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 an eco-resort, nestled in the vast green patch of the plateau of Manaswal, in Hoshiarpur 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 to reach this resort built up on a 6 acre land in a village called GarhShankar.
Accommodation
The best part is that this resort is that it’s an eco-friendly tourist resort. It is built up on a riverbed 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 accommodation at Gaj Retreats offers 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 which overlooks the green forest with a balcony or a verandah. 12 Chateaus which are signature rooms with spacious bedroom and a private pool. And the most interesting of all are the 6 luxury tents providing a private wildlife setup and exclusive highland escape with Victorian bathtubs.
Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
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. From South Indian to authentic Punjabi flavors, Gaj retreats tickle with your taste buds.The interiors provide a grandeur effect with high ceiling build with bamboo and thatch. The banquet is a great venue for weddings, corporate meetups, and events and overlooks the beautifully crafted pool area.
Activities At the Resort
The activities like, nature walks to the nearby village and tree plantations is a pleasurable activity to get the green natural vibe of Punjab. One can visit the nearby villages to experience the rustic rural Punjab, by engaging in pottery making, milking cows and visiting the fields just like the locals do. One also may involve in adventure sports as the area around the resort is good for excursions like nature walks, off-road trips, night safaris and bicycling. The adventure trail at the resort with All Terrain Vehicle track (ATV) and off-road night safaris are fun-filled activities Gaj Retreat has to offer. Guests are also provided with private dinner date set up by the banks of the river for that perfect romantic evening. 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.
Places of interest nearby:
Bhakra Nangal Dam, Anandpur Sahib, Khalsa Mueseum.
Gaj Retreat is a great combination of 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 the beautiful property for an experience of a lifetime.
