Himachal Pradesh, Stays
Neeralaya – The Delightful Kullu Property Sitting On The Edge Of A River
Located right on the banks of the Beas, 15 kms from Kullu and 25 kms from Manali, lies a parallel world heavy with nature’s bounty. With breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the river, spending days here is the idyllic experience every weary person craves. The land is lush green and slightly undulating, with plenty of fruit trees and natural alcoves. The landscape has been left largely undisturbed, which is why the structures seem to rise organically from the ground.
Neeralaya is special due to many factors. But what makes it infinitely more special is that it was born out of a single person’s childhood dream. Owned by Muneer and Manisha Suri, Neeralaya is built on the same land that Muneer spent his childhood playing on. The 4 acres land was bought in parts from as many as 11 people and consolidated into what stands as this ethereal property today. The couple is warm and inviting and genuinely want their guests to feel as at home here as they do. They go out of their way to arrange activities and help their guests. They have converted the property into a lush green oasis where people can get their fill of soul food and return with rich memories. Despite not advertising too much, Neeralaya is frequented by celebrities. The hollywood movie ‘The Ashram’ was shot here.
The resort is framed by verdure
The rooms and cottages are made using timber, slate and stone in traditional style. Guests can choose between 3 villas and 7 bedrooms, all of which come with balconies or verandahs to bring nature right to the doorstep. Each villa is segregated enough from each other for families and couples to enjoy solitude, yet the common spaces are perfect to meet other guests, the staff or the owners, if one so wishes. The rooms are big and airy with the warmth of wooden panels and furniture. They are named after the fruit trees surrounding them, for instance, peach villa, strawberry villa etc. Some cottages have a duplex style to allow families of 4 to stay together. Guests are also encouraged to bring their furry friends along!
The delightful rooms
Find a cosy corner for yourself
A step into the property is a step into paradise. The traditionally built cottages and main house are framed by majestic trees. The chirping of the birds that grace the property, along with the gushing sounds of the river transport you into heaven. The resort is a pollution-free and eco friendly zone and the drinking water comes straight from the mountain spring! The water is pure and fresh and whets your appetite for the brilliant pahari food.
The Himachali food experience at Neeralaya is exceptional. The land is full of fruit trees such as plums, walnut, apple, peaches, crab apple, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, etc. There is also a vegetable patch that grows seasonal vegetables brought straight to the table. They are also happy to cook up continental food for guests. There is a wide variety available over every meal, from crepes to local lentil soups to fried ice cream. But the beauty of it is heightened by eating al fresco. Breakfasts are especially sublime next to the river, with the morning tea and the sound of water warming your insides in tandem. There are the added experiences of barbeques, wood fired pizzas and bon fires by the river – an experience of eating in open spaces. There is no pork or beef cooked here, but there is farm fresh poultry and newly caught fish to enjoy. Meals are cooked in a simple local style to allow the ingredients to be the star.
Eating outside in the gazebo is a highlight
The Suris also have their own apple orchard, which is perfect for a stroll before a siesta. There is plenty to do around Neeralaya such as trekking and hiking, white-water rafting, fishing and cycling. You can also visit Manikaran (for the hot water springs), the Naggar Castle, the village of Nashala and the Vaishno Mata Mandir. The Krishna temple located near Naggar is one of the most scenic places in Kullu.A drive to Bijli Mahadev is a drive like no other offering spectacular views of the Kullu Valley on a thrilling journey.
We also highly recommend spending time at the property and enjoying blissful afternoons in the sun reading a book or attending a yoga class in the morning. Kids have a dedicated playing space while adults can also play games like badminton, volleyball and basketball and rediscover what unwinding means. Days at Neeralaya can be spent without much thought or in deep thought – whatever you choose. It is a place perfect for lone travellers, couples and families alike. The experience is what you make out of it. Neeralaya simply offers the best possible setting to do it.
Pluck and eat a fruit right from the trees
Spend your days lazing on the hammock or do something adventurous
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Thank you very much to you and your team for arranging this fantastic tour. One of the best pick from this tour was your meticulous planning and promptness of service. All arrangements were fantastic, be it a delivery of vehicle at Chandigarh airport, hotels particularly at Chandigarh, Leh, Nubra, Pangong. However the best was at Jispa, Kargil and Srinagar for different reasons. Jispa was simple but authentic with very tasty food.
Rajesh & Gauri Natu
Graphic Designer, Apple
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Sunil, after I ran 21k Marathon I bragged about it for years. The same is being repeated again, with my ambition to drive across the Himalayas, which was almost faded with Srinagar under curfew. You and Chetan were the spark to our fire that we could do this drive and without a single trouble. Driving is a passion but driving thru places where there are no roads is trouble, but your breakup of program and awesome car condition helped us actually sail thru. Three cheers and five stars.
Jignesh Shah
Absolute Networks, Mumbai
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Wow. wow, wow. What a experience! We took the route of Delhi - Jammu - Srinagar - Leh - Sarchu - Manali - Delhi. Sunil Kapoor gave us excellent service which includes his next to new 4WD in immaculate condition and all hotels were top class. Coming from Australia, we were bit nervous in start but when we met Sunil, we had full trust and all went very positive. Sunil gave us perfect instructions and everything was according to plan. Thank you Sunil and your team for our one of the best experience in life you have provided us.
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Jignesh Patel
Director, Webential, Australia
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Eight of us from Sri Lanka got Sunil to arrange a self driven tour to Leh and we are very happy with our decision. He was punctual, trustworthy and met our expectations. The service provided was very professional. As foreigners it’s hard to arrange such a tour by ourselves and Unwind outdoor filled in the gap perfectly. All places we stayed were nice and decent. Should specifically mention about the two Scorpios which we instantly fell in love with. They were very well maintained ...
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Sumudu Fernando
Friends from SriLanka
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After days of research, we finally came across a facebook page called ‘Unwind Outdoors’. It seemed like our dream was going to be finally true. Very reasonably priced and Sunil from Unwind was like a know-it-all person.
The itinerary was so crisp and so very well laid out that there was no reason for us to worry other than coping up with nature’s fury.
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Priyadatta Prabhavalkar
Clifford Chance, Delhi
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We did a SUV self drive trip from Chandigarh to Ladakh and back organized by Unwind Outdoor.
Highly recommend Unwind Outdoor as Sunil and Manpreet took care of everything we needed (car, hotel bookings, sightseeing and food recommendations, permits) and everything was organized seamlessly. Sunil was very patient with all our queries, giving suggestions and options to suit our preferences.
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Ashish & Neha Thadani
KPMG, Bangalore
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Great to see the know-how of the Unwind Outdoor team regarding every aspect of the Srinagar - Leh - Chandigarh self drive trip. From weather conditions, to road conditions, to health/clothing requirements, and also driving instructions - Sunil and Manpreet are warm, meticulous and knowledgable. Villa Himalaya in Sonamarg surpassed all our expectations and ensured that our expected standards for the rest of the trip were extremely high.
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Parth Deshmukh
Symbiosis Law School, Mumbai
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Thanks Sunil for arranging a wonderful trip. Everything went well and we were in good hands with friendly and competent drivers. Accommodation was good and tents were comfortable beyond our expectations. We didn't have problem with food choices. It was a totally rejuvenating vacation and experience for us. Thanks from us in Singapore!
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Lilian Chan
Singapore
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We had an amazing 9-day from Manali to Leh. Serene, breathless and picturesque. High altitude sickness was a big issue for us but we were in good hands.
Unwind Outdoor was superb in arranging and coordinating the trip. Taking care of all arrangements and checking-in on us. Kudos to Sunil and his team.
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Alvin Chia
Assistant Director, Jurong Town Corporation, Singapore
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We travelled as a couple & completed a self drive trip from Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Nubra-Pangong-Tso Moriri-Sarchu-Manali-Delhi. Itinerary was meticulously designed to be a mix of adventure and comfort. Hotel choices were best. Support was available at all points in case of emergency.Vehicle provided was top notch. Thanks to Mr. Sunil Kapoor for personally putting in efforts to maintain such high standards.
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Nikhil & Neha Mazumdar
Manager L&T, Mumbai
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Six of us (two families) travelled to Leh in Jul / Aug 2015 and we had an excellent experience with Unwind Outdoor. From the very beginning of our excited planning phase, Sunil has been willingly suggesting us options, number of days, places to visit etc. He has all the knowledge of the terrain, passionate about trekking and traveling himself, so he understands travel-crazy people such as me and my quirks.
We landed in Leh in time for cloudbursts and flashfloods and landslides (along with mud and rocks sliding too). Despite Nature's fury, Sunil and Skarma made sure we were utmost safe and comfortable. These guys are just not into travel business, they help people fulfil their travel dreams. Truly! Go guys!!
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Kamala Aithal
Barclays Bank, Bangalore
