Raadballi (Myna's Nest) - A Jungle Retreat

The house comprises of ground and first floor having attached bathrooms, cupboards etc. The ground floor has been matted with beautiful wooden planks to minimize the climatic effect. The construction has been done using mostly local material including locally available cut stones so as to control the heat-cold effect of changing climate during summers and winters. The retreat being the central point surrounded by thick jungle on all sides provides an unparalleled view of jungle life in contrast to the present day mundane city life imprinting a lasting invigorating effect on the mind and soul. The morning loud melody of red jungle fowl of ku-kru-koon resounds through the entire jungle along with the melodies of myriad other bird species abounding in the region. They include among others, peacock-peahen, partridges, and sparrows of many shades and colours. Among the wild animals, barking deer, stag (sambar) and wild boar etc. dot the area sounding their own barks and roars. The lucky visitor can even sight some of them. All this sight and song can be a life time unforgettable experience for the metropolitan city dwellers for he would never ever chance upon such adventure anywhere except the dud experience of visiting the city zoo. Guests can have access to the two traditional kitchens on the ground floors. They can also freely move about the vast open surroundings. I will mostly be available to make sure to provide personal touch for the guest's comfortable stay. In case of my unavailability, someone from my family in addition to the staff will be attending to the guests. Our eco-friendly forest retreat is located in the small village of Bhakler, near Pong Wetland and world famous Monolithic Masroor Temple. A two hours drive from our campsite will take you through a beautiful scenic route of Kangra Valley to Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj. Pong Lake-10 Kms. Pong wetland, situated in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the largest man made wet lands of the northern India formed by the construction of Pong Dam during 1974 across the Beas river. This wetland is the first major wetland which potentially offers a transitory resting reserve for the migratory birds coming from the trans Himalayan zone in the winter season when the wetlands in the Europe and North and Central Asia become frozen due to onset of winters. The area of water body varies from 125 Sq Km at minimum water level at 1280 ft in summer season to about 220 Sq Km at the maximum water level of 1390 Feet in rainy season and also leaving behind the maximum draw down area of about 80 Sq Km. The Pong Dam has earned the distinction of being among the global class of selected sites. This is first wetland of the state to have got the global arm of protection by being declared a “RAMSAR SITE” in the year 2002. Islands In The Wetland: Pong contains five main islands viz: Rancer, Karu, Rajeli , Jatta da Kuwal and Danderh giving panoramic view of the majestic Dhauladhar Mountain ranges. The area of each of these islands fluctuate with the increase or decrease of water level. Most important of these five islands is the Rancer Island. Masroor rock-cut temple: 4 kms Masroor temple built around 8th century A.D. is famous for its single-rock-cut monolithic temples. It is one of the four rock-cut temples in the country. Two such temples including Kailash of Ellora and Mamlapuram in Deccan are famous across the world. The third is at Dhamnar in Rajasthan and the fourth is Masroor temple. While the other three temples fare in a pit or on the ground, the one at Masroor is unique located as it is on hilltop at a height of 2500 feet from the mean sea level. in a clear skyline to view the snowy Dhauladhar ranges. Tatwani Hotspring- 20 Kms. Situated at the foot of a hillock by the side of Gaj rivulet, Tatwani hotspring is a natural hot water source. Being not too hot it is fit for bathing purpose. People from neighboring states believing in its medicinal properties come for bathing at Tatwani. Foreigners too throng to this place as a picnic spot and prefer to spend the entire day there. The place is surrounded by thick forests on both the sides and one can have a peaceful time in the natural surroundings. This is also an ideal place to do meditation and yogasanas. Other famous tourist destinations: Dharamshala- 50 kms Mcleodganj- 60 kms Palampur-70 kms Baijnath-85 kms While every care is taken to provide palatable Vegetarian and Non-vegitarian cuisine to which people are generally accustomed to in normal urban lifestyle; our special dishes include world famous 'Kangri dham' prepared using firewood as medium for cooking and traditional himachali utensils including earthen pots. Organic, locally grown Himalayan herbs are made use of as ingredients to enrich the food value. 'Kangri dham' can also be served on traditional 'pattals' (Broad vine leaves) made out of fresh broad leaves of a special vine stitched as round plates. Traditionally prepared 'Makki ki roti' is served with organically grown leafy vegetables and 'Khohru' made of butter milk. Meals other than breakfast will be available at moderate rates.