Review: Nalagarh House, Manali
You can be forgiven for believing you have entered the home of an English squire when you step into the tres chic drawing room at Nalagarh House. And you wouldn’t be that far from the truth, owned as it is by Vijayendra Singh, scion of the erstwhile Nalagarh State. A beautiful wood and stone fireplace crowned by a large gilt-edged mirror, blue pottery on the mantle, silken wallpaper, and roomy armchairs dressed in cheery blue and white chintz instantly set the tone for your vacation.
The formal dining room is a few steps up and beyond the sitting area, and comes with a sunny breakfast nook at one end. The state of the art kitchen is where you can choose to unleash your culinary creativity if you so desire; else, a cook is available for you at a nominal daily charge. All three bedrooms, equally well-appointed, are spacious, airy and well-lit by natural light courtesy large picture windows looking out at an alpine skyline back-dropped by snow-clad mountains.
The adjoining two-bedroom outhouse, shrouded in verdure, is a tad less plush yet cheerful, airy, and gets a fair share of spectacular views to boot. The shared garden is large, verdant and an explosion of colour, especially from spring through summer when the rose bushes are rife with flowers. The very gracious Poonam Singh, your host, is just a shout away in the cottage next door should the need arise. In the event you may require more rooms than available at the time of intended visit, they may be able to rustle up an extra or two in other cottages in the vicinity.
I have always wanted to stay at such a fancy place. Whooo..
Now you know where to find one 🙂
Wonderful article – sounds so very inviting. I still have to steel my nerves to visit Manali since the avalanche of tourism to what was once a sleepy little town. Have to admit this does help tilt the balance in it’s favor. Is Nalagarh House a bit outside town as it appears in one of the photos?
Yes, Manali is quite an assault on the sensibilities particularly during May-June. Were you to visit before or after, you might well see some of its earlier charm. This cottage is placed in a relatively quieter corner, above and beyond Hadimba Temple.
An ‘outhouse’ here in Australia often has other connotations referring to pre-septic tank and sewage network times.
There are many other euphemisms to describe the ‘outhouse’ and one in current use is ‘bathroom’, that being a very small room that is lacking in both a bath and a shower. lol.
Thank you for the ‘entertainment. 🙂
Cheers,
Murray.
Bet you had a good laugh, Murray. 🙂
Even American English defines it thus. The Queen’s English though allows for creative license…
Nice to know about this place…thanks
You should go sometime…
Is there any place in Bacalty?
Not yet. But I understand from my sources that a rather spiffy one will be available for hire next summer. Will keep you posted.
Loved reading the review… well, to visit one, takes planning yes? 🙂
Thanks. Yes, I have often noted that planning is not everyone’s strength. Ergo…Ask Cutting Loose 😉