This beautifully restored haveli – The Chateau Grali, is tucked in a heritage village of Himachal. This is a place where you will find peace, warmth and luxury, all at the same time! Good news, it’s not that far!
Live in grandeur
Trust us, The Chateau is no less than a castle. This hidden gem is the ancestral home of Yatish Sud, grandson of Lala Mela Ram Sud, who, with his children Amish and Tarini, has restored this almost 100 years old (it was built in 1921) property into something absolutely enchanting. (We fell in love!)
When we first entered the property, all we could see was grandeur all around – beautiful artwork on the ceilings, with motifs on the doorways are a sight to behold. A brief tour of the place that reflects the colonial era and we were transported to that time walking through this architectural wonder.
The Chateau has about 19 rooms replete with all amenities and classy colonial-style furniture with elaborate woodwork.
Adding to the charms are those pretty Belgian windows with little knick-knacks that bring in an element of an era gone by, but graced with luxury.
Family time, guaranteed
Besides offering the luxurious experience that it does, The Chateau also has a range of activities to indulge in. Plus, they have a swimming pool with a bar to spend some good sultry summer evenings at.
Grab on to the cycles at the property for a morning ride, or bond over a series of indoor games like Carom and Chess, with your family and friends.
The property has an on-site spa (made in a mud room for an authentic traditional experience, but make sure you ask for an appointment at the time of booking itself (and it is ah-may-zingly relaxing!)
We also took a nice and long heritage walk along the lanes to explore various hidden architectural marvels, which although are in an abandoned state, but are yet as stunning to look at.
Thankfully we had company, so we planned a small picnic at Pong Dam to enjoy a packed lunch on one of the largest wetlands in Asia, and luckily spotted some migratory birds too (yay, but naam nahi pata tee hee). If you are also the adventurous type, you can ask the staff to arrange for a Jungle Safari too, we did.
Our fellow Chateau inmates also went for a round of fishing at the river Beas, while we reached there to enjoy those breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunsets.
What you cannot miss
You HAVE TO try the famous malai barf by Satpal Sharma, who has carried forward the tradition of his forefathers, of selling it since 1890. Served on a leaf plate, it melts in your mouth, and is a delight to savour in the summers.
The Chateau’s chefs cook delectable cuisine and you will be left spoilt for choice. Make sure you try the Himachali dham cuisine. (Bhoolna mat, it’s local flavours!)
You can say that The Chateau Garli has all modern amenities in the middle of a forgotten sleepy village and makes for a great weekend getaway from Delhi that is not only healthy for the lungs, but offers immense opportunity to connect with nature.
How to reach The Chateau
You can reach this heritage village via all means of transport.
Nearest Airport: Gaggal (Dharamsala); Pick up on request (approx. 90mins to the property)
Nearest Railway Station: Amb Andaura; Pick up on request (approx. 30 mins to the property)
Via Road: Buses and taxis available. You can also drive down from Delhi, it would take about 7-8 hours
Some Gyaan: The Government of Himachal Pradesh declared Garli as a ‘Heritage Village’ in 1997. The village was brought into existence by the Sud community from Rajasthan in the 19th Century. It is surprising how this village was planned way ahead of it’s time, from architecture to area planning, everything here is exquisite.
QUICK FACTS
Where: The Chateau, Garli, VPO 12, Garli Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: By Road approx. 425 km, north of Delhi
Time taken: Approximately 7-8 drive from NCR
When to visit: Basically anytime, but best when the kids have holidays
Contact: 1970-246246; 09418062002
eMail: contact@chateaugarli.com
Website: www.chateaugarli.com
Cost: ₹5,000–7,495
Photos and Content: ©Team Kyaa Karein
