The Lodge at Wah, Palampur and Kandbari
The Lodge at Wah, Panchrukhi - Paprola Road, Patti, Deogran, Himachal Pradesh, India
Located on the Paprola Road in Patti, Deogran, Himachal Pradesh, India, The Lodge at Wah is a tea retreat nestled in the Himalayas.
The Venue
The Kangra valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned as the tea capital of the north-western Indian Himalayas. It is a longitudinal or strike valley that is embraced by the magnificent Dhauladhar range and dotted with numerous streams and brooks, making it an ideal location for growing tea. The Lodge at Wah, Palampur is situated in this valley, about an hour away from Dharamshala, and easily accessible to Shimla and Manali within a few hours.
The Wah Tea Estate, which has been a part of the Prakash family since 1953, is one of the largest tea manufacturers in the Kangra region. The Lodge was originally a plantation estate established in 1857 by the British. Despite the earthquake of 1905, the estate was continuously cultivated and eventually acquired by Sir Sikander Hayat-Khan, the son of the Nawab of Wah in Pakistan. Hence, the name 'Wah' was adopted, which is an expression of admiration and surprise that every guest utters upon seeing The Lodge at Wah, Palampur for the first time.
The Lodge at Wah, Palampur is a serene retreat amidst the hills of Palampur, with stunning views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range at sunset. The newly opened villa at Kandbari, just 25 minutes from the Palampur Estate, is a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and nature walks. Guests can cycle in the tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process, paraglide, trek, or explore nearby attractions like the Kangra Fort, McLeodganj, Norbulingka Institute, Baijnath Temple, and Masroor. Alternatively, guests can simply relax and do nothing in this idyllic location.
Who is hosting?
Deepak Prakash initially built The Lodge at Wah, Palampur as his private residence. However, it is now open to travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the pressures of urban life. While traveling through New Zealand, the Lodge's young owners and hosts, Surya and Upasana, were inspired by a delightful homestay, and they set out to bring a similar experience to Palampur. A family member is always present on the property to ensure guests feel at home.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Spread over 1.5 acres of the 526-acre tea estate in Kangra, The Lodge at Wah, Palampur has been thoughtfully constructed to provide a unique and personalized experience for its guests. The Lodge has been designed with recycled wood, slate, and furniture obtained from old homes and local court houses, giving it a distinctive character that blends seamlessly with the surrounding snow-capped mountains and sloping tea bushes. The young couple, Surya and Upasana, who manage the Lodge, have put in a lot of effort into personally coating the furniture with linseed oil, laying rocks and pebbles in the garden, scrubbing the slates, and even waxing and buffing the wooden floors.
Meanwhile, The Lodge at Wah Kandbari, surrounded by majestic pines and the gentle babble of a nearby stream, is a pet-friendly villa with four bedrooms, a living room, two patios, and a charming garden to stroll through. The villa also features ample outdoor space for guests to relax and unwind, with the option of enjoying their meals on the expansive balcony when the weather permits.
Accommodation
The Lodge at Wah, Palampur offers a unique stay experience with three cottages featuring six beautiful Kangra-style rooms. The rooms are adorned with locally-sourced materials such as river stone, slate, and sun-dried bricks made onsite, as well as recycled banisters, doors, and windows from the Old Palampur Courthouse. The main cottage houses the family and includes two standard rooms, a shared living area, and a dining area for guests. The second cottage contains two deluxe rooms, and the third cottage has two standard rooms, each with their own unique features such as Juliet balconies, nooks for lounging, and parlours for family time.
Guests can enjoy a variety of meals featuring Kangra cuisine and other Indian and global dishes, such as Khow Suey and Mongolian stir fry, made with organic and locally-sourced produce as much as possible. The Lodge's wood-fired oven is used to make bread, rotis, and pizzas using wheat grown on the estate. Special requests and dietary preferences are easily accommodated, and meals are cooked outside in the traditional way using a wood stove.
The Lodge at Wah Kandbari is a pet-friendly villa with four individual bedrooms, two on the lower level and two on the upper level, each featuring a king-sized bed and en suite bathroom with hot water. The villa does not have televisions in the rooms, but WiFi is available in the common areas. The breakfast and dinner menus are pre-decided with guest preferences in mind, and lunch can be ordered a la carte. All meals are freshly prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and inspired by local cuisine.
Experiences
Guests staying at The Lodge at Wah, Palampur can experience tea plucking and take a Tea Estate Tour led by either Deepak or Surya, which includes a tea session. There are also plans to open a tea boutique where guests can try their hand at making their own teas to take back with them. Additionally, there are walking trails on the Estate, with guides available on request, and a yoga shala with mountain views where a teacher can be arranged for a class.
Evenings can be spent by the bonfire area before moving to the dining area, and private dinners for couples can be arranged. For outdoor activities, guests can go paragliding in Bir, take a scenic train journey, or attend pottery classes in Andretta village.
The Lodge also offers treks with trained guides and excursions to a nearby riverside with waterfalls and picnic options. The Estate is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 60 documented species. The Lodge is suitable for couples, families, and long stays, with plenty of activities for children. Both The Lodge at Wah, Palampur and The Lodge at Wah, Kandbari are open throughout the year.
Conscious Travel
The owner of The Lodge at Wah, Palampur and The Lodge at Wah, Kandbari, Deepak Prakash, is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. He understands the impact that small decisions and actions can have on the environment and strives to protect natural resources by adopting best practices and using local materials and craftsmen in the construction of his lodges.
The Lodge at Wah has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental footprint. For example, they have eliminated single-use plastic and moved towards a zero-waste lifestyle. They also practice safe garbage disposal, conserve water, and use energy-efficient appliances and lighting. The tea gardens on the estate are pesticide and weedicide-free, and organic produce is sourced from local farmers and the lodge's own organic garden.
The Lodge at Wah also engages with the local community by employing local staff, offering guided treks and hikes by young men from nearby villages, and sourcing toiletries and other products from local businesses. The lodge has been built in the traditional Gaddi style of architecture, using materials sourced from the surrounding area.
In addition to their current efforts, The Lodge at Wah has plans to move towards renewable energy and increase rainwater harvesting to further reduce their environmental impact. They also aspire to grow more fruits, vegetables, and herbs to provide guests with 100% organic meals and help the local community through programs such as a reading program for children and offering environmentally safe feminine products for women.
