The Journal

Notes from the hills

Stories and small guides from Bhimtal and the Kumaon — the rooms, the lake, the walks, and the slow art of doing less.

The House · 4 min read

The Barns Resort: where the mountains meet a fine hotel

How a hillside of stone and pine became a twelve-room resort that guests compare to a five-star stay.

Travel Notes · 5 min

Bhimtal has no shortage of places to stay. A few things separate a genuine retreat from a room with a view.

Travel Notes · 4 min

A short, honest guide to booking well in Bhimtal — by location, by room, and by season.

The Rooms · 3 min

Three characters of room, each with a private balcony — how to choose between them.

Around Bhimtal · 4 min

The lake is the heart of it — and there's a whole district of quieter water and forest just beyond.

Around Bhimtal · 5 min

Beyond the lake — a shortlist of what's genuinely worth your time around Bhimtal.

Plan Your Stay · 3 min

Everything you need to get in touch and get here — by air, rail or road.