Banlekhi’s Rambling Rose Cottage, Barog

Ok let me tell you one thing- after you end up reading this blog, you might feel that sudden urge to go to this place. This cottage is straight out of fairy tales and nothing less than a dream home.
I so wanted to go out on a vacation and kept on looking for “that perfect getaway” near Delhi but couldn’t find one. Just a day before the trip, I got to know about Rambling Rose and booked it instantly.
Without wasting any time, let me tell you all you need to know about this place.

Know your hosts:

The cottage originally belongs to Mr. Iknam Singh (who is a resident of Kasauli) and is now taken care of by Mr. Praveen Nagpal. He also owns a resort by the name “Banlekhi Resort” in Banlekhi (Uttarakhand) which is also one beautiful property at a very offbeat location.
The caretaker at Rambling Rose is Mrs. Rajkumari, who is also a cook and is very sweet. She will take good care of you if you turn up.

Checkout the details about Banlekhi Resort here

About Rambling Rose:

It’s the kind of house you will see in the movies. Just in the middle of nowhere, lies this beautiful cottage which has every facility you would need.
Rambling Rose is a beautiful, traditionally constructed cottage, surrounded by fields and small open spaces. You’ll even find a swing and a hammock to enjoy the sounds of nature.

Rambling Rose is generously proportioned, with an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, two large double en-suite bedrooms and a further en-suite drawing-room.

If it’s peace, quiet and nature you’re looking for, Rambling Rose has it all… and more.

No. of rooms: 2
Approx. cost: Rs. 3500 for one room (2 people) with breakfast & Rs. 1000 for extra bedding
How many people can be accommodated: 6-8
Cost for using the kitchen: Rs. 500

Food:

You will get a complimentary breakfast here. During my visit, we had aaloo paranthas which tasted pretty good. You can also get a few other options like eggs, poha, sandwiches but you need to tell them in advance about your choice of breakfast.
All other meals, you have to cook on your own. You need to carry all the necessary food items along with you.
If you don’t wish to cook on your own, you can request for cooking services at an additional cost.

How to reach Rambling Rose?

From Delhi: 290 km via NH 44 | 6 hours approx.
From Chandigarh: 60 km via NH5 | 2 hours approx.

By Road:
There is no direct bus to Barog from Delhi or Chandigarh. You can take a bus till Shimla (60km) from any of the locations and further hire a taxi till Barog or you can take a bus till solan (7 km) and take a taxi.
Or you can also enjoy self-drive. Roads are pretty good and the views are amazing.

By Train: 
There are daily trains that connect New Delhi to Chandigarh or Kalka. You can board a train till any of the two stations and further hire a taxi to Barog (60 km)

By Air: 
One can also catch a flight from New Delhi for Chandigarh. Upon getting down at ChandigarhAirport, hire a local cab to reach Barog which is about 2 hours (60 km).

Facilities:

• Electric Kettle
• Towels
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Hot/Cold Water 24*7
• Attached Washrooms
• Valley Facing Rooms
• TV in common room
• Barbeque (on request)
• Caretaker
• Washing Machine
• Pet-Friendly Stay
• A grocery pick-up service and cook is available at an added cost.
• Bonfire (on request)

How to book?

Address: Village Mohri, Post Office Barog, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212
You can book it on Airbnb
Or on: Make My Trip
Phone: +91 9650595152
Website: http://www.banlekhi.in/

Check out the Location Map here:

Or understand the way to cottage in my language 😉 😉

“””” On the Delhi, Simla highway enters Himachal Pradesh. Proceed towards Shimla, you will cross Jabli and Dharampur on the route. On reaching Kumarhatti do not turn right for Solan on the New Barog bypass road but carry on straight for Barog. After Barog the road will descend naturally towards Solan. Carry on towards Solan at a reduced speed. You will see a signboard for Pine Hills Eco Camp, Chewa (on your left) and there will be a kaccha rasta (muddy track) going up. Take that track to Chewa. Proceed on that kaccha rasta for 1.2 km. You will arrive at a Mandir, a pond and a Govt. School, Chewa all at the same place. Park your car there. Then proceed for Rambling Rose which is approx 1 km walk from this point. On the way, you will see 4 signboards guiding you the way. Also, you can request a guide to escort you to the cottage. “””””

Things to do around Rambling Rose:

The location of Rambling Rose is very offbeat and there is nothing around. There are other hill stations and some famous scenic spots nearby and if you have time, then you can definitely visit a few. Like:

• Shimla
• Kasauli
• Solan
• Jatoli Temple
• Karol Tibba
• Panch Parmeshwar Temple
• Dolanji Bon Monastery
• Suketi Fossil Park
• Barog Railway Station

Honestly, I don’t suggest you to stay at this place if you have plans to explore the nearby areas (considering the location). I mean, it’s better to book a hotel nearby the main market or tourist spots. Rambling Rose is an experience in itself and it’s a place to spend time with yourself and your travel partners.

Best time to visit:

The weather remains pleasant whole year-round. In January-February, you can also experience snowfall.
I visited here in July during monsoon which is certainly the perfect time to visit as it’s all green and misty.

My tips and suggestions:

• Stay for at least 2 nights. I planned for one night only and trust me, it’s not enough.
• Don’t carry dairy products like milk or curd. You can purchase it from the Barog market while coming to the cottage. It’s like 30 mins before you reach your destination. (we purchased a lot of dairy products from Delhi itself and they all were spoiled by the time we reached)
• Carry light. As you have to carry your bags yourself till the cottage and it’s a 1 km walk.
• Carry all the food stock with you. As there are no shops around. The nearest one is 30-40 mins.
• The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Carry clothes accordingly.
• Rambling Rose is a perfect place to spend time with yourself. You can carry your books or diaries or sketchbooks or however you would like to spend time. We took Catan 😉
• Go for a walk around the property and talk to locals. They are very sweet and welcoming.

My Verdict:

Food (only breakfast): 4/5
Location: 5/5
Rooms: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Hygiene: 5/5
Hospitality: 5/5
Wi-fi: No
Parking facility: Yes, at 1 km distance from the property
Approx. cost: Rs. 3500 for one room (2 people) with breakfast & Rs. 1000 for extra bedding
Cost for using the kitchen: Rs. 500

Who should visit Rambling Rose?

• Couples for a romantic getaway
• A group of friends
• Families looking for a peaceful retreat
• Someone who is not looking for touristy things to do like visiting markets or some famous spots.

Not suggested for solo travelers. Because there is nothing as such to do around the cottage.

I hope you like this blog. Do check out my Instagram and Facebook for regular updates of my trips and events. Also, don’t forget to share your feedback about this blog in the Comments Section. See you in the next one!

XOXO

Oh yes, one more thing before I go, if you plan to visit Rambling Rose, do tell me here or on Instagram.
I hope you will like the place as much as I did. Do let me know if you have any other questions regarding the place or property.

We were 5 people and stayed there for 1.5 days. That “point 5” because we were in the continuous dilemma that whether we should extend our stay or not. But unfortunately, it was Monday the next day and everyone had their offices to attend. But I am visiting this place again, for sure. Next time would be in the snow. I want to see how dreamy this place would look in white.