There is a reason why people opt for staycations once a while over long vacations and that's because we need fuel from time to time. We need a refreshing interval to keep going forward. We need something to revitalise and rejuvenate our tired bodies. A staycation can be best enjoyed if it is an epitome of luxury, and by luxury, I do not mean it is expensive. Luxury is when you simply relax...sip a cup of coffee and hum along with the insects and birds while taking all this in. It is when you get lost looking at trees while you spot butterflies. It is when you are meditating and reflecting on your thoughts on an open balcony. It is when you do nothing yet you feel pampered...by the food, the service, the hospitality. 

Ekam is one such luxuriant villa hidden amidst a blanket of pine trees. Located in Chail, it is just an hour away from Shimla. It is like staying on a hill station yet amongst the woods. Ekam is a lovely place to be. 

When you see Ekam from afar, you would already imagine the sky-high roofs and the humungous interiors that the villa has to offer. You would dream yourself walking from one room to another and not knowing where to sit exactly. Whether to be on the cosy bed while admiring the classy decor or sit on the balcony, opening your nostrils wide to take all the fresh air in. Every corner of Ekam is contrived in such a way that you would be confused where to spend your limited time in. (Oh and the common area is a tough competitor especially if it's only you and your partner or a family you're at Ekam with!)

I recollect, as I reached the foothills of Ekam, where Mr Tiwari, the caretaker was standing to receive us, I was so eager to just rush and look at the property myself. We walked on the green grass and reached a bungalow when I wondered if this was it. However, that is where the caretaker stayed. And when I looked upwards, I finally saw the huge property, looking grand behind the trees! On entering, I was in awe with the magnanimity of it. The living room on the ground floor replicated those you see in the interior magazines. I had even complimented about this to Mr Sumeet and on that, I learnt, the complete house is designed by him! I have a special interest in interior decor, so I looked at everything with fascination and inspiration. 

FOOD – TRADITIONAL COOKING STYLE YET A MIX OF CUISINES

THE FARM & THE ORGANIC CULTURE

WHY EKAM IS THE PLACE YOU NEED

THINGS TO DO NEAR EKAM

Visit the farm – If you're feeling lazy yet want to step out and do something, visiting the farm could be a super option. You have so many trees and plants growing that you'd be surprised to notice the difference in the leaves and the stems of each type. The aroma that is released, especially on a winter evening, is truly worth it.

Take a trail around the property – There's an hour-long trek that goes around the property. It was the trail used by the British before the cement roads were built. You would be walking through tall trees and might find pine cones if you're lucky. Don't forget to bring the cones back as a souvenir for your friends. You can ask someone from the staff to take you around; I'm sure they will not refuse.

The Shimla to Chail route – If you're coming from Shimla, then you would witness one of the best roads in India. There is something about tall trees (read Deodar, Pine) that engulfs you as you pass another curve on this route. Since the sides are full of trees, you would be enjoying a no-sun zone, thus making your whole journey a mystical experience. I remember the first time I was on this route, I was mesmerised! 

Shimla – Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is truly an unmissable city. Keeping aside the beauty, when I had visited it last November, I was shocked to find such fashionable people. Coming from Mumbai, I'd always assumed Shimla to be like another hill city; but it's so developed, especially the fashion sense of people here matches with that of a city like London! I'm not even kidding! Well, apart from understanding the fashion culture of Shimla, there are a lot of things you can do. The first one being the Mall Road, where you would come across cafes, restaurants, Tibetan markets, and big and small shops. Then there's Jakhoo Hanuman temple, which is located on a hilltop with scenic stairs that take you to it. Then there's the Ridge, the Christ Church, Scandal Point, Kali Bari temple, State Museum, etc. {Watch Shimla to Kufri vlog.}

Kufri & Fagu – If you come here, Kufri and Fagu are two towns you must visit. They are like hill stations on a hill station and always a degree colder than Shimla. So for instance, if it is 2 degrees in Shimla, it would always be 1 degree in Kufri. It is famous for its snow activities including skiing and is one of the places honeymooners go to. It is away from the hustle of Shimla and is indeed a beautiful place to stay at.
Fagu, on the other hand, is located a little higher than Kufri and is a place with apple orchards! It is not much developed and you would find a couple of hotels here; however, there are a plenty of eating options. The views from both Kufri and Fagu are truly delightful!

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary – This is a perfect day option for families as you get to see a lot of Himalayan fauna including Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Brown Bear, Goral, and a lot of birds you had never seen before. You also see leopards, sambar deer, black bear, etc. Entry per person is Rs. 30. Extra charges for DSLR camera (Rs. 50 extra). {Watch Chail Wildlife Sanctuary vlog.}

Solan – You can visit the Mohan Shakti Heritage Park for a beautiful and maintained temple. The route from the main road to this temple is narrow but the views it has to offer is commendable. The temple itself has a mountain view and during winters, these mountains are covered with snow! It is truly a peaceful and spiritual place to be with its vast garden and a large cafe/restaurant inside the periphery. Apart from the park, you can visit Shoolini and Jatoli temples, Karol Tibba, etc. {Watch my Solan vlog.}

HOW TO REACH EKAM, CHAIL

BOOK A STAY

Website: http://ekamchail.com

Watch my Ekam vlog: