A comfortable road trip from Delhi took us to a small hamlet called Gethia, where we spent a few utterly relaxing days. Nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, near the popular hill station Nainital, Blue Book at Gethia is located in an easy-to-access, yet, quiet area that is ideal for slow travel.
Hotel
Blue Book at Gethia is a heritage property that was built by a British woman, Madame Durell, almost 130 years ago. It has recently been restored into a luxurious boutique hotel and you can even see the plaque of the original owner that is proudly displayed in the dining room. While the old world charm has consciously been kept intact, comfortable furniture, fine linen and even updated bathroom pipes and fittings ensure that all modern comforts are well in place.
The property is spread over four acres of land, and there are a few large flat areas where there are gardens, sit-outs as well as a swimming pool. Given the undulating landscape and stringent laws against cutting of foliage in these hills, these expanses are indeed a luxury. You can enjoy the picturesque surroundings overlooking the verdant Jeolikote Valley from everywhere in the property, but my favourite view was from my bed where every morning, until noon, the misty clouds hovered at eye level, completing the romantic and surreal picture perfectly.
Room
Blue Book at Gethia has 12 rooms; and each room is befittingly known as a ‘chapter’. The old wing is home to eight chapters, and the remaining four are in the new wing that was built recently, but with the same aesthetic of that of the old wing. Each room is different, and varies in terms of space as well as view.
While Chapter 9 is ideal for couples, Chapter 7 is perfect for stargazers. There are some suites as well that accommodate up to four people. We stayed in Chapter 11 that had a private balcony benefitting from the gorgeous view that I described above.
While we got to enjoy a few sunny days at Gethia, on the day when it rained incessantly, we took it easy, played cards, enjoyed ‘Pahadon Wali Maggi’ (instant noodles that are available at every eatery, small or big, across the hills of North India) in bed and soaked in the beautiful view from our room.
Food and drink
There are some nice cafés close by if you want to step out for lunch, but the chefs at Blue Book lay out a very good spread if you prefer to take it easy. From freshly made chicken nuggets and grilled chicken to thalis with a range of local fare, comfort Chinese food, tasty pastas and high tea favourites like pakodas (assorted vegetable fritters) and chilli cheese toast, there’s enough choice so that you really don’t need to venture out.
Breakfast and most meals are served in the dining room. But there are other scenic spots across the property where the team puts out the high tea spread, so that you can really enjoy the views of the hills to the maximum. On one of the evenings while we were there, an al fresco dinner was laid out for us in an utterly romantic setting with candles leading us to the beautifully adorned table.
To do
There are nice hikes in the area, great spots for birding within a few kilometres of the property and, of course, the lakes of Kumaon – Bhimtal and Nainital – are close by. If you prefer to go off the beaten path there are also some hidden lakes like Garud Tal where you can be one with nature sans the crowds. Within the hotel, there is a swimming pool, pool table and board games to keep you from getting bored.
One of our top recommendations, however, would be to visit some temples in the vicinity. Given the pristine surroundings and high energy of this region, this is an experience that you’ll cherish.
Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram is just a half-hour drive from Blue Book at Gethia; it has attracted people from all over the world, including the likes of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Julia Roberts, who all felt an incredible pull, serenity as well as inimitable creative energy after they visited.
Then there’s a temple dedicated to Golu Devta, the most revered deity of the Kumaon hills. Further up are the ancient temple complexes – Jageshwar and Dandeshwar – that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and date back to 7th-18th century AD. Words fall short to describe the incredible energy there.
In a nutshell
The green surroundings, clear blue skies and beautiful silence interspersed with birdsong at Blue Book at Gethia are the perfect antidote for a fast-paced city life. It is a great choice for a quiet, romantic holiday; as well as for a fun-filled getaway with a group of friends.
Factbox
Getting there: By Road from Delhi: 326 kilometers, approximately six hours on road. Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station, approximately 45 minutes. Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, approximately 90 minutes.
Address: House No – 1 Village and P.O, Chinkuwa, Gethiya, Uttarakhand 263127, India
Phone: +91 98111 90008
Email: reservations@bluebookhotels.com
Website: bluebookhotels.com
