we were called for the dinner. We were served with Burmese food which was introduced by Mrs. Tejpal who was indeed inspired by one of her trips to Burma. For foodies, this is one authentic try!
Sitting besides the bonfire braving the cold weather, having dinner was fun to end it up with dessert, Banofee Pie! We then proceeded to hit the bed. The day was a package of pleasant moments.
On the next day, I tried my hands at birding. No, I am not a regular birder. Inspired by my husband, I woke up early while he was still in bed after the hectic drive. I was happy to click some unusual birds not so commonly found in the city. To name a few were the Khalij Pheasant (male), Red and Yellow billed Magpie, Oriental Turtle Dove,Black lored tit, Green backed tit, White throated kingfisher, Common kingfisher, Black headed jay,Blue whistling thrush,Tree sparrow, White throated laughing thrush, Spotted dove etc. Most of which was identified by Naveen. I was quite satisfied with myself. I was excited to find the above said birds with my naked eyes. My hubby has asked me to take this as a passion. The only question is, Can I?
After the breakfast, we decided to drive down to Sattal and Naukuchiatal. An equally scenic place, Sattal is a place not to be missed! I am sure no one would have seen such a serene place in one's life. It was spiritual, divine and aesthetic! The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains. If you are just two of you, you can try your hands at canoeing arranged at the lake. One of the nature's best creation , worth a visit! However, we decided to go boating!
Back after the outing, tried my hands at table tennis. I was a first timer. Believe me! My husband was my mentor who taught me to play. In few minutes, I was at it. Bingo! Still not a perfectionist. Will surely play more of it ! Finally the dinner time and it was continental. I am not a fan of continental food though it was not bad at all! More families had dropped in at the resort. At the end of the day, my daughter Vaishnavi made two greeting cards. One for the Manager, Mrs. Manju and the other for the staff. She had a great time and so did we! Wished the trip did not get over. Wished we could stay more!
We headed back to Ghaziabad after breakfast. An heated argument with Naveen over a small issue may be a sign of ending the journey, which we thought could be otherwise extended someway or the other.
An highly recommended place to prefer who prefer to stay "Home Away From Home" . A warm hospitality, excellent food and a wonderful team at Two Chimneys. Two Chimneys, Gethia is a place you would never want to give a miss!
Good bye for now.
Do visit http://twochimneysgethia.com
