Kumaon in Uttarakhand is dotted with lakes and forests, valleys and rivers – a nature lover's haven, a birders paradise, a trekker's dream and an accessible getaway for vacation seekers from the plains. A whiff away from the tourist tangle that is Nainital are beautiful abodes – arty, quiet and organic, calling out to the beleaguered city dweller to breakaway and just chill. Even the ubiquitous mobile phone is a distant ring away and the Internet can be completely avoided, should you so wish. Soulitude by the Riverside, is perfectly ‘RARE’ not to mention its unique location and 'soul-stirring' stories that surround it – truly a place to discover oneself by the Kalsa river close to the village of Chanfi.
Perfectly Rare
Living by the riverside with the gurgling water’s perennial background score is not limited to books and movies. It’s all true at Soulitude by the Riverside – a serene property by the rushing Kalsa that is made for looking inwards.
Know Your Host
Soulitude was built by Manish and Ratna as their personal hideaway, whenever the urge to leave the bustle of Delhi took over. It was a place where friends and family could reconnect and reboot. Soulitude is run with the perfect blend of professionalism and homeliness, that makes one want to stay just...
Soulitude by the Riverside is a small seven suite (to call them rooms would be unfair) boutique getaway set amidst an organic farm and carefully planted vegetation of flowering and fruiting trees. Just under an hour's drive from the railhead in Kathgodam, be prepared for a dramatic entry to Soulitude by the Riverside! Your car can take you only as far as an ancient bridge near Chanfi village, all steel arches and ropes and suspended floors, a relic of the British design, save for an etching of the year it was put there if you look closely enough. And even while you are excitedly checking it out, walking on and around the bridge, your luggage will be collected and you will follow the welcome team on a thirty minute walk along Kalsa river, till you reach the quaint wooden gates of Soulitude. The river pervades as a gentle murmur or a loud hush...depending on the season and the river's flow.
The Lounge and Cottages were designed as polygonal structures and as a result, they blend with the contours of the land. The 1930s built Village Home was sensitively restored and an old unused building in the guest area was meticulously deconstructed and relocated to re-build as staff quarters.
The times you seek your room only because you can barely keep your eyes open, you will be welcomed to elegant and spacious rooms with interesting furniture and features, small details that will make you smile – a bird head here or a feature cushion there, may be a bed reminiscent of a swing, a balcony in some of them. The ensuite bathroom has one fabulous feature besides the shower that is invitingly hot with heating towel rails which is quite a rarity in boutique hotels of this size and then amenities custom made for Soulitude viz aromatic soaps, cleansers and creams.
Dining
The dining room serves epicurean delights of a simplistic order sourced straight from the farms around, sometimes cooked out in the open in front of you over wood fired stoves or served piping hot inside the dining room. On the menu are local Kumaoni curries and lentils, North Indian dishes and a smattering of popular world cuisine.
There are two places at the Riverside you are likely to spend most of your time, only when you are not walking upstream along the river with a book to read and a snack in your ruck sack. The Dhaba is right by the river, with picnic tables to sit at and endless cups of ‘chai’ at a moment’s notice. The second is the circular lounge, lit by natural light and fed by endless fresh mountain air. Large glass windows and skylights with a ‘twist’ afford views of the river, while you can lounge forever on inviting couches, splashes of colour, books and games around you. And when the night falls…the sound of the river and the mountain sky create magic!
There are many niches and nooks at Riverside, made as shacks with a slight canopy against the elements and outdoor loungers where you can sit by yourself, read a book, stretch to asanas, meditate or watch out for birds. Things to do around Riverside include short treks to Pari Tal and small villages around, longer treks include a trek to the top of the ridge and several other picturesque trails waiting to be discovered. The thatched yoga shack at Soulitude by the Riverside provides a spectacular setting for morning wellness, overlooking the cascading waterfall into the emerald green rock pool.
The signature experience is the hike to the Mystical Lake. Fed by a glacial stream that descends
as a waterfall, the lake has a mesmerising effect on its viewer. Accessible only through Soulitude’s private estate, it is a secluded luxury for all guests here and accessible from both the hotels.
Perfect for
Families, couples & solo travellers to pull the breaks on city life. Travellers who want a slice of outdoors and nature. Soulitude is the perfect base to start that book you always wanted to write. It offers reflective time and ambience for self-discovery.
Operational Status
Soulitudes by the Riverside is open all year.
- Integral part of Soulitude’s ethos is an eye on nature conservation, preserving local culture and providing economic support to the local community.
- Designed as polygonal structures to blend with the land.
- Village home restored with traditional methods of vernacular architecture.
- Dry stack stone walls plastered with mud and husk.
- Low ventilator windows in the lounge open up to allow the entry of the cool river breeze.
- Organic kitchen garden provides a farm-to-table experience.
- Multi-disciplinary training for locals to work as staff.
- Light footprint activities such as village walks enables interaction with the local community and support given to local crafts.
- Passive cooling and heating design of buildings.
- Solar hot water system in place.
- Rain water is harvested, purification filter for drinking water is used instead of RO to avoid waste water being created.
- Single use plastic avoided with dispensers for bathroom amentities, no plastic water bottles served and biodegradable crockery and cutlery used for picnics.
- Paper consumption reduced with digital pre-check procedures and billing practices.
RARE Tip
Chitai Temple
Bright End Corner
Nainital Lake
by Meander36448915099 on 04/11/2024
Wow, this property literally has wow factors. I booked it after seeing pictures and had doubts in mind about whether we could actually find such beauty around a property. But, yes, I found it and...
by Curiosity61168886863 on 01/03/2024
The place is very calm and serene with water flowing/birds chirping and to reach this place one needs to trek down the mountains and cross the river. Once you reach to this place, you can't believe...
by Mobile25889149832 on 12/11/2023
Thoughtful and well curated space. For us it was a much needed break and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Quaint, elegant and surreal..... Quick and responsive service and they absolutely...
Nearest Airport : Pant Nagar
Nearest Railway Station : Kathgodam
Nearest Bus Station : Nainital
- No cancellation fee before check in if cancelled – prior to 45 days.
- 25% Retention on Booking amount before check in if cancelled – prior to 30 days.
- 50% Retention on Booking amount before check in if cancelled – prior to 15 days.
- 100% Retention on Booking amount before check in if cancelled – prior to 7 days.
- 100% Retention on Booking amount on No Show
- Cancellations of Credit card and online payments will be charged 5% extra.
Introduction
The terms and conditions set out below (“Conditions”) apply to your use of this web site (http://www.soulitudebytheriverside.com/) and related websites (“Site”), including the use of the information services offered on the Site. In accessing and using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Conditions so please carefully read this section before proceeding. If you do not accept these Conditions, you must refrain from using the Site. These Conditions must be read in conjunction with any other applicable terms and conditions governing the use of the Site.
Conditions
1. Site
The Site (http://www.soulitudebytheriverside.com/) makes available information relating to hotels and resorts owned or managed by Pinewood Estates Pvt Limited, a corporation constituted under the laws of India (“Soulitude”).
2. TradeMarks
The Site contains “Soulitude”, “Soulitude in the Himalayas”, “Soulitude by the Riverside” and “TravelMantra” trade and service marks and devices and other valuable trade or service marks owned by Soulitude or licensed to Soulitude to distinguish its services and products. These trade and service marks and related intellectual property are protected from copying and simulation under national and international laws and may not be reproduced or copied without the express prior written consent of Soulitude.
Without limitation, you must not use any of the said trade or service marks:
in or as the whole or part of your own trade marks;
in connection with activities, products or services which are not undertaken or provided by Soulitude;
in a manner which may be confusing, misleading or deceptive; or
in a manner that disparages Soulitude or its information, products or services (including this Site).
3. Copyright
The information, text, graphics, images, sounds, links and all other information and software published or otherwise contained in the Site (“Information”) are either owned exclusively by Soulitude or licensed by Soulitude and except as specifically provided in these Conditions may not be copied, distributed, displayed, reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written approval of Soulitude. Without limitation you may not, without such approval from Soulitude, create derivative works from any part of the Site or commercialise any Information, products or services obtained from any part of the Site. Information procured from a third party may be the subject of copyright owned by that third party.
4. Your Use
The Site is for your personal non commercial use and the Information may be downloaded or printed by you solely for that purpose.
This right to use the Information is a license only, not a transfer of title, and is subject to the following restrictions:
the Information may not be used for any commercial purpose or public display, performance, sale or rental;
no copyright or other proprietary notices may be removed:
the Information may not be transferred to another person;
software may not be interfered with in any manner;
every person downloading, reproducing or otherwise using the Information must prevent any unauthorized copying of the Information;
you will only use the Information for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Conditions.
5. Information
You accept that all Information provided on the Site or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site (refer Condition 8) is general information and is not in the nature of advice. You also accept that all of the Information is provided on an “as is” basis and to the extent permitted by law, is provided without any warranty, representation or condition of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise. You assume all responsibility and risk for your use of or reliance upon the Information and the Site or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site.
Whilst Soulitude seeks to ensue that the Information is reliable and accurate, errors and omissions may occur and therefore, to the extent permitted by law, Soulitude does not make or give any representation or warranty (express or implied) of any kind as to any matter relating to the Site and any Linked Web Site, including without limitation, as to merchantability, non infringement of intellectual property rights or fitness for purpose. In particular Soulitude does not warrant that:
The Information or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site is reliable, accurate or complete including, without limitation, information relating to prices and availability; or
Your access to Information or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site will be uninterrupted, timely or secure.
Soulitude is not liable for any loss (direct or indirect) resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on the Information or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site. You should make your own inquiries and seek independent professional advice before acting or relying on any such information or material.
Soulitude may from time to time update, modify or add to the Information, including these Conditions and absolutely reserves the right to make such changes without any obligation to notify past, current or prospective users of the Site. Unless otherwise specified to the contrary all new Information shall be subject to these Conditions.
Soulitude does not guarantee that the Site will operate continuously or without interruption or be error free. In addition, Soulitude may also suspend or discontinue any aspect of the Site at any time without being liable for any direct or indirect loss as a result of such action.
6. Liability Disclaimer & Exclusion
In no event shall Soulitude be responsible for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss or damage, however arising and whether in contract, tort or otherwise, which you may suffer in connection with or arising out of:
your use of the Site or any Linked Web Site; or
your use of or reliance on Information or any other material accessed through the Site including via any Linked Web Site;
including without limitation, loss or damage by way of loss of profits, loss of business opportunity, business interruption or loss of information.
These Conditions do not purport to exclude liability arising by any applicable law if, and to the extent, such liability cannot be lawfully excluded, however, to the extent permitted by law, all warranties, terms or conditions which would otherwise be implied into these Conditions are hereby excluded.
Where applicable law implies any warranty, term or condition, and that law prohibits exclusion or modification of the application of or the liability of Soulitude under, any such warranty, term or condition, then the liability of Soulitude shall include liability for that warranty, term or condition but such liability will be limited for a breach of that warranty, term or condition to one or more of the following:
if the breach relates to services, the supply of the services again or payment of the cost of having the services supplied again; and
if the breach relates to products and the products can be repaired, repair of such products or payment of the costs of having the products repaired, but otherwise, replacement of the products or the supply of equivalent products or payment of the cost of replacing the products or of acquiring equivalent products.
7. Specific Warnings
You must ensure that your access to and your use of the Site is not illegal or prohibited by laws which apply to you.
You must take your own precautions that the process which you employ for accessing the Site does not expose you to the risk of virus, malicious computer code, computer program routine or process or other forms of interference which may damage your own computer system. Without limitation, you are responsible for ensuring that your own computer system meets all relevant technical specifications necessary to use the Site and is compatible with the Site. For the removal of doubt, Soulitude does not accept responsibility for any interference or damage to your own computer system which arises in connection with your use of the Site or any Linked Web Site.
Soulitude does not guarantee or warrant that any material available for downloading from the Site or any Linked Web Site will be free from any virus, infection or other condition which has contaminating or destructive properties. You are responsible for taking sufficient precautions and checks to satisfy your own particular requirements for accuracy of data input and output.
You must ensure that any information which you provide to Soulitude is accurate and complete and does not contain any virus, malicious computer code, computer program routine or process or other form of interference which may damage the computer system of Soulitude or the Information or which may detrimentally interfere with or surreptitiously intercept or expropriate any Soulitude system, data or information.
8. Linked Websites
The Site may contain links to other web sites (“Linked Web Sites”). Those links are provided for convenience only and may not remain current or be maintained. You acknowledge and agree that Soulitude does not have any control over the content or availability of Linked Web Sites and accepts no responsibility for the content, privacy practices or any other aspect of Linked Web Sites.
Links with Linked Web Sites should not be construed as an endorsement, approval or recommendation by Soulitude of the owners or operators of those Linked Web Sites, or of any information, graphics, materials, products or services referred to or contained on those Linked Web Sites, unless and then only to the extent expressly stipulated to the contrary.
9. Hotel Reservations
The reservations feature of the Site is provided solely to assist customers in determining the availability of travel related services and products and to make legitimate reservations and for no other purpose.
You warrant that you are at least 18 years of age, possess the legal authority to enter into the legal agreement constituted by your acceptance of these Conditions and to use the Site in accordance with such Conditions.
You agree to be financially responsible for your use of the Site including without limitation for all reservations made by you or on your account for you, whether authorised by you or not. For any reservations or other services for which fees may be charged you agree to abide by the terms or conditions of supply including without limitation payment of all moneys due under such terms or conditions.
The Site contains details of hotel charges and room rates (including any available special offers) for hotels and resorts owned or managed by Soulitude.
Hotel reservation terms and conditions of booking are set out on the Site and payment will be in accordance with the procedure set out in such terms and conditions.
No contract will subsist between you and Soulitude or any of its affiliates in respect of any services or products offered through the Site unless and until Soulitude accepts your order by e-mail or automated confirmation through the Site confirming that it has accepted your reservation, booking or order and any such contract shall be deemed to incorporate the hotel reservation terms and conditions of booking. Any other relevant terms and conditions relating to particular services or products are set out in the Site.
You undertake that all details you provide to in connection with any services or products which may be offered by Soulitude on the Site (including hotel room reservations) will be correct and, where applicable, the credit card which you use is your own and that there are sufficient funds to cover the cost of any services or products which you wish to purchase. Soulitude reserves the right to obtain validation of your credit card details before providing you with any services or products.
Rooms booked can’t be downgraded and upgrades are possible subject to availability and payment of the difference in tariffs.
10. Security & Non Confidentiality
Electronic transmissions of data including the Internet are public media and any use of such media is public not private.
Information related to or arising from such use is either public or the property of those collecting the information and not personal or private information.
Soulitude does not warrant and cannot ensure the security or confidentiality of any information which you transmit to Soulitude. Accordingly, any information which you transmit to Soulitude is transmitted at your own risk.
11. Termination of Access
If you breach any of these Conditions your license to use the Site will terminate immediately without the necessity of any notice being given to you.
Otherwise access to the Site may be terminated at any time by Soulitude without notice.
The provisions of these Conditions excluding, limiting and disclaiming the liability of Soulitude will nevertheless survive any such termination.
12. General
Soulitude does not accept any liability for any failure by Soulitude to comply with these Conditions where such failure is due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
If Soulitude waives any rights available to it under these Conditions on one occasion, this does not mean that those rights will automatically be waived on any other occasion.
If any of these Conditions are invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, the remaining Conditions shall nevertheless continue in full force. You are completely responsible for all charges, fees, duties, taxes and assessments arising out of the use of the Site.
13. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Conditions are governed by the laws in force in India and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of India.
14. Conditions of Use & Notices
If you choose to visit the Soulitude website, your visit and any dispute over privacy is subject to this Notice and application of the law of the Union of India.