Pines Fell, Mashobra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

by Atul Goel
(New Delhi)

This homestay is located in Mashobra just 10 kms away from Shimla, which is now a complete concrete jungle and over commercialized. Pines Fell, on the other hand was something which I was always searching for. A place away from the hustle and bustle of city life and with amenities comparable to the best hotels. The best part of this place is its location, right in the middle of a jungle with 360 degree views of the Himalayas. Even the area surrounding it is amazing, it offered me so many scenic walks and some soft treks which I wanted to do.

The homestay has about 3-4 bedrooms with two living rooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. All the rooms in this place have been done with with care and are comparable to the best hotels that I have ever stayed in. Besides the decor, which attracted me in the first place, I always am particularly concerned about cleanliness and general hygiene, which again I must accentuate was of the highest standard.

The place also had a wonderful but small library with well chosen reads from general fiction to books on yoga, religion and Himachal. Also, for people who cannot leave technology behind, there was a satellite tv with a LCD and an internet connection.

The food was again hygienic and tasty with a lot of ingredients been procured locally. My guess is that most of them were organic. Though there is not much staff, but then it is not required. Panditji, the caretaker was particularly nice and had so much local history to share.

I just had the most amazing time. Somehow time just stood still in that place and I did which I wanted to. Leave my problems behind and just relax. An additional advisory note. This place is not for those who are looking for people and city hustle and bustle. It is for those who appreciate nature, romance and time. I myself will be going back there again. I recommend it highly.