Escape to the hills, and find a soulful retreat at Dharamshala’s Eagles Nest, in the picturesque Kangra Valley.

There's a splendid view of the Dhauladhar mountain range

What better way to escape the grind and polluted cityscape, than to set off for the pristine Himalayas? Well, at least you can settle for its foothills, in a charming property to get your heart’s fill of nature walks, horse-riding, bird-watching, sight-seeing, and yoga and meditation classes. Nestled amidst two sq km of cedar, oak and rhododendron trees in the splendid Himalayan foothills (height: 7,381ft / 2,250m), the placid Eagles Nest overlooking the Kangra Valley and the temple of the Dalai Lama, beckons.

This precious and beautiful corner of India boasts of the snowcapped, majestic Dhauladhar mountain range as its spectacular backdrop – providing stunning views from the garden of Eagles Nest, even as you sip your morning cuppa.

The 17-room property oozes rustic charm

Oozing warm wooden charm, paired with earthy colour palettes in a minimalistic design theme, this magnificent 17- bedroom property features large panes to ‘breathe in the outdoors’. A welcoming atrium lobby with double-height skylight and a combination of tasteful interiors make this place bucket list-worthy.

Rooms or suites offer all the mod cons - and large windows for forest views

Large 320 sq ft sized rooms or suites upwards of 400 sq ft offer a comfortable bed, high and low pillows, electric blankets, a day or sofa bed, a writing desk, and amenities such as tea/coffee maker, spring or mineral water, wardrobe with electronic safe and hangers, luggage and shoe rack, heat radiator. An attached 40 sq feet sit out or balcony with chairs is an ideal place for a breathtaking panorama of the snow-clad range.

Enjoy alfresco dining amidst scenic views

The 'Den', the fireplace lounge with a 'wall of books' and the ‘Bonhomie’ private dining hall are ideal for exchange of experiences, bonding over travel tales. The efficient, equipment-laden kitchen with its skilled team, dishes out popular Himachali and Indian dishes along with a curated menu of world cuisine dishes.

The exteriors feature paved walkways

The exteriors feature a beautifully landscaped lawn adorned with scattered walkways and colourful flower beds, along with a greenhouse for on-premise organic cultivation.

This bespoke wellness nature retreat, patronized by international yoga groups, has its own spring water resource and rain-water harvesting and uses locally sourced produces.

Eagles Nest has wellness, and outdoor activities for everyone

‘The Deck’ for morning yoga or, star-gazing bonfire evenings, ‘The Point’ for a cuppa chai with a view of the valley, and ‘Meditation Zone’ for meditation and solace are the property’s three serene spots. ‘Balance’, the yoga room with a capacity of 18 people and ’Elevate’, a two-room spa with a sauna room complements the wellness theme.

‘The Barn’ houses the property’s own horses for a trot around the forest trails. Alternatively, trained local staff can guide and escort guests on tailored treks.

The property comes alive at night, with a convivial atmosphere

And if you just want to spend a day in, reading or lounging, Eagles Nest Dharamshala, has two cozy rooms for reading, conversing, catching up, playing a game of pool or table tennis, or just gazing through the windows, onto the verdant surroundings.

The property is managed by Aashvim Hospitality Service's 'BookMark Hotels'.

Address: Upper Dharamkot, McLeodGanj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India -176219