Welcome to 'Vidya Niwas'...Himalayan Home, Culture Heritage Rooms, Enchanting Mountain Views, Folk Tales, Nature Walks in Dharamsala , India.

Alpine Fragnance of a Himalayan Home...A Memorable Stay !!

'Rajnigandha'..blooms at VIDYA NIWAS !

The lingering fragnance of the monsoon flower 'Rajnigandha', carries with it the essence of a young blooming romance. It is popular in Indian film lyrics, poems and also as a courting gift to the loved ones.

At our Himalayan home, such flowers and fruit trees have been nurtured with care and love for nature. This has brought many happy moments to our lives and to our guests.

Prayer & Meditation Door of Himalayan Home..!

At Vidya Niwas, we followed the ancient Indian science of "VASTU" architecture, in the scenic backdrop of the Himalayas, the green pine forest and the natural streams around it.

VASTU SHASTRA

The fusion of the 'five natural elements' TATVA - EARTH (Bhumi), WATER (Jal), AIR (Vaayu), FIRE (Surya-Agni) and SPACE (Aakash) is the focal point of the ancient vedic architecture.

As per Vedic belief..the concept of 'Good Health' and 'Congenial Living', come with creating a 'balance' and 'relationship' with Mother Nature, which radiates 'Life Giving Energy' around your home and your surrounds.. This is what our Himalayan home, is all about. A 'home' which can rejuvenate your personal growth and offer you a memorable vacation in Dharamsala. India.

The land was wild, untamed and uncared, as soil erosion had affected many areas. We needed to heal it 'green'. This meant using eco-friendly natural support of stream-washed flat large pebbles, 'Chakkas' and chiselled rock stones from our own land. This was blended with the nourishing energy of the 'Five Elements' around it.

'Bhoomi' - Green Earth at Vidya Niwas !

According to Vedic tradition, 'Bhoomi Puja' is an auspicious starting ceremony, for building a home. This prayer initiates the blessings of all the 'five elements'..the Gods for Peace and Harmony from all the four directions - East, West, North & South!

We hope we will have an everlasting season of Warmth, Rich Harvest, Laughter and Prosperity at our Himalayan home.

We nurtured our green earth garden with flowers and fruit trees of all seasons, after we made the support walls and developed the land, by layering it with healthy soil.

'Surya': Agni - The Sun Energy at Vidya Niwas !

The Himalayan home faces the East direction where, the winter sun rises above the Mighty Himalayas. The bright winter sunshine all around the house is ideal for sun basking, healthy brown tan and revitalising the body.

'Vaayu'- The Fresh Himalayan Air at Vidya Niwas !

You can build up an appetite early morning, in the fresh Mountain Air. Ideal for Yoga, Meditation, Brisk morning nature-walks, Pony trails, Bird watching, Exciting village trek OR you can wake up to our Early-Bird Terrace breakfasts at leisure, watching the sun rise across the Mountains.

Photo credit..Ms Lynn Leventhal, New York, USA.

'Early Bird' breakfast in the Garden Terrace with the very first sun rays.

'Jal'- The Water Energy of Vidya Niwas !

You can sleep with the sound of gurgling natural streams, around you and wake up to the sounds of water birds in the Hills of Kandi Village.

'Akaash' - The Star-Freed Sky of Vidya Niwas !

Wake-up to the clear blue skies of Kandi Village...sleep under the warmth of colorful cozy quilts..and wish on a star-freed sky !!

Our Himalayan home, is located in Dharamshala.. the abode of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. It is centrally located to all the local sights, Mcleodganj, Tibetan Institutions & monasteries. This Cottage retreat is nestled in the backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar range, the nearby natural streams, pine forests and terrace green fields.

A Home Away from HOME..at Vidya Niwas !

This Himalayan home has brought many moments of joy and laughter to our in-house guests and us.

" This being my first trip to India and to Dharamsala, you have made this a memory I will never forget, Thank You ! You made me feel at home which is amazing because Iam half way round the world from my real home. Thanks again for your hospitality and look forward to seeing you again."

...Jackie Collens, Michigan-USA (Aug,2005).

The room depicts the ancient traditions of the 'Golok Tribe of Amdo Province' of Tibet. The 'Golok Queen' was a 'Golok woman' who had been captured and brought to Labrang. There, she had an intimate relationship with a Moslem general who called her the 'Golok Queen'. This fierce and courageous tribe, were undefeated and controlled their Mountain territory from all outside attacks, even under Chinese occupation. They were also known as, the 'Black Tent' Himalayan Nomads !

**All the five culture rooms at Vidya Niwas, reflect the traditions and history of the TRANS-HIMALAYAN culture of India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet !

The Kotha Basant Room - Vidya Niwas..

The room celebrates the golden age of Kangra under the rule of Maharaja Sansar Chandra Katoch (1775 AD).In this golden era, The Maharaja took the title of 'Chatrapati Naresh'. He established the 'Chhatis Karkhanas'(36 factories which produced various hill handicrafts). The most famous of these, was The Kangra School of Miniature Paintings, depicting Hindu epics.

The Sherpa Everest Room - Vidya Niwas..

Everest, the highest point of the Earth, is an aspiration for all mountaineers all over the world and dedicated to the courageous 'SHERPAS' of Nepal.

" Fire clouds over the mountain never dispel.

Birds dare not approach within a thousand li..! "

*According to the Indian myth, the Himalayan snows are the Home of the "Vidya Hara", the supermen invested with magic and special knowledge.

The room touches upon the romance of the Britishers, with the Himalayan Hills which dates back to 1823 AD. The story written by Mrs. M.M.Kay "The Far Pavilions", is similar to the love story between Captain Lawrence and the daughter of Maharaja Anirudh Chandra.

The Anye Machin Room - Vidya Niwas..

The Anye Machin range of Tibet has a lush beauty. Tibetan legend believes, each 'circumambulation' of the shrine sends a prayer to the deities of the Earth, Sky, Moon and Stars, represented by heaps of Mani stones. The Golok patron saint 'Machin Bomra', owner of the earth has the highest stone heap of all, The 'Anye Machin' itself!

Nourishing the Body, Mind & Heart..at our Himalayan Home !

Many of our important home-guests, have gone back with everlasting memories of an Himalayan appetite, in the fresh air of the mountains and the sheer enjoyment of home-cooked delicacies of our kitchen.

Dining, at our home is an old fashioned affair..with steaming hot food, mountain tales, local fruit wines, laughter and nouvelle' cuisine of fruit desserts flambe' with local honey and brandy!

Cooking is to us, personalised attention and care at its premium best! You can learn cooking with us as we serve all kinds of cuisine..Himachali, Nepali, Tibetan, Indian & Continental.

Enjoy 'Early Bird' leisure breakfasts, farm-house eggs and cold-cuts. Fresh juices, herbal tea and coffee...

..Come back from a nature walk in the evenings, across the pine hills and relax with our premium Kangra 'High Tea'and home made flavoured fruit breads, apple/carrot cakes with hot custard sauce and cookies !

***HIMALAYAN HOME FACILITIES:

* Elegant Culture Rooms, with attached bath (Hot/Cold Showers).* Room service for hot/cold beverages and snacks.* Dining Hall facilities for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. * ISD/STD phone-call facilities and Internet/Fax services.* Travel concierge and Local Cab services.* In-house Laundry services, 0900 Hrs - 1700 hrs.* Housekeeping services once a day 1000 Hrs - 1600 Hrs.* Television and Reading Lounge.

October, 2005

" Thank you so much for such a lovely stay, sharing your beautiful house, cooking us such wonderful meals !!! And mostly we thank you for all the warmth and caring kindness you gave us. Iam sure it will be the highlight of our trip here in India. We look forward to seeing you again.

PS: I hope this isn't your first stop on your journey because all other food will pale by comparison " !!!

Love...Dee and Dave , Maine-Portland, USA.

HOME-OWNERS: Sangeeta and Arvind Gurung, are owners and founders of 'Vidya Niwas'( A part of 'Sanskriti'- A Green Himalayan Initiative) and 'Dharamsala Tours & Travels'. Both have a collective experience of 50 years, in Travel & Hospitality services in the Himalayas !

For a Best Home Stay at Vidya Niwas...CONTACT US !!

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