Wednesday, 6 January 2016

Natural Beauty in Kumaon

Kumaon in Uttranchal is a region of natural beauty. Majestic Himalayan range, rich heritage, colorful culture and most importantly loving people make is one of the most sought after holiday destination in the hills.

Every city, every village, every river, every mountain here has its uniqueness and tranquility about itself. It is a region adorned by temples, historical remains and vast acres of beautiful forests. The most important reason which makes it a perfect holiday destination in the hills is a clear picture of the imposing Himalayan range.

View of the Himalaya from the resort
Kalmatia Sangam, a Himalayan resort offers one of the most exclusive and unusual accommodations in Uttarakhand; from the architecture and cuisine, to the decor, service and unhampered views of the snow-clad Himalaya. Within a 14 acre private estate, the resort is perched on a lush hilltop and enjoys the most wonderful mountain views.

Himalayan Magpie
The area has very rich fauna, one can expect and encounter from the huge variety of indigenous and migratory birds with occasional visits from pine martens, foxes, porcupines, wild hares, jackals and the elusive leopard. Very close to this resort is Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary within which a variety of birds can be found, as well as Hanuman langurs, monkeys, barking deer, wild boar and leopards.


The village treks and the guided walks will take you through this beautiful and yet untouched natural beauty. The bird lovers do not have to go far, they can sight beautiful and rare birds the moment they step out of the cottage.

The trip might come to an end but these scenes of this beautiful holiday destination in the hills will remain with you forever.

Monday, 23 November 2015

Foot Reflexology In Himalayan Hotel

View from the Resort
Visit the picturesque town of Almora in Kumaon district in Uttarakhand. Check into a comfortable Himalayan hotel to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. With the backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, Kalmatia Sangam, a boutique resort, 7Km from Almora provides you with a fabulous holiday package that you could wish for.

Our resort offers a luxurious living in our cozy cottages and plans your activities for the duration of your stay. It also takes upon the task of pampering the guests by offering in-house massages like Swedish body massage and foot reflexology. These massages are highly relaxing for body and mind. Here is some information about foot reflexology.

Foot reflexology is an ancient form of healing practiced around 2500 to 2300 B.C. The reflexology technique is based on the assumption that feet has reflexes corresponding to all body parts. To bring about physiological changes these need to be stimulated.

Beautiful view
Solar Plexus in the human body is the nerve center where the body accumulates stress. Pressing the right point in the foot reflexology massage the stress can be released and bring about a state of deep relaxation. It also helps in blood circulation. The blood flow to the vital organs is accomplished by stroking certain points on the foot by hands and fingers. This technique can help to heal injured tissues.

A general session of foot reflexology lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. You will need to lie down with bare feet. During the massage you can relax and even fall asleep. This form of massage helps to relieve you of migraine, arthritis, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, anxiety etc. If you have a particular condition in mind you should communicate the same to the massage therapist. He or she will feel and work around the area on the foot corresponding to the problem. If the therapist finds some congestion or tightness in certain region of the foot, he or she will apply certain amount of pressure to smoothen the part thus achieving the balance in the body.

Having an idea about foot reflexology will encourage you to try it out in our Himalayan hotel Kalmatia Sangam. This type of relaxation will definitely give you a restful and relaxing holiday. 


 
 





Thursday, 8 October 2015

Experiencing Kumaoni Village Life

It is not often that a city dweller gets a chance to experience village life and culture amongst the breathtaking scenery of majestic Himalayas. Take the opportunity to walk through the unspoiled Kumaon villages with their terraced fields, pine and rhododendron forests and meet the gentle hospitality of the Kumaon people.

Kalmatia Sangam with Himalayan village resort offers you an opportunity to enjoy the Kumaon rural life during your stay. Take a walk through the forest to the valley and you will be able to see the prominent peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul ranges.
View of the Nanda Devi from the resort

Staying in a village house provided by the resort is an experience in itself. To retain the authenticity, the cottages are not renovated to any kind of modern architecture. They have mud and lime walls with slated roof as is common in Indian villages. The hut is kept spotlessly clean with comfortable sleeping arrangement. You are provided with fresh sheets and mattresses. What one lacks in an original village house is a modern bathroom. This has been taken care of by the resort and the washrooms are renovated to meet our basic needs. The bathrooms have western toilet, fresh towels and organic soap. The only thing lacking is a hot shower which is more than made up by the provision of bucket of hot water after a tiring

day’s walk.

Chai Shop by the Naini Temple
As the sun sets you can sit in the stone courtyard with a hot drink and watch the sun go down over the mountains turning the peaks to a glowing orange. The view is truly awe-inspiring. In the evening the dinner is cooked in your presence in a healthy and hygienic manner. It is traditional Kumaoni food that you get to taste and enjoy. During the meal you can sit and chat with the locals, listening to their tales from past and anecdotes from their lives. Sometime an entertainment program is put up for your benefit.

The people in the villages are very friendly. They are ready to talk to the guests, show them their lifestyle, and offer them easy hospitality. Here you can shop for some organic food products and hand- made organic jewelries. The overnight Himalayan village resort of Kalmatia Sangam is mainly set up for the guests who take up the trekking program and need to stay overnight after walking. The stay in these resorts is a unique experience which you may want to repeat next time!

Sunday, 16 August 2015

Swedish Body Massage In Himalayas


Plan a visit to Almora a small hilly town in Uttarakhand to get away from the heat and humidity. There are plenty of luxury resorts in Himalayas and Kalmatia Sangam is one of them. Our resort transports you to a natural environment where all modern amenities are available. Here you will be able to enjoy nature in its purest form.

While the resort arranges picnics, sightseeing, village walks and other physical activities, it also offers a number of relaxing options within the resort. Foot reflexology, Swedish body massage, yoga, swimming and library are at your disposal to use and spend a lazy day within the hotel. If you are planning to get pampered you can opt for a Swedish body massage.

This massage technique is based on deep pressure differing from other massage types. It is believed to increase oxygen in blood as well as rids the body of metabolic wastes, uric and lactic acids. It is known to help a great deal in relieving joint pains and stiffness, enhance flexibility and helps in improvement of blood circulation.

There are five types of techniques used in Swedish body massage:

Massage Therapy of the back
Effleurage is used in the upper back neck and shoulder using long gliding strokes. This helps in relieving and reducing stress.

The kneading and squeezing of muscles is called Petrissage. It helps to smooth out muscles as well as gets rid of lumps and impure substances.

Tapotment is used where the masseur taps the back muscles by either drumming or light slapping. Vibration is used for the neck and shoulders. It  was initially done by hands but now there are devices like vibrating chairs or cushions which can be used. It gives the body highest form of relaxation and can make you fall asleep.

Friction is mainly used to work on muscle fibers and the movement is circular or perpendicular. Use of normal or aromatic oil helps to smooth the hand movement of the masseur.

All the steps in Swedish body massage helps to relieve you of fatigue, exhaustion and joint pains if any. This form of massage is particularly recommended to sports people as it releases knots and tension in the muscles and gives them greater flexibility. There are also deep tissue massaging. Getting this kind of massage on a holiday is a luxury and it is available to you in Kalmatia Sangam, the luxury resort in Himalayas.


Thursday, 4 June 2015

Kumaon Mountain Views

Mountain View
Best resorts in Himalayas always strive to give its guests panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges visible from this part of India. A number of majestic Himalayan ranges are visible from our boutique resort Kalmatia Sangam. The guest cottages are built with the aim to give a spectacular view of the snow clad peaks. Because of the elevation where Kalmatia Sangam is situated the weather remains mild even during the height of summers. Also you will be surrounded by thick forest which is typical to this region.


Our cottages open out to veranda and sun terrace with great view of the mountain and you can catch the sun rise and set casting beautiful golden hue over the distant peaks. The Himalayan region covers a span of 2400Km long arc from west to east bordering India and a number of countries in the north. A part of this is visible from our resort providing a remarkable spectacle for the guests. The great Nanda Devi range visible from Kumaon region is the second highest range in India with an elevation of 7816m from the sea level.

View of the Nanda Devi from the resort
The most visible range from Kalmatia Sangam is the Trishul mountain with the elevation of 7120m. It is a group of three great Himalayan peaks in this region. These three peaks together form a trident like view, a weapon of Lord Shiva. Another great Himalayan peak in this region is Panchachuli with an elevation of 6905m. It is great to use this part for base camp for trekking.

Nanda Kot with an elevation of 6861m lies in the Kumaon Himalayas. The name Nanda Kot means ‘Nanda’s Fortress’. It is known to be the home of Goddess Parvati.

The visitors to this part of India can enjoy the rare treat of catching the terrific view of the majestic Himalayas provided by best resorts in Himalayas like Kalmatia Sangam.


Monday, 11 May 2015

The Birds of Himalayas

The city dwellers often think of places to visit which are far away from the pollution, traffic and fast paced lifestyle. Himalaya tour is often an answer to their wishes to get away from it all. A popular place around this region is Almora in Kumaon District in Uttarakhand.

Himalayan Magpie
KalmatiaSangam, in Almora, a resort in the middle of tropical vegetation is a great place to unwind and indulge in activities which are pleasant to the body and mind. Some travelers also take a great deal of interest in bird watching as this region is famous for large number of native as well as migratory birds.

Our cottages are also named after the many birds that are found in this region. For a bird watcher it will be good to know a little about some of the birds found here. Himalayan Magpie or Red Billed Blue Magpie as the name suggests is a blue colored bird with a bright orange red bill. You can spot this bird in the thick foliage surrounding our property, hunting for small invertebrates, fruits and seeds.

The biggest and the most spacious cottage in KalmatiaSangam is Eagle’s Nest named after the Golden Eagle which frequent this area. They are dark brown in color with golden brown plumage on their napes. They like to nest in high elevation and can fly at a very high level.

Hoopoe
Hoopoe is an attractive bird found in this region. They are unmistakable with their erect crest, long curved bill, pinkish or buff colored body plumage and black and white striped tail.

The bird found in pheasant family in this region is Himalayan Monal. The males of this species are more attractive with multicolored plumage and green crest. They are endangered and their hunting is banned.

The Blue Whistling Thrush are dark violet blue in color. They are known for their loud humanlike whistling at dawn and dusk.  Another song bird found in this region is Great Grey Shrike.

A difficult to spot species of bird is the Bar Tailed Tree Creeper. This bird has striped feather patterned usually in black, brown, white or red. Because of their color they blend in well with the foliage.



The Scaly Breasted Munia found in this area is a small sparrow sized bird. It is brown in color with dark conical bill. They build domed shaped nests and eat berries, seeds and small insects.
The area along the Himalaya tour is scenic and beautiful with natural glory at its best.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

A Walk Through The Himalayan Forests

The northern most part of India is characterized by elevated landscape owing to the slopes of the mighty Himalayas. Nestled among the luxurious flora typical to this region is a small township, Almora, located in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. The city dwellers are attracted to this area for its natural beauty in form of remarkable view of the peaks of the Himalayan ranges and abundance of the native flora of the region. KlamatiaSangam, our Himalayan resort offers to give the visitors a pleasant stay among the natural beauty of the region.

View from the resort
This Himalayan resort is situated seven Kilometers above the Almora town which is at the foothills of the Himalayas.The region is covered with forest belonging to sub-tropical type comprising mostly of deciduous variety of trees and some of sub-temperate forest mostly with evergreen vegetation. While walking to visit the Chitai bell temple or going for treks and picnics you will have to go through these forests. The region is inhabited by almost four thousand species of trees due to its great range of elevation as well as temperature and precipitation.

Chir Pine Forest
The forest cover of this region consists of mainly Sal and Chir/ Pine. Sal is a deciduous type of plant whereas Chir/ Pine are evergreens. Other type of vegetation consists of Vijayasar, Ramal and Faliyal Oak. Another type of forest found in abundance here is Rhododendron with profusion of colorful flowers from its branches. At a slightly higher elevation you can come across Deodar, Horse Chestnut and few categories of Oak trees.

This zone is famous for remarkable variety of birds with magnificent and colorful plumage. The commonly seen bird species are Brown fronted Woodpecker, Bar tailed tree creeper, Scaly breasted Munia, Red beaked blue Magpie, Partridge, Grey Shrike, Himalayan whistling Thrush, Pheasants, Grey headed Flycatcher, Himalayan Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Eurasian Jay, Black headed Jay, Owl, Eagle, Himalayan Cuckoo etc. Area around our Himalayan resort is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Walk through the jungle 



The surrounding region is also home to a number of animals. You will see different types of Monkeys, Langur, Leopard, Kakar, Goral, Fox, Chital etc.

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Kalmatia Sangam- A Natural and Spiritual Holiday

A boutique resort in Almora, Kalmatia Sangam offers you a holiday which is a dream come true. Set in the backdrop of mighty Himalayas with lush green foliage surrounding it you can feel the cool pure breeze washing away the tiredness of the body and mind. Our resort is situated in the Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand. This property nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, offers you a spectacular view of the mighty mountain range from all its cottages.
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The cottages are beautifully decorated catering to a diverse variety of people who come to spend their time in our property. These stone cottages promise you a comfortable living while being away from your home amongst the wilderness. This place is famous for bird watching as large numbers of birds of various species are native to this area or visit it at certain time of the year. Waking up to the chirping of different birds is a luxury you can enjoy here.

Once you step out, breath in the pure cool air and cleanse your lungs. Walk to the terraced restaurant for your breakfast where you have the mountain peak as your view and a mild sun warming your body. After a sumptuous breakfast you can start your day with various activities that the resort offers.

Amongst all other activities, visit to the ancient temples is quite popular as there are number of old temples in this area. The Chitai Bell temple has thousands of brass bells hanging. These are offerings by devotees, a sign of wishes fulfilled by God. Then there is Kasar Devi temple where Goddess Kasar Devi is worshipped. Both the temples are situated near the resort and are within walking distance. The walk itself is highly enjoyable as you have to walk through rhododendron, pine and deodar forests. You will be able to see some exotic birds and small animals as well.

Some of the temples like Jageshwari temple have magnificent carvings on the walls dated back to 8thCentury. There are about hundred and fifty temples clustered together on the premises. The Katarmal Sun temple, also very old, has some beautiful carvings on its stone wall. Here too you will find forty five small temples surrounding the main temple.



The other activities which we recommend in our boutique resort are Kumaoni village walk, massage and spa, yoga, bird watching and visit to the Binsar wildlife sanctuary.

Friday, 13 February 2015

Seasons in Kumaon


Seasons in Kumaon are every bit as beautiful in Summer as they are in Winter, the Kumaon has five very distinct seasons, Monsoon being one of them.

Kalmatia Sangam located in the heart of Kumaon region offers year round trails, treks, getaways and relaxation options from Spring - when it all beings, to Winter - the "Grand Finale".

Spring & Summer
Rainy Day at Kalmatia Sangam
Escape from the furnace of the plains to be greeted by cool, pine scented breezes, the song of birds and a variety of butterflies.

Spring
Blue skies, tender green leaves, blossoming fruit trees, the forests ablaze with rhododendron flowers and magnificent views of the snowy peaks.

Summer
Refreshing rain storms now and then, providing a lucky split in the cloud cover with slight glimpses of the Himalayan peaks. Gardens blooming with wild lilies and sweet scented roses.

Monsoon
With no incessant rains, as in other hill stations, Kumaon is fresh and pleasant. Lush, deep green and with a riot of colours from the many varieties of wild flowers and mushrooms - both edible (Chanterelle) and non-edible.

Chances of sudden, dramatic views of the Himalaya.  A paradise of wild herbs.

Autumn
Lazy, golden days with clear skies and usually crisp, clear Himalayan views.

Snow Covered cottages at Kalmatia Sangam
Wild cherry trees loaded with gorgeous pink and white blossom and the village houses a pretty sight with fat, yellow pumpkins and red chillies drying on the roof tops.

Ideal days for hikes and cosy evenings in front of the "bukhari" wood stove, toasting one's feet to keep out the chill.

Winter
300 km of unhampered Himalayan views; Clear, crisp air as intoxicating as champagne!

Early mornings at Kalmatia Sangam; An island surrounded by an ocean of mists which slowly disperse with the warmth of the rising sun.

Monday, 29 December 2014

Accommodation in Kalmatia Sangam

Almora- a small town in Kumaon district in Uttarakhand is a scenic destination in the foothills of Himalayas. With the majestic mountain ranges surrounding the town, Almora has some of the best resorts in Himalayas. Kalmatia Sangam, a 14 acres property is one of the best places to stay in while you are visiting this region. It is seven kilometers away from the town and is surrounded by lush green flora.

The accommodation in our resort consists of ten cottages spread around the property which are tastefully decorated and provides all types of comforts that you expect in any other premiere establishment. Each cottage has a stunning view of the surrounding mountain ranges. This region is famous for number of exotic bird species, therefore all cottages in our resort is named after birds.

Bedroom, Eagle's Nest Cottage 
If you are coming with a family of four or in a large group, Eagle’s Nest would be the most suitable for your requirement. It is a duplex cottage with a sitting room and a large bedroom. A separate sleeping area is provided for the children. If you have a larger group you can always ask for extra bedding. This cottage is named after various types of eagles which are native to this region.

Another species of bird which frequent this region is Himalayan Magpie. Our octagonal cottage constructed out of stone is named after this bird species. This is one of our small cottages built for a newlywed couple or a small family.

The next cottage is named after a common variety of bird which is found in this region called Himalayan Cuckoo. It has more space and the bedroom is quite spacious to accommodate a family of four. There is a separate living area too. The bedroom is attached to a large sun terrace which gives you a spectacular view of the mountains.

The next cottage is called Hoopoe which is another common bird species found here. It is situated below Cuckoo and is also quite spacious to accommodate a family with children. It has a bedroom with double bedding and a small sitting area. Extra bedding can be provided if you ask for it.

Sitting Area, Scarlet Minivet Cottage 
Two common varieties of birds in this region are Pheasant and Patridge. Two of our cottages are names after these. They are built with two level accommodations with a view to accommodate bigger groups or family. They have balconies with mountain view.

Our more compact cottage is called Owl which is a common species in this area. This cottage is set on a lower level nearer to the reception. This is ideal for elderly or a single person. This cottage provides twin bedding and a small sitting area. There is a veranda with sitting arrangement.

Scarlet Minivet is a tropical bird with a black and scarlet body. Our next cottage is named after this bird species. The stone cottage bearing the name of this bird is similarly built like owl.

Kalmatia Sangam, one of the best Himalayan resorts, provides you with a comfortable accommodation and makes your stay a memorable one.


Monday, 8 December 2014

A Visit To The Binsar Wildlife Santuary

The Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is famous for its natural beauty, fresh clean air and snow capped Himalayan peaks. Among such scenic surrounding Kalmatia Sangam offers you a holiday which will refresh your body and mind. It is a destination resort which is set on a hill top 10 KMs away from Almora town. The clean mountain air and the scenic beauty will rejuvenate you and help you appreciate the view of great peaks of Himalayas and the flora and fauna found in this region. The drive from Kathgodam to the resort is a wonderful experience when you get the first sight of the Himalayan peaks and look down upon the green valleys and rippling river below, while you head towards the resort.

We, at this destination resort aspire to spoil you with a comfortable stay with proper amenities and tasty food. We plan out some activities for you so that you are able to enjoy all the things that this place has to offer. A trip to Binsar Wild Life Sanctuary is worth a visit while you are holidaying with us.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is set in the deep forest, 33 Km from Almora. It is a home for many birds, out of which number of them are migratory. So if you are a bird watcher or interested in wildlife Binsar Sanctuary is the place which will hold your interest. The sanctuary is also meant to conserve and protect the broad leaf Oak forest which is an endangered species. There are about 200 species of bird found in this region like Laughing Thrush, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Monal, types of Pheasant, Magpies, and Woodpeckers etc.

Situated on the slopes of the mountain Binsar Sanctuary has Rhododendron and Oak forest at the higher level and a vast expanse of Pine forest at the lower level. The place is thriving with alpine flora, hanging moss, ferns and wild flowers. The serene atmosphere will allow you to enjoy the gifts the nature has to offer among their natural surroundings. The view of the Himalayan peaks from the sanctuary is spectacular.

The sanctuary is the home of many animals like Leopard, Musk Deer, Chital, Black Bear, Pine Marten, Langur, Fox, Monkeys, Porcupine, Ghoral etc. You will find a wide range of butterflies flitting in the forest as well as many reptiles and invertebrates.


Spend the day in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary walking through the Rhododendron forest along the gushing streams and enjoy the hearing the sounds of birds singing among the tranquility of the surroundings.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

A Natural Holiday Destination in Himalayas

Getting away from the hustle bustle of daily life seems like an attractive proposition during the holiday season. Cool weather, clean air to breath, greenery all around and absence of traffic is our aim when we think of a holiday. Almora a small city in Kumaon offers an ideal option. Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is the exact destination for this purpose. Set on a hill top with a backdrop of mighty Himalayas we offer you a luxurious holiday to refresh and relax you.

The view is breathtaking when you look around after reaching the resort. All the cottages that we offer for accommodation have a view of the snow capped Himalayas from their veranda and most of the famous Himalayan peaks are visible on a clear morning. Your sense of well being gets heightened when you walk into the sunlit terrace to have your first meal of the day. Breakfast on an open terrace with tall Himalayan peaks all around you is a sight unparallel to any that you have experienced in your life.

Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is a mix of natural and modern lifestyle. While we offer to take you on a walk through Kumaon village with traditional living, our cottages are equipped with every modern amenities that you may require during your stay with us. The food that you eat in our Sangam restaurant is a mix of traditional and continental. While we have our spicy Indian menu, we also offer Thai, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.

We have special offers for our guests depending on the duration of their stay. We have a special discount for retired army officers. They get 20% off on all meal plans and accommodation. We also have special offers coming up from time to time depending on the duration of your stay. As of now we offer a night stay free with 5 nights of your stay on occupancy of some of our cottages. Children below 5 years get to stay free. Also your breakfast is free including taxes. Another attraction of our resort is that if you are a pet lover and is travelling with your pet, we offer free pet accommodation!

We plan your holiday in such a way that you have maximum activities with the nature. There are large number of birds which frequent this area and you will get to see a quite a number of exotic and unusual species.  Also a trip to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an opportunity to see the fauna that exists in this part of the country.

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

The Himalyan View from Kalmatia Sangam

The most important consideration that you make while planning a holiday in Himalayas is that, apart from enjoying the tranquility and the natural beauty of the place, you should get an unhampered view of the majestic peaks of the great mountain chain. Selecting the right Himalayan hotel is very important towards this thought. Kalmatia Sangam set in the foot hills of Himalayas offers you  the best view of the great peaks of the snow clad mountain range. Surrounded by forests of cedar, pine and rhododendron Kalmatia Sangam is the perfect gateway to a relaxed and an enchanting holiday.

We at this Himalayan hotel strive to give you best possible services in terms of sightseeing, holiday activities, food and a comfortable stay in our well maintained accommodations. All our cottages are surrounded by green flora typical at the altitude of 2000m. There is an abundance of cedar, cypress, pines, mimosa, rhododendron and other species around the property. The cottages are set apart, some are at a bit of elevation with the Himalayan flora around them. The accommodations are also set to give you an unhampered view of the Himalayas.

Most of our cottages have verandas from where you can see the snow covered mountains at the distance. You can see the sun setting over the mountains and can spend hours drinking in the beautiful architecture of the nature. We serve our breakfast in the open aired terrace from which you can observe the sunrise over the Trishul range. From the cottages of Himalayan Magpie and Eagles nest you get a constant view of the far away show covered peaks of the mountain.

While being with us we arrange trips to the ancient temples of Kasar Devi and Jageshwar. From Jageshwar you can see the whole range of Nandadevi standing majestically for you to admire. The views of the great Himalayas are truly awe inspiring and it is an experience that you would remember long after the holiday is over.

Friday, 31 October 2014

An Enchanting Himalaya Tour

Unknown to many, Kumaon region of India is stunning beautiful surrounded by majestic peaks of Himalayas, which are snow capped all the year round. The green Deodar and rhododendron forests, the symmetrical terraced fields , the fruit orchids lends an ethereal beauty to the whole valley unparallel to any other destination in India. While embarking on Himalaya tours you must consider the experience of walking through this picturesque region. To make your holiday a success we at Kalmatia Sangam have worked out a suitable itinerary to take you through these quaint little villages by foot. We recommend at least 6 days fully enjoying the experience.


To get a glimpse into the local lifestyle it is important that you stay overnight in one of our renovated village houses. These village houses are modified to suit our guest’s comfort without compromising the essence of the original construction. The village houses that are built for the guests are made in traditional way using wood, slate and stone. They have thatched tiled roofs and the interior is painted with mud and lime. This helps to keep the rooms warm in winters and cool in summers. The bathrooms are not attached to the main house as it was built similarly in the traditional way but each is provided with western toilet, fresh towels and organic soaps which are locally produced. Instead of hot shower you are provided with a hot bucket of water for your bath.

The village houses are often located at a height and are surrounded by oak, pine and rhododendron trees.  After a day’s walk through the terraced fields and green forests you will truly enjoy the enchanting views from the veranda outside your village house. You can have a cup of tea while admiring the view in this peaceful environment. At night you will be served tasty local cuisine by our local chef. The vegetables are locally grown at the backyard which is used to produce these meals. As for water, you will be served mineral water.

While you are on your Himalaya tours we plan a three overnight stay in three villages while walking from one village to other during the day. At the end of your village walk you return totally rejuvenated and happy to make your holiday a success.

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

A Natural Holiday Destination

Getting away from the hustle bustle of daily life seems like an attractive proposition during the holiday season. Cool weather, clean air to breath, greenery all around and absence of traffic is our aim when we think of a holiday. Almora a small city in Kumaon offers an ideal option. Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is the exact destination for this purpose. Set on a hill top with a backdrop of mighty Himalayas we offer you a luxurious holiday to refresh and relax you.




The view is breathtaking when you look around after reaching the resort. All the cottages that we offer for accommodation have a view of the snow capped Himalayas from their veranda and most of the famous Himalayan peaks are visible on a clear morning. Your sense of wellbeing gets heightened when you walk into the sunlit terrace to have your first meal of the day. Breakfast on an open terrace with tall Himalayan peaks all around you is a sight unparalleled to any that you have experienced in your life.

Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is a mix of natural and modern lifestyle. While we offer to take you on a walk through Kumaon village with traditional living, our cottages are equipped with every modern amenities that you may require during your stay with us. The food that you eat in our Sangam restaurant is a mix of traditional and continental. While we have our spicy Indian menu, we also offer Thai, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.

We have special offers for our guests depending on the duration of their stay. We have a special discount for retired army officers. They get 20% off on all meal plans and accommodation. We also have special offers coming up from time to time depending on the duration of your stay. As of now we offer a night stay free with 5 nights of your stay on occupancy of some of our cottages. Children below 5 years get to stay free. Also your breakfast is free including taxes. Another attraction of our resort is that if you are a pet lover and is travelling with your pet, we offer free pet accommodation!

We plan your holiday in such a way that you have maximum activities with the nature. There are large number of birds which frequent this area and you will get to see a quite a number of exotic and unusual species.  Also a trip to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an opportunity to see the fauna that exists in this part of the country.

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Kumaoni Way of Life

The northern hilly region of Kumaon offers one of the best holiday destinations in India. This region gives you an opportunity to stay close with the nature. With the abundance of flora and spectacular view of the Himalayas you will experience a kind of peace that is vastly missing in the cities. From mid September till April is the best time for Himalaya tour.

Kalmatia Sangama boutique resort near Almora is the best place where you can stay while you get familiar with the region. We at the resort organise a Kumaoni village trek to give you a glimpses into their way of life. While walking from one village to another you will experience the friendly nature of the people of this region.

Jageshwar Temple
The Kumaoni people are sturdy and hard working mostly working in the fields. They are also engaged in hand crafted artifacts which is a specialty of this region. Availability of variety of fruits also gives them an option to make jams etc. from fruit extract. Within their simple lifestyle they welcome guests and look after them with utmost hospitality.

The presence of a large number of temples show that they are religiously inclined people. The interesting fact about these temples is that they were built hundreds of years ago showing some unique architecture of that era. The most famous is the Jageshwar temple which is actually a cluster of number of temples.

The people of Kumaon are fond of festivals. They celebrate Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, Basant Panchami, Janmashtami etc. Sankranti is a festival which is celebrated with great fanfare during the harvest season. This festival has the attraction of holding village fairs too. A special mention should be made of the Ramlila plays that are performed during dussehra.



Village House
While on the Himalayan tour you will experience a great deal of Kumaoni cuisine. They are simple and are mostly made of pulses and vegetables. Most of the dishes are made from locally grown vegetables. Aloo ke gutke is a popular dish made with potatoes, whole coriander and spices. Papad ki sabji is made with colocacia leaves combined with spices and chick pea flour. Jhloli/Bhaat is also made with chick pea flour mixed with curd with pieces of radish cooked in the gravy.

The village walks through the interiors of Kumaon will show you the beauty of the place, cultivated fields in the hills, the prehistoric rock paintings and the spectacular site of the snow capped mountains right from your village house.

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Relishing Holiday Cuisine at Kalmatia Sangam

There is no substitute for a holiday that is comfortable, free of stress and a promise of delicious food to tickle your taste buds. There are plenty of holiday destinations that promise to give you a dream holiday fulfilling all your wishes. India resorts in Himalayas in the picturesque town of Almora offer to give you an inspiring holiday amongst the grandeur of the majestic Himalayas. These resorts and hotels offer breath taking view of Himalayas while giving you an experience of rustic Kumaoni life.

India resorts like Kalmatia Sangam is one of the most luxurious retreats nestled in the green hills surrounding the city of Almora. With ten individual cottages we ensure that you spend quality time with us and leave feeling happy and contented already planning a comeback in the next season.

We believe that the best part of the holiday is the kind of food that is served to you wherever you are staying. Keeping this in mind we try to bring you delectable cuisine from all over the world including our local recipes.

Sangam restaurant is the heart of our resort offering great dining experience. We make sure that you should enjoy our food in style and comfort. The breakfast is served in open terrace with morning sun with the view of the peaks of Himalayas. What can be more perfect than the sun warming your back while inhaling the fragrance of freshly baked bread and muffins. Take your pick from a wide range of menu from fresh bread, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, muffins, local fruit preserves and so on.

The next meal is the lunch which is served as buffet. You get to choose from a range of dishes to suit your mood. The food is spiced up with variety of herbs that we grow in our garden. We also use organic vegetables from the local villages. Be it European, Mediterranean or Indian we serve all of them.

Dinner again is a grand affair with mouthwatering dishes that are exotic as well as local. It consists of Lebanese, continental and Italian with enough Indian delicacies for those who prefer our spicy desi flavor. The local Kumaoni dishes are quite a hit with the guests. They have their own distinct flavor and we recommend you to try out Kappa made with spinach or alu ke gutke or typical Kumaoni bread- Lesu to be eaten with ghee or butter.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

A Healthy Body- A Healthy Mind At Kalmatia Sangam

With the holiday season round the corner you might decide to run far away from the maddening crowd! The idea to visit a place with no crowd, clean fresh air, plenty of greenery and natural beauty can be immensely tempting. Kalmatia Sangam, a Himalayan hotel can offer you all of this and more.
Perched on a hilltop, 10 km away from the nearest town Almora, Kalmatia Sangam offers a luxurious holiday ensuring that you enjoy the natural beauty of its surrounding as well as spend your holiday achieving maximum health and happiness.

To make your day more interesting, we at this Himalayan hotel arrange a number of activities which are mostly walks and excursion to the nearby places through the lush green forests of cedar and rhododendron. In case you are feeling lazy you can retire to your cottage room with a book from our well stocked library. If you are in a mood to pamper yourself, visit our spa for Swedish body massage and foot reflexology. Both these therapies induce a sense of calm relaxation which rejuvenates your body and mind.
 
Swedish Body Massage:
It is one of the oldest forms of massage therapy which aim at improvement of reflexes and complete relaxation of the body. This massage therapy is undertaken by trained licensed massage therapist. It is performed by applying oil to the body for lubrication prior to the massage. The therapist follows various strokes, light or deep according to your choice to relax your muscles. Generally the strokes are long and gliding following the direction of the blood flow to the heart. This form of massage increases oxygen level in your blood. Apart from that the massage is a great stress reliever, manages pain and even lowers your blood pressure.

Foot Reflexology:

Another form of therapeutic treatment that is offered to the guests in our resort is the foot reflexology. This too is performed by trained therapist who focuses on reflexology treatment on your foot by finger pressure. Fingers are used to rotate, hold, rub and knead your foot to stimulate certain pressure points. While just the foot is given the massage, the effect of it is felt through the entire body. The benefits of foot reflexology include relaxation of body and mind, creating more energy for your body, decreasing anxiety, increasing blood circulation and reducing fatigue.

Monday, 25 August 2014

Visit To Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumaon region in Uttarakhand has some beautiful scenic destinations which will bring you much closer to the natural beauty for which this area is so famous. The thick green foliage, the tweets of variety of exotic birds, absence of traffic noise and pollution is a treat for city dwellers. The plan for a holiday in this region is made possible by Kalmatia Sangam a resort in Himalaya. Here you can easily have a view of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayan ranges.

Set among the abundance of the nature this resort in Himalaya offers you a peaceful holiday with interesting activities thrown in. Spread over 14 acres this property is a boutique resort which tries to combine tradition with modern amenities to make enjoy the best of the both.



We at Kalmatia Sangam arrange some interesting nature walk which takes us through the dense Deodar or rhododendron forests. There are other activities like Kumaon village walk, temple visits and so on. One of the most important activities around this region is a visit to the Binsar wild life sanctuary. Binsar is situated at approximately 2500mts above sea level which makes it an excellent destination for getting a panoramic view of the famous peaks of Himalayas like Nandadevi, Nandakot, Kedarnath etc.
Binsar wildlife sanctuary is a short drive from our resort. This place will offer you a great scope for bird watching and wildlife photography. The place has been declared as important “Bird Area” by Bird Life International.

The birds that frequent Binsar wildlife sanctuary are both native as well as migratory. You could come across close to 200 species of birds here. Popular amongst them are blackbird, parakeets, laughing thrush, magpies, tits, forktails, variety of pheasant species, woodpeckers, Eurasian jay, eagles, koklas, monal etc.
Many types of butterflies and reptiles are also found in this sanctuary. The animals that are found here are fox, black bear, langur, monkey, pine marten, porcupine, leopard, barking deer, flying squirrel, musk deer, serow, goral, chital etc.


It is a treat for the animal lovers to visit Binsar wildlife sanctuary. The natural beauty and the fauna make this place an important part of your activity when you visit Kalmatia Sangam.

Monday, 18 August 2014

A Soul Inspiring Visit- Kalmatia Sangam

Nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, amongst variety of lush green flora, rests the town of Almora. This tiny town of Himalaya has inspired many a famous personalities. Its peaceful surroundings encouraged philosopher like Swami Vivekanand to come here for meditation and peace. The mighty Himalayas act as a backdrop for the travelers who want to come here for a holiday getaway. In spite of its size the city has to offer a lot in terms of tourism.

Chitai Bell Temple
If you are looking for resorts in Himalayas, Kalmatia Sangam near Almora is the place! Spread over 14 acres this resort rests on a hilltop enjoying great view of the mountain. We at Kalmatia Sangam strive to provide a comfortable and stress free holiday with delectable food and interesting activities.

Most of the resorts in Himalyas appeal to your spiritual experience and we at Kalmatia Sangam offer you the same with a visit to the many ancient temples that exists in this part of the country. The temple visit is one of our most interesting activities that we organize for the guests.

 Kasar Devi Temple
The walk to Chitai Bell temple will take you through beautiful green vegetation of fur and pine forests. It is the temple of Golu Devta, the God of justice. People who come here can make a wish by writing on stamp paper or letters to the God. Once their wish is fulfilled a brass bell is hung as an offering for the fulfillment of the wish of the devotee. This temple is characterized by thousands of brass bells hanging on its premises.
The other temple which is within easy reach of the resort is the Kasar Devi temple. It is one of oldest temple here dating back to 2nd century. The deity who is worshiped here is Kasar Devi. This temple is situated at the gateway of Kasar village and approach to the temple is a walk through Deodar and Pine forest. The area affords us a view of the majestic peaks of the Himalayas too.

Jageshwar Temples
Jageshwar temples are not very far from the resort and can be visited easily. This actually is a cluster of 150 temples built between 8th and 16th century. The temples are magnificent and have beautiful carvings. The most important among the 150 are Mritunjaya and Jyotirlinga.  The Dandeshwar temple complex is also nearby for you to visit.


Another temple which is worth visiting is Katarmal Sun temple. This temple is around 800 years old. It is built in such a way that the first rays of the sun falls on the shiva lingam within the temple. The temple is made of stone with pillars with beautiful carvings on them. There are 45 small temples surrounding the main temple.
The temple walk is one of our main activities that we recommend to our guests. These walks are refreshing and soul inspiring.