Having returned to India for the first time in three years, I wanted to retreat into the mountains and by the recommendation of a friend, discovered The Rudraksh. I went with no expectation, my needs were to be somewhere quiet in Nature. The Rudraksh blew me away in every sense. I was welcomed by the owners, who instantly made me feel welcome and at home – a couple whose vision of creating a space with the utmost respect for Nature, to enable guests to connect with themselves and Nature, have, through what is clearly evident, immense hard work, dedication and passion, created exactly what was in their hearts and to then share with guests the most healing nurturing space.
Words can’t describe the absolute beauty and charm of The Rudraksh, and the spectacular views of snow capped Himalayan mountains, the expansive Tehri Lake, the surrounding forest, and the little villages opposite that light up at night like twinkling stars.
I rose at dawn each morning to watch the emergence of the sun, a time that is ethereal at The Rudraksh. I could hear the ‘sound of silence’, as well as the sweet song of birds waking, and feel energy that was tranquil yet enlivening.
After sunrise, I took yoga and pranayam classes which were offered as part of my stay, with a yoga teacher who was gentle, caring and inspiring. The rooms were elegant, spacious and extremely comfortable and I felt grateful to have luxury in the mountains. The owners embraced me with kindness, I felt like a friend from the past. We shared delicious and unctuous vegetarian meals, made with the freshest ingredients from the garden or sourced from local farmers. We took walks in the beautiful forest to watch the sun set, had wonderful relaxed conversations, I was grateful as a solo traveller to have their company. Yet I had lots of time on my own to rejuvenate and sit quietly on my balcony to absorb the views.
As a meditation teacher, I highly recommend The Rudraksh for meditation/yoga groups, for groups in general, for friends or solo travellers, for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and to recharge.
I look forward to returning to The Rudraksh for a few weeks in February next.
Liz Young
16th December, 2022.
