80 kms from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road lies Kotgarh, which enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to Kotgarh, the place he adopted as his home. One can still see the ‘Starking Delicious’ apple orchard that he planted there.
Nestled amongst acres of apple blossoms is the Banjara Orchard Retreat – an eco-friendly getaway that will enchant nature lovers. There are fully furnished rooms with attached baths and a well-equipped kitchen to cater to a variety of tastes.
Prakash thakur, the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has been a labour of love, is also the resident expert on the history and culture of this little piece of paradise.
Best time to visit
The Retreat stays open all year round. However temperatures vary with the seasons. April – November – Pleasant days (light woolens) and cold nights. December – March – Likelihood of snow and minimum temperatures touch zero degrees C
