The growing urbanization has also resulted in an increase in places where people like to unwind themselves from a stressful daily routine. A significant number of resorts have sprouted in recent times all around the country which one loves to visit with family or friends for a luxury getaway. Gaj Retreat is a new eco resort, nestled in the vast green patch of the plateau of Manaswal, in Hoshiyarpur district of Punjab. Surrounded by a rich vast privy forest, this is a project started by Yatinder Chand and Naginder Singh who also run the scenic Koti Resorts in Mashobra, 45 minutes away from the city of Shimla. Gaj Retreat offers its guests a comfortable stay in a serene environment with an array of recreational, rejuvenating activities and a great gastronomical fare. It takes 2 and a half hour drive from Chandigarh Railway station and a mere 20 minute drive from Nangal to reach this resort built up on a 6 acre land in village called GarhShankar. Some of the popular cities in the vicinity also include Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar.
The accommodation this resort offers includes 28 lavishly adorned luxury rooms which provide a great living comfort. There are 2 Family Villas, which have 3 independent bedrooms and a living room, overlooking the highlands with a verandah on the first floor and a private pool on the ground floor. Then there are 4 Pool Villas which have a private pool each with separate bedroom and a lobby. Forest Villas, which overlook the green forest with a balcony or a verandah. 12 Chateaus which are signature rooms with a gorgeous view, a spacious bedroom and a private pool. There are also 6 luxury tents, super luxurious tented accommodation providing a private and exclusive highland escape with Victorian bath tubs.
There is a multi cuisine restaurant with a spectacular view with an attached bar. The restaurant s ambiance is rustic and earthy and offers an array of lip smacking delicacies from varied cuisines. Gaj Retreat also offers an expansive 2800 square feet banquet to accommodate up to 200 people. It has a 35 feet high ceiling with a grandeur effect. The banquet is a great venue for weddings, corporate meet ups and events and overlooks the beautifully crafted pool area. Guests can also pamper and refresh themselves in the exotic spa just next to the swimming pool against the backdrop of the greenery of the forest around. One also may involve in adventure sports as the area around the resort is good for excursions like nature walks, off road trips, bicycling. Their soon to be built All Terrain Vehicle track (ATV) will add to the adventure trails this resort has to offer. Guests also experience a one of kind rural experience with walk trips to the nearby village area, which gives a glimpse of rich cultural heritage of the fertile land of Punjab.
The best part is that this resort is that it’s an eco friendly tourist resort in a true sense. It is built up on a river bed of the Shivalik foothills using a technology which has minimal impact on the environment. A lot of locally available material which is also economical is used for construction. Environment friendly concrete, ACC material is used in the walls which is helpful to improve thermal efficiency. The ceiling of the restaurant is build with bamboo and thatch. The activities like biking, nature walks to the village and tree plantations are aimed to understand the nature. There are systems in place which help in water harvesting, recycling and a lot of energy is derived from the solar plants. Besides this the management of the resort showcases regular events and fairs for its guests which showcase the diverse culture of the state.
Gaj Retreat is a great combination of exotica, luxury and gastronomy. Whether one wishes to plan an event, a destination wedding or a weekend getaway, this resort fits in all moods. Do visit beautiful property for an experience of a lifetime.
Places of interest nearby:
Bhakra Nangal Dam
Gobind Sagar Lake
Anandpur Sahib
Naina Devi
Bhagat singh museum at Khatkar Kalan
Satluj Waterbody wetland
