Punjab, the land of five rivers, the boisterous folk music, the energetic ‘Bhangra’ and the never-say-die attitude of its brave men and women, reminds me also of thick creamy lassi, the sweetened buttermilk, the peaceful Gurudwaras and the sumptuous ‘langar’ food!

And I have all the reasons to feel happy as I tasted a little bit of everything during my recent trip to Hoshiyarpur and Anandpursahib. A trip to Punjab also calls for a stay in rustic charm of farmhouses and that is exactly what I did at Gaj Retreat at Garhi Mansowal, Hoshiyarpur.

The Gaj Retreat

Family suites

At about two hour drive from Chandigarh, Gaj Retreat, though yet in early stages of its existence, aims to be a sought after eco-luxury resort in coming future. The property located away from the hustle bustle of city has been lovingly conceived as a weekend getaway and is popular among people of nearby areas for hosting marriage celebrations and corporate get-together.

Tents for guests

The resort is constructed out of locally sourced material like wood logs for parapet railings, river-bed stones for walls and thatched roof that give it a rustic charm of a jungle lodge.

Stay

With about 32 comfortable rooms that include suites, tents and family villas ready to host the visitors, the Gaj Retreat plans to expand soon to 70 plus rooms. The spacious rooms and tents afford a view of distant hills and forest making waking up early in the morning worthwhile. 

View from the room

Early morning view of the distant mountains and riverbed

Tent interiors

The rooms and tents work well for a city dweller with well thought of comfortable interiors. There is separate living area and bedroom in family suites and villas. The tents have a seating area as well.

Family suite living area

The family suites have private pool areas for added leisure.

Private pools for family suites

Making The Most Of Stay

The resort has grand ideas of providing hands-on experiences of village life to the city dwellers who seem to have forgotten what being one with nature is. And hence a visit to potter, farms and buffalo shed is arranged. The resort also provides for night off-roading, dinner by river side and ATV rides. There is facility for indoor games as well. And if nothing, there is always the common swimming pool.

Though I found it tough to handle ATV, but found observing the potter at work quite fascinating.

Pottering away with clay

Other Attractions

The best thing about the resort is its proximity to historical town of Anandpursahib which has an important and sacred seat of Sikhism at Takht Shri KeshgarhSahib Gurudwara. It is here that the concept of Khalsa took birth. 

Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib resplendent  in its glory

But by the time I reached Gurudwara, sun was high up in the blue sky and yet the white structure exuded peace. The sanctum had a collection of weapons that were used by Guru Gobind Singh in his war against Mughal forces.

A short prayer and calm few minutes inside the inner hall of Gurudwara and I was feeling the pangs of hunger. I headed over to the hall where rows of men, women and children sat with folded legs to be served free food, nothing fancy yet satiating. There was no difference of caste, color, status in this home of Lord. We all were equal; beggars of happiness in the court of God.

Before I landed in the Gurudwara, I had a little deviation at the other very fascinating structure ‘Virasat-e-Khalsa’. This is a museum like no other not only because the architecture of the complex is very contemporary and different from the other museums but also because of all the museums that I have visited earlier, this one stands out due to the concept and idea of showcasing history of Sikhism. It is well conceived and well maintained. I could not take a complete tour of this magnificent endeavor of Punjab administration and a glimpse into the history left me wanting for more.

Virast e Khalsa Museum

A trip to Punjab can never be complete without the quintessential shot of ‘sarson ka khet‘, the green yellow mustard fields. I had always wanted to run in gay abandon in mustard field and get a picture. However it was not mustard season yet and I had to make do with emerald paddy fields instead. 

Paddy fields

Me…I will have to wait and it will take another visit to Punjab may be for that photograph…

This trip was organised by Travel Correspondents and Bloggers Group and sponsored by Gaj Retreat.

Published by Shoma Abhyankar

I believe "Life is short and the world is wide"and travel is best possible solution to make the best of this life. I am Shoma Abhyankar. Welcome to ASTONISHING INDIA. View all posts by Shoma Abhyankar