Shveta Gujral
Picturesque hills, chirping birds and lush green gardens are a balm for weary souls. If you are looking for a nature escape to slow down and relax, 7 Pines in Kasauli by Leisure Hotels is the place to be.
Nestled amid beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, the resort is built with a British colonial decor and is a perfect getaway for a discerning traveller. Just two hours from Chandigarh and 5.5 hours from Delhi, it is a bit different from the usual hotels. It’s personalised with a specific valet attached to three rooms.
Spread over three acres, 7 Pines offers eight bedrooms on the estate with lawns overlooking the Shimla hills. The resort has a beautiful living room with a fireplace and a library to die for. Their book collection takes up the walls from floor to ceiling and you can spend days here going through a variety of books ranging from fiction to self-help. A hot cup of coffee and a piece of cake will serve as perfect partners. Resort manager, Pravin Kondal says, “Sit in the shade of mulberry tree reading your favourite book or visit the old cantonment town of Kasauli, 7 Pines is a perfect getaway in all seasons. It’s a home away from home.”
The rooms have been divided into five categories with the tariff ranging from Rs 9,500 to Rs 12,000 per night that includes all three meals. What catches the eye is blooming balconies and wind chimes on tree branches. In the night, fairy lights twinkling from branches and lanterns light up the landscape.
The hotel’s location allows for many distractions such as mountain treks, picnics in the forest, temples and bird-watching. Situated close to most of the tourist attractions like Monkey Point, Kasauli Mall, Sunrise Point and more, 7 Pines is located at a prime location.
For the love of gourmet
Simple home-style cooked food is the resort’s USP. Its in-house chefs prepare a traditional homely meal using fresh vegetables, handpicked from the kitchen garden and local spices from the region. The restaurant dishes up scrumptious Indian and western cuisines with impeccable services by staff. One can also relish the cuisines with a view at the Hazel Terrace. In the evening, bonfire with cocktails and live guitarist adds to the warmth of the stay.
shveta.gujral@tribunemail.com
How to reach Kasauli
By car: Two-hour drive from Chandigarh
By bus: Nearest bus stop is at Parwanoo, 7 km from Kasauli
By train: Nearest railway station is Sonwara, 4 km from Kasauli
By air: Nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, 65 km from Kasauli
Not to miss
Christ’s Church: Set amid a grove of chestnut and fir trees, the church offers quiet and tranquil atmosphere.
Monkey Point: It is the highest peak of the town. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman that sits on this hill.
Mall road: The mall road has Tibetan shops selling handicrafts, woollens, hand-woven shawls, stoles and scarves.
Gilbert trail: The 1.5-km kutcha walkway from Lovers’ Lane, along the narrow winding paths of rocky cliffs, is among the best things to do.
Nature walk: A walk amid the most picture-perfect environs is one of the amazing things to do in Kasauli.
Sunset Point: A quiet spot to enjoy the sunset, pine-laid landscapes, valleys and sceneries.
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