The white and maroon cottages cascade down the verdant slopes of Almora, resplendent in the wilderness. Kalmatia Sangam holds up the unexplored beauty of the Kumaon region. It’s pastoral splendor as you might have never seen before – the air is suffused with the smell of pines, wildflowers sprout out of stones and the snow peaks are so near you can raise your fingers and touch them.

The ten cottages are built in a ‘British-Kumaoni’ style, all named after birds, done up in rough stone and wood décor, and so cosy! ‘Bukhari’, a traditional coal stove, keeps you warm and the interiors are spacious. The restaurant serves world cuisine and also doubles up as an art gallery. A culmination of perfect hospitality – architecture, décor, cuisine and service come together and create the perfect experience. Local charm here meets international standards of services. Delightful is the word.

USP: Think global, act local. High on the romantic index.

Kalmatia Sangam is located 7 km above Almora in the Kalimat Estate.

Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, 123 km away, but flights are not operational at present.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 91 km away. Daily overnight train ‘Ranikhet Express’ connects Delhi to Kathgodam.

Road: Almora is well connected by road with all important destinations. Regular buses ply from Delhi (395 km), Kathgodam (95 km) and Nainital (71 km). If travelling by bus, you will find taxis in Almora willing to take you to the Kalimat Estate. If driving from Delhi, please note that the drive takes about ten and a half hours so it’s advisable to leave at dawn. The route is via Noida, Hapur, Muradabad, Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgoadam. About an hour and a half from Kathgodam (after you have crossed Kainchi Mandir), the road forks into two, one going to Ranikhet the other to Almora. Follow the signboards to Almora.

Kalmatia Sangam’s ‘Village Treks’ are innovative – stay first two nights of your visit at Kalmatia Sangam and then at houses in the nearby village for a deeper insight into villagers’ lives. The houses are partially renovated with western washrooms but the rustic ambience is retained. Enjoy homemade food.

On offer at Kalmatia Sangam are massages, reflexology and a library to browse through with the vista of valleys stretching in front. Also expect lovely treks down to a waterfall, picnics, strolls through cedar forests by a stream. The restaurant serves world cuisine in this corner of Kumaon! From Tzatsiki to ratatouie, pita bread and humous to homemade pasta, meringue to fruit tarts, Sangam spreads a delightful array of delicacies.