A gruelling six years in the making, Van Sarai has truly been a labour of love. Attention to every detail has resulted in a unique stay option that has ensured the lodge fits into the local surroundings seamlessly.

This lodge serves the purpose for those who want to be in the most peaceful surroundings of the Himalayan forests. The lodge is between two sets of ancient Shiva temples that render energy naturally.

The architectural inspiration of Van Sarai comes from the traditional Kumaoni style of construction. All the rooms and common areas have been designed keeping in tune with the local architectural feel. Wide verandas in the front and back have been specially created to let guests enjoy the greenery and make the most of the warm sunshine bathing the lodge.

Please refer to the lodge details and the last section carefully before making a reservation.

Room

Single

Superior Room

Deluxe Room with Attic

Description

*Small rooms

2 rooms on the ground floor

2 rooms on the first floor with best views

Tariff per room

3500

Single Occupancy

Double / Twin Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Double / Twin Occupancy

6500

7000

7000

7500

Note:

• Only accommodation, breakfast and Morning Tea is included in the price
• GSTax 5% is extra
• Extra person (over 05 years of Age): 25% of the double room cost
• Children under 5 years of age will stay for free
• Validity: till March 31, 2027
• Please note all meals served are vegetarian.
• The meals are served in ‘Café Swayambhu’.
• Rates are subject to change with no prior notice.

Cafe Swayambhu – The Dining Room

Walking uphill about 30 metres on a cemented path from the main road and climbing 18 steps, one reaches the dining room - Cafe Swayambhu. The dining room also serves the purpose of a restaurant. When we have a full house, we serve buffet meals. à la carte meals are served on order as per the menu. Please give adequate notice. The meals are wholesome. The menu comprises vegetarian Indian and Kumaoni dishes. We usually serve traditional home-cooked Indian food. We try to keep the spice and chilli levels moderate but if you still find the food too hot, do let our staff know and we’ll be happy to suit it to your taste. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.  

On prior intimation, we could also arrange a private dinner on the verandah of your room or provide you with room service.  

We also provide packed meals for your return journey. Let us know in advance and we will arrange it for you.  

We stock a limited selection of beverages at the lodge. All beverages are chargeable. Alcohol is not served at the lodge.

We discourage the use of pre-packaged food items and bottled water as it adds to pollution and it is an additional cost for us to carry it all the way back to Haldwani for proper disposal. The guests may get their own food items as per their preference and are requested to take away as much non-biodegradable material with them. We serve filtered water that is safe to drink.

Superior Room

From the dining area, walk up 17 steps. One reaches the superior room. The room is equipped with twin beds, an en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, and a verandah overlooking the deodar forest. Buckets and mugs are provided in the toilet for washing up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 11.5’x13.5’.

Deluxe Room

From the dining area, walk up 31 steps. One reaches the Deluxe room. The room is equipped with a double bed, a wooden attic with two separate floor mattresses, an en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, and a verandah overlooking the deodar forest. Buckets and mugs are provided in the toilet for washing up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 12’x17’.  

Standard Room

One standard room is on the first floor and the other one is on the second floor. The room is equipped with a single bed, an en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower. Buckets and mugs are provided in the toilet for washing up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet.

Chittai

Chittai is a famous temple of Golu Devta (god of justice and peculiar to Kumaon). The temple is hung with bells of all shapes and sizes, brought by grateful devotees.

Experiences at Jageshwar

Van Serai is perfect for a peaceful holiday. It is ideally located for those wanting to introspect, meditate or take a break from their stressful lives. However, for those who like a little action, there is plenty to do in and around Jageshwar.

Binsar and Kangarchina

Drive to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary till the tourist lodge (2¾ drive).  From there, start hiking to Jhandhidar (Zero point - 2410m) which commands one of the best Himalayan views in Kumaon. Then follow the ridge down to Shiva temple and turn right towards Gangarchina village.  On the way, enjoy a packed lunch. This is a ridge walk partially through dense oak and rhododendron forests, hoary old trees hung with lichen and covered with sweet smelling moss. The trail slopes gently downwards and offers lovely views into the Bhasoli valley on one side and on and off towards the Himalaya (5 to 6 hrs. walking).  After reaching Kangarchina, drive back to Van Serai.

Lakhudiar

Discover the famous Kali temples. 34 temples in the complex. Another 300m further Vishnu temple dated 9th. to 12th. C. Enjoy a packed lunch at the banks of the river. From there follow irrigation channels and then upwards through old Kaphal tree forests towards Lakhudiar. (Prehistoric rock paintings). Drive back to the resort. Approx. 30 minutes.

Syahi Devi Temple - Katarmal Sun temple

Drive for approx. 3 hrs. to Sitlakhet via Kosi river and Kund (which is the ancestral village of the late Gobind Bhallabh Pant. Stop at an old colonial forest rest house and trek up 1½ hrs. to Syahi Devi temple. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali-Durga, where blood sacrifices took place in ancient times. Thereafter, drive to the 800-year-old Katarmal Sun Temple. One of the few sun temples in India after Konarak.

Temple Visit

A visit to the famous temples is almost mandatory. Reminding you of the stone balanced structures straight out of a Flintstones comic or Stonehenge, these temples have been here for centuries and are a wonder in themselves. The little legends and tales around the temples are part of the folklore and intrigue which our local guides would be happy to share with you.

Festivals

Though crowded with devotees, it is an experience in itself to see Jageshwar transform from a sleepy hamlet to a bustling venue full of religious fervour. Some key festivals celebrated here are:

• The Jageshwar Monsoon Festival is held between 15 July to 15 August
• The annual Maha Shivratri Mela takes place during March or April

Yoga, Meditation and Wellness – Hatha Yoga | Shiva Walks

With pure nature around you, doing yoga, asanas, pranayama or meditation feels like second nature. Whether you are a novice or a regular practitioner of yoga, our yoga gurus can help you completely relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. You may opt for our transformational programmes. Please refer to the wellness section.

The lodge can be rented for yoga and meditation retreats. Should you wish to conduct a programme with an expert teacher, do let us know and we shall organise the teacher and the team for you.

Birding and Nature Walks

The deodar forest at the lower altitude and the pine cover further up, are the perfect habitat for many rare bird species. Van Serai‘s birding expert will be happy to start you in the world of bird watching. If you are already into birding, he would be an interesting source of information on species specific to this region. You can also choose to explore the beautiful forests at your own pace, maybe carry a picnic hamper for a longer trek and make the most of the natural beauty around you.

Treks

At Van Serai, along with the usual treks, we have a unique village trekking experience in store for you. Our concept of the Village Trek provides an insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villagers.

During the trek, we take you through thick deodar forests and quaint Kumaoni villages. The highlight is being able to stay in one of these village houses.

Along with seeing some unforgettable views of the magnificent snow-capped mountain ranges, sighting endemic birds and local fauna, you get the opportunity to admire and reside in the traditional old Kumaoni houses with carved wooden doors and windows.

We started the trek at Binsar in the morning, making our way to Jageshwar. Overnight, staying in village houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality. The accommodation is rustic and clean with basic amenities. The village houses have been partially renovated and toilets and bathrooms added without compromising on the ambience. Traditional food is cooked, ensuring good hygiene standards.

This trek can be done as a full day trek (7-8 hours) or split into 2 days, with the option of staying in a village house and one night in a tent.

Since it's mostly downhill, it is a relatively easy trek suitable for everyone. The other short treks are to Vriddha Jageshwar (3 km one way) and Jhakharsain (3 km one way).

Picnics & Trainings

Nothing like a packed lunch under the Deodar trees while sitting on a large rock by the rivulet. From having grown up in the area, our staff knows the undiscovered spots with the best rocks. Make paper boats or simply watch the small fish swim around. For the more adventurous, wash your feet in chilled water.

Village Visit

You can take a walk around the local villages, admiring the traditional old houses with carved wooden doors and windows. Watch how time has stood still in some places and modernity has engulfed some others.

A visit to Jageshwar is incomplete without an interaction with a local family accompanied by a local Kumaoni meal. Sit around the bonfire, hearing local folklore and haunting Kumaoni music and songs. Feel the warm-hearted welcome and make a friend for life. Let our staff know if you‘re interested and we will help put it together for you.

Exploring Caves

The cave structures in and around Jageshwar are absolutely enticing. From small holes in the walls to large caves which were probably used for Tantric congregations.

The entire countryside around the area is dotted with caves, each one with its own story. The most famous among these are the Airavat Cave and the Pataal Bhuvaneshwar caves, in case you are feeling adventurous enough to explore them.

Jageshwar Museum

Most of the sculptures and idols found in the Jageshwar temple complex are housed in the Archaeological Museum just outside the main temple complex. In all, it houses around 174 sculptures, each of them beautiful beyond words. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum, and photographs of the sculptures are not available either.