Before you point out the obvious cliché in the title, hear me out. Time and again we’ve found ourselves feeling at ‘home’ in the mountains. We’ve experienced indescribable joy witnessing the views or sitting peacefully by a rapidly flowing river. Everything I’ve written so far gets the top 3 spots in the cliché column. But for me, that’s what makes it beautiful; that’s what makes it real. I got the chance to truly explore all of this, and more at Gone Fishing Cottages.
Nestled amidst tall deodar trees with frequent shrill sounds of peacocks flying from one hill to the next in the evenings, Gone Fishing Cottages in Tirthan valley is the ideal place for those who appreciate nature.
Two hours short of Kullu, Tirthan is quite popular with backpackers and birdwatchers. With numerous tiny villages in its womb, Tirthan has some stellar properties for long staycation or a quick rendezvous. One such village is Deori, and one such special property is Gone Fishing Cottages.
The in house dogs of the cottages – Dobby, Laalu, Jacku and Leah welcome you with their melodious barks and happily wagging tails. While you give them all your attention, the hosts a.k.a my adopted parents Dimple and Uppi make an appearance, and in an instant their presence is enough to let you know that you are at the right place.
Seven rooms divided among three stone cottages, make it impossible for you to pick a room of your choice. They’re all built with equal amount of love, and it definitely shows. Each cottage has a common area for you to unwind with your friends or simply pick up an exciting to read to deep dive in. Dimple has an exquisite collection of books that any avid reader would be happy to browse through.
What stands out for anyone who takes a step into this world is the sheer hardwork and effort behind creating something this magical. The furniture is the brainchild of the ever curious Uppi who cannot sit still without taking up another project in his hands. Whether its reusing old alcohol bottles as lamps or perfecting yet another meat recipe, he ensures his bug of staying busy benefits everyone staying there. I believe that you know a place has a soul when every nook and corner has a remarkable story to tell. And you know what? Dimple is the greatest storyteller of them all.
Wacky paintings by her son created innocently in his childhood now hang as work of art in one of the cottages. The lanterns from Vietnam dress up the pathway. The masks from Bali sit boldly on the walls. Gifts from around the globe sent by people who adore these two are a part of the décor in one way or the other. Oh, and ask Dimple about her ceramic ducks please. Trust me, you’ll be her favourite in an instant.
In the far end of the property is another cottage that looks like a setting for a countryside rom-com film. And it really could be if any location managers are reading this. It is their private space; their home. Oops, my home!
If you win the hearts of the owners, you do get a tour of this absolutely magnificent space decked with wall hangings with quirky quotes, fairy lights of various kinds, knick knacks that’ll bowl you over and an assortment of tea to sip on throughout the day.
In summers you can swim for hours in the river right next to Gone Fishing. In winters you can wrap yourself in a local blanket and sit near the bonfire while you eat a sumptuous barbecue meal. In any season you can go on a walk with the dogs on the road above the property, especially when the sun is about to set giving you dramatic skies as an additional treat. Take a walk till the bridge surrounded by the wild woods to realize how lucky one would be to be here.
Since the location is remote, wandering off for dinner might not be the best option but you wouldn’t need to once you eat a meal here. From local Himachali delicacies lie Siddu, Jhol and mutton curry to Khaoswey, Quiche, pizzas and Biryani – the menu is set like a story itself, each dish better than the other. My recommendations would be aloo puri, the thin crust pizza, a group dinner of Khaoswey and the chicken masala. I don’t know about you but my mouth’s definitely watering. And if you’re worried about vegan options then rest assured it’ll be taken care of wonderfully since Dimple herself is a vegan. Didn’t I tell you, you’re at the right place?
Plus, the newly built outdoor café is slowly going to be the spot that you would want to spend all your time in, laughing and making new bonds.
Before I forget to mention they even have a four-bed dorm room now so that you can experience this lovely comfort without burning a hole in your wallet. But even if you do have to do that – it’s worth every single penny.
As I long to be at my home in the hills again, let me ask you again – wasn’t this the best cliché you have ever read?
Written by Japleen Kaur
An old school Millennial living in the hills (for now) forever finding the little things to find joy in. I get excited about washi tapes, brown paper packages, a nicely scented candle and all things Christmas. Throwing confetti around is my profession which keeps company to my love affair with typewriting letters. I survive on coffee and weave stories from my ever flowing imagination.
Week 41, October ’20