The woods are lovely, dark and deep... Review on Kalmatia Sangam, Almora

I've  actually bounced back from the malaise, fatigue and monotony

of everyday life after a week well spent at this little piece of heaven

on earth.  A week, you may ask, quite incredulously.a  full

seven days in back - of - beyond Almora? With no TV, no internet, no

shopping.and yes, 2 under - 14s in tow?

Destinations such as this are certainly not everyone's cup of tea, the

unhappiness expressed by a'bored - to - their skins' family from

Mumbai being a case in point. However if peace, quiet and solitude is

what you are seeking, Kalmatia will live up to all your expectations,

and more!

A cluster of a few cottages, all very aesthetically done up and with

all modern comforts is what comprises this little advertised resort.

We were booked at the Eagles Nest, the largest of these, with a cozy

sitting area with a neat fireplace on the ground floor and sleeping

arrangments on the first, with a loft bed thrown in. I am told this

affords the most splendid views of the snow covered Himalayas, which

we  were not fortunate enough to see.February and March are

ideal, I am told.

We were spoilt silly for choice as far as food went, and were served a

large variety ranging from Continental to Thai to Italian. hats off to

the KS kitchen! Service is excellent, and the staff very pleasant and most non intrusive.

Time was spent  lazing around on  hammocks, plenty of reading

( A small in house library has a motley collection of books and

periodicals should you run out of your own), board and card games with

the kids, long walks along forest trails( absolutely delightful) and

the occasional evening movie on the husband's laptop. Believe me, the

week just flew!  Having seen most of Kumaon over the years we did

not really feel the need to sightsee. A day's trip to the Binsar forest

reserve does deserve mention here however. am sure it would have been

even better had the weather gods been kinder. The resort also arranges

treks/village walks for a fee.

In short, a completely rejuvenating and fulfilling vacation. Our kids

are quite used to the  kind of places we opt to holiday in and

keep themselves busy.they enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.

We'd love to go back for a shorter break one winter, if possible with

our 5 year old labrador! A tip here. most people we know choose to

drive to Kumaon. its a very comfortable overnight ride on the Ranikhet

Express from Delhi, with all sorts of cabs now available at Kathgodam

Stn to carry you into the hills.