Uttarakhand: Parvada, a hidden gem that’s perfect for a summer vacation

If you are the kind of traveller who is often seeking holistic experiences at quaint hill stations, Parvada, a picturesque hamlet inUttarakhandshould be on your list of places to visit this summer. Away from the touristy crowd, it is a village where you can press the pause button, unwind, and rejuvenate your soul by surrendering to the best healer, mother nature.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: Nature's Bounty

Situated 11 kms away from the temple town of Mukteshwar, Parvada is an enchanting hamlet unperturbed by the chaos of the nearby towns and could well serve as a microcosm of Kumaon life. The charm of the mountains surrounding it is magnified by fresh showers of rain that beckon rolling clouds, soothe the parched ground, induce a fresh round of unadulterated breeze and make the flowers sway in happiness.

Its verdant natural scenery, fruiting orchards, gurgling streams springing to life at regular intervals, abundant snowfall during the winters, young chartreuse sprouts during the spring and blooming Himalayan rhododendrons make it a delight for someone looking for an offbeat vacation.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: Living the Slow Life

It seems like at Parvada, time stands still. Immersing oneself in the charm of watching sunrises and sunsets, going for treks, stroking the blooms of various orchards, listening to the burbles of streams and rills, stopping by the woods as the first rays of shaft gently pierce through the thick foliage of cedars, striking conversations with the locals and hearing folklores are some of the things one could do as part of slow living lifestyle here.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: An Abode of Love and Warmth

While in Parvada, a stay at Parvada Bungalows is highly recommended. It is a home away from home and more than just a luxury resort. It is tastefully and thoughtfully designed to charm visitors of every age group. It is also wheelchair-friendly.

Parvada Bungalows offer a holistic stay with yoga sessions amidst mesmerising views of the majestic mountains, some lip-smacking Kumaoni food and folksong sessions with a bonfire. They also offer a guided tour around the village with an opportunity to indulge in sampling fresh fruits that the flourishing orchards offer during the fruiting season. Do check out the crochet wares that the villagers make and sell as part of the 'Seakho' initiative of Parvada Bungalows.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: On a Temple Trail

From paying respects to one of the jyotirlingas at the ancient Jageshwar Dham temple complex, to visiting Mukteswar or the revered Shakthipeet of Naina Devi, Parvada is centrally located from where these sacred places are just a couple of hours of drive away. On your treks, watch out for nondescript, colourful shrines that have been installed with reverence by the people of the woods.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: A Glimpse of Kumaoni Culture

A visit to this part of the Kumaon region isn't complete without having a glimpse of the traditional decor of local homes that have vintage Kumaoni architecture with flamboyant and intricately carved colourful wooden doors and windows.

Though these carvings have become rare, the existence of row houses that encourage community living is ubiquitous to Parvada. Also, it is not a rare sight to see women venturing into the jungles to collect dried leaves and fodder for their cattle, bravely climbing trees for wood, working hard alongside their male counterparts on terrace fields and mothering their fruit orchards, children and domesticated animals.

Parvada, Uttarakhand: Things to Do

Apart from the usual lazy strolls across the eco-village of Parvada and other adjoining settlements that are strewn across the mountains, one could also visit the nearby Baalughad waterfalls that demand a 2.5 kms trek, crossing rivulets and steep paths. The umpteen small terrace fields also add a different perspective to the landscape of these mountains. You may also visit the sunrise point at Mukteshwar and indulge in adventure activities like zip-lining, paragliding, or go sightseeing to Nainital, Bhimtal, Almora and beyond.

With a plethora of immersive experiences and things to offer, Parvada is an ideal offbeat destination for a quick getaway this summer.

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