Located on the banks of River Beas, close to Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Neeralaya, is both the quintessential ‘little house by the river’ and that ‘secret place’. Surrounded by fruit trees, numerous natural alcoves and breathtaking scenic views of the Himalayas and the river, it seems to rise naturally from the ground – an impression strengthened largely because it has been built without disturbing the gently undulating contours of the lush green land. Here, the silence is broken only by the chirping of the birds, the rustle of leaves and the gurgle of flowing water. Even thoughts sound unnaturally loud at Neeralaya.

More than anything, Neeralaya is a place that you chance upon and the more you explore it, the more forgotten pleasures you discover. A barefoot morning walk on fresh dew, an impromptu picnic, afternoon naps under a tree, reading a book undisturbed but for buzzing bee, fishing, trekking, doing nothing… are all part of the unforgettable stay here. Away from the stress and the chaos of city life, with its charming timber and stone cottages and villas, fresh home-cooked food, simple natural attractions, tranquil but mesmerizing views, Neeralaya is perfect for a long stay or a quick stopover if you are going to or coming from a Trans Himalayan journey across the Rohtang Pass into Spiti & Ladakh.