WELCOME TO
KATIE'S ABODE
PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN HARTOLA
Meet my Pawents & Little Sis the co-hosts
Hartola facts
Nooks & Corners
The common areas
You have access to our entire home except the rooms of other guests. We have a spacious sitting room with a fireplace where you can enjoy a good book from my mom’s library sipping a cup of coffee.
There is a television here although I don’t recommend wasting your time staring at it.
You can savour the meals in the dining hall or in the adjoining sit-out area enjoying the beauty of the calm environment of Hartola.
Brick by Brick - The Story So Far
How my home took shape
Although our home was built very recently, my parents wanted it to blend with the other houses of the village and not to stand out as an eyesore city mansion.
It took a lot of effort from my parents to convince the architect not to get carried away and stick to the plan of resembling a village home with flush interiors.
The layout of the house was meticulously done to minimise damage to existing mountain terraces and fruit trees during the construction.
The property has 4 rooms that accommodate 2 guests each and a family room that accommodates 6 guests. All rooms have attached bathrooms.
Right from the Farms
Enjoy Fresh Local Produce
I can definitely tell you the delight of devouring some fresh chicken. It’s tasty for sure. With the villagers growing different types of veggies, pulses, etc. it’s a habit that my parents follow of bringing home everything (AND EVERYDAY) straight from the farms to the kitchen. And if I’m not feeling too lazy I accompany them to the farms too.
Take My Word - The World Looks Pretty from Here
OFF LEASH – OUR NEWS DIGEST
Recent Reviews
ExcellentBased on 34 reviewsVerifiedArjun Shekhar2023-07-24Much to do even in the rains! The hospitality of Katie's Abode, I must, is unparralled. I had gone with my wife during the rainy season that had just started, to celebrate our 3rd marriage anniversary and with no other guests we had an absolute romantic vacation. While the caretaker and his son took care of our needs, we had access to the kitchen so be baked our own cake for our special day. Between the rains we had a period when the rains had stopped and we were lucky enough to see the snow-capped mountains. The property is tastefully done by the hosts and the room we stayed was big and spacious. It has everything to take care of you if you are stuck in the rains - books, the board games, and of course the TV. This time we couldn't venture out because of the incessant downpour, but we are surely coming back to enjoy the outdoors.VerifiedDarpita Travels2023-07-16Unexpected and pleasantly surprised We were not sure if the homestay could cater to the needs of our big group of people, but thanks to the caretaker of Katie’s Abode, Kesav Ji and his son Amit, they looked after our every need. The place is situated in a small village away from the hustle and bustle of the done to death touristy places, so if you want to connect with your friends or family, this is the place to be. One should see the evening sky to believe the beauty of the place. The weather even in June was great and you needed a light woolen to keep away the chill. We all loved the food cooked by the caretaker and the house itself was very homely and gives warm welcoming vibes. The last one km to the cottage is non-metaled but wide and motorable. The location is good for scenic beauty and calmness.VerifiedSwaroop kumar2023-07-11Spent a quiet time without any distractions. I had gone to Hartola with a friend who had come from Mumbai after many years. So we decided to go to a quiet place without any distractions to catch-up. And Katie's Abode was the perfect place. We stayed in the lower wing where the hosts stay too. They were very courteous and their pet, Katie on whom the homestay is being named is very gentle and a total cutie. We took long walks and the food prepared by the caretaker was delicious. His son, Amit took good care of us. BTW we devoured so much of fruit, right from the trees around the property.VerifiedReshita Goel2023-07-09The unforgettable 4 days We went in the middle of the fruit picking season and boy did we have so much of delicious fruit. The entire place was surrounded by the aroma of peaches, apricots and plums. Our family of four - my husband and 2 six and 3 year old kids enjoyed staying at Katie's Abode. We stayed for 4 nights and there was never a dull moment. The property is tastefully done and the hosts are very kind and accommodating. The caretaker and Amit looked after us very well. Joshiji's cooking is worth mentioning. Will definitely be back during the apple picking time.VerifiedADP2023-06-04We were so curious who is Katie till we met her:):) We are just back from a weekend trip at Katie's Abode! Thank you Katie, Deepa and Dhruv for hosting us! We absolutely loved your place and felt completely at home. For all of you who are looking to go to the mountains, do make a plan to visit them! Both Deepa and Dhruv are amazing hosts. They know how to do a great balance of engaging their guests and yet not being intrusive. Communication regrading the stay was seamless. The house is cozy, colouful, comfortable and tastefully done. It overlooks beautiful forests and on a clear day you will have a stunning view of snow clad mountains. Their caretaker Joshi ji and his son Amit are warm and welcoming. They made simple and sumptuous meals for us.Joshji took us on a trek and we had the most engaging conversation with him about the village and it's inhabitants. Will surely go back!VerifiedRekha Thakur Sharma2023-05-07Rain, pakoras, tea, maggi, and some romantic poems I was in Katie's Abode with my husband on the last Sunday of April and was welcomed by incessant rains. It was our first vacation as a couple after we tied the knot last month. Since there was no one else expect for the hosts Dhruv and Deepa in ground level, we had the entire cottage for ourselves. It was definitely 4 romantic days. Dhruv was kind enough to sign his anthology of poems which I now have read from cover to cover. The service provided by the caretaker Joshiji and his son Amit was very good. We certainly had some very tasty food that reminds you of home. We intend to come back again.VerifiedAjit Menon2023-04-22Katie’s Abode is an abode fit for the Gods. Beautiful house - far from the madding crowds. Very well maintained property done up very tastefully with nice views. The host Mr. Joshi is a lovely person & ensures all your needs are taken care of. The good is absolutely fantastic & home cooked. Good place for treks & walks. Carry your own bottled water because the water in these hills is quite hard with heavy minerals & may not suit everyone. Must visit for those looking for sone solitude & peace.VerifiedDeepika2023-04-21The mindful solace It felt like a home away from home. The warmth of the place, the aesthetically done interiors, the welcoming and empathetic caretaker, it all made the experience relaxing, joyful and rejuvenating. Add the scenic beauty and the mountain calm to it and voila!! Memorable stayVerifiedAnkita Banerjee2023-04-11Solo trip to Hartola and I will go there again! It was my first solo trip and somehow I ended up in Katie’s Abode in Hartola. It was Christmas time and it was definitely cold. I was little apprehensive about staying alone as there were no other guests on the level where my room was. However speaking to a couple of villagers and particularly to the caretaker, Joshiji, I gained confidence. The fireplace was heavenly and the food, though simple, was delicious. During the daytime the sun was bright and despite the wind sitting in the sun was truly enjoyable. I stayed for five days and I never missed home. Will definitely come during the fruit season, which I believe is even more beautiful with trees laden with fruits all around the place. What I loved about the property is that even if you are travelling solo, you will feel safe.VerifiedRahul Meena2023-04-10Great stay, but not the last one Nestled amidst the orchards Katie’s Abode was our first experience in a home stay. The property is surrounded by apple, peach and plum trees and every morning you wake up early with chirping of birds. With hardly any traffic, one can take in the fresh air to one’s heart’s content. The cottage is quaint but with modern amenities and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. The rooms we stayed offered views of the Nanda Devi range. We were so happy that we extended our weekend stay to another two days and still we felt it was not enough. The hosts have a good collection of books and a couple of board games which kept the kids preoccupied while we went for long walks in the village. The villagers are very kind and cheerful and we talked with many discussing about their lives and about the Himalayan ranges and other topics. Meanwhile, the caretaker, Keshav Joshiji was a perfect host and took care of all our needs at the absence of the hosts. His food was delicious and freshly made. He cheerfully initiated himself to take us on treks across the mountains, which was fun even for the children. It was very kind of Dhruv and Deepa who called us from time to time to know if we were comfortable at their home. I am sure it was not our last visit. Looking forward to go again. And since they have a broadband connection offering good speed, we are thinking of a workation.