Thickly wooded, and virtually an extension of the Binsar forest, is the Mary Budden Estate. It is named after its last known inhabitant, Ms. Mary Budden, a missionary who lived in these hills in the 19th century. Originally brought by Ms. Budden and converted as a school for orphans, it later changed hands with Serena Chopra buying and restoring it. Now it is owned and run by the MRS Group. The Estate sits on five acres of land, and is perched at a height of 8000 feet with two cottages and the forest at your doorstep. 

Stay at either The Cottage or The Lodge that have three exquisitely furnished rooms each; the cottages come with fireplaces, spacious dining and drawing rooms. While The Cottage is the restored heritage building, The Lodge is an interpretation of and an ode to the original cottage. 

Dining
Both the cottages come with their own dining rooms, however, there are plenty of opportunities to have your meals outdoors. The Wild Cat Brunch is a tribute to the leopard found in the forests and comes with live grills, hot pots and the season’s specials. Serena’s Garden Lunch is the al fresco dining space where guests can come together for a meal. It is the perfect place to sample Kumaoni cuisine with vistas of some of the majestic Himalayan peaks for company. The Himalayan Lunch is an interpretation of local seasonal delicacies celebrating Himalayan flavours. The Eventide Cohen is the ideal place to warm up on chilly evenings while being regaled with stories, songs and anecdotes. 

The essential experience at Mary Budden is that of being part of a thriving ecosystem. Spend your days exploring the various trails around and further away from the Estate. Do check out Ramsey’s Trail, named after the benevolent Henry Ramsey who was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Kumaon in 1840. This picturesque trail meanders through oak forests and small waterfalls before reaching a small village, where a picnic lunch can be arranged. Binsar is known for its 200 bird species; it is a must do even for non-birders. And if you are lucky, you may spot some of the other animals of the forest. Take day trips to the Jageshwar Temple Complex – a collection of 101 temples dedicated to Shiva. Legend has it that it was built overnight, visit the unique Golu temple where offerings are made in the form of bells. 

For the days you don’t want to step out, slumber on one of the cosy day beds around the al fresco dining area taking in the breathtaking views of the grand snow peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot and more. 

Perfect for
Ideal for those who want to disconnect, digitally detox or just become one with nature. The Estate is a sanctuary, not just for the flora and fauna, but for the soul as well.

Operational status
Mary Budden is open all year.

The MRS Group believe that sustainability is being in absolute harmony with the overarching social and physical environment that one is a part of. There is a strong understanding that as a hotel, a deep relationship with the community is essential in all aspects – be it food, design, service or engagement. The Group works with diverse entities to combine heritage, human potential and technology. The focus is on cultural and ecological conservation, strengthening tourism ecosystems, and community empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and equality. This is done without sacrificing the collective’s cultural identity or the natural environment. 

Mary Budden Estate is completely solar powered and harvested rain water is the only source of water. Most of the vegetables and fruits are grown within the Estate, while the rest is locally sourced. Wet waste is composted, with very little waste generated that goes out to the landfill. The property is nearly plastic free having taken steps such as replacing cling film with beeswax paper, using paper tea bags with locally made organic infusions and offering no bottled water. The cleaning products used are non-toxic and organic in nature.