KALMATIA SANGAM HIMALAYA RESORT - ALMORA

KALMATIA SANGAM HIMALAYA RESORT
Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort (KaSa), set 7km above Almora & 10km from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kumaon hills at an altitude of 2000m (6500ft.). Kalimat Estate is a 16 acre property and nestled into the hillside the resort is spread over 5 acres of sylvan surroundings amidst cedars, cypresses, pines, mimosa, rhododendron and other trees. The area has a teeming variety of flora and fauna and is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. The crowning glory is the spectacular Himalayan range Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot, Chaukhamba, Panch Chuli etc.

"Kalmatia" means black soil a special phenomena of this particular hill. "Sangam" a mingling of the cultures of the east and west. Kalimat Estate was bought by Geeta Reebs grandfather during the British Raj when he was the District Commissioner of the Kumaon. The original house was built in 1867 by a British Capt. Jackson.

Just a km away is the ancient temple of Kasar Devi (2nd. century B.C.). On part of this mountain the famous Buddhist scholar Lama Anagarika Govinda and his talented wife Li Gotami had their estate.

The resort is an all year round place each season having its own charm. ACCOMMODATION
The cottages are a harmonious blend of British colonial architecture with Kumaoni elements and offer a magnificent, unhampered 400km view of the Himalaya. All the cottages are unique and individual, elegantly and tastefully furnished not forgetting comfort and modern amenities. Some are suites, and in some rooms the bed and living area are on different levels. All cottages are heated in winter. The basic differences are in architecture and interiors. Eagles Nest: appropriately named, this perch has the most astonishing view of the Himalayas.

Owl: Snug with a wonderful view. Easily accessible for seniors.

Himalayan Magpie: Octagonal and built completely in stone, the Himalayan Magpie is a cosy and romantic cottage.

Scarlet Minivet: The only cottage on the south side is the Scarlet Minivet. It has a wonderful view of the sunset and the night lights of Almora.

Pheasant: Adjoining cottages, built on two levels, Pheasant and Partridge share only the balcony. Pheasant is built on the east and the sun greets you each morning.

Partridge: Adjoining cottages, built on two levels, Pheasant and Partridge share only the balcony. Enjoy the last rays of the sunset.

Hoopoe: Hoopoe and Cuckoo are built one above the other. Two cedar pillars in Hoopoe give the impression of dividing the living & sleeping area. The cottages have separate entrances and the only thing they share is the view !

Cuckoo: Hoopoe & Cuckoo are built one above the other. Cuckoo, built on the top, has a huge sunny terrace. The cottages have separate entrances and the only thing they share is the view !

Goldfinch: Goldfinch and Rosefinch are two small adjoining cottages, ideal and cosy for single occupancy but can also accommodate a couple.

Rosefinch: Goldfinch and Rosefinch are two small adjoining cottages, ideal and cosy for single occupancy but can also accommodate a couple.

DINING: The restaurant "Sangam" is the focal point of the resort. The attractive furniture designed by Dieter Reeb, the nostalgic open fireplace, the "art gallery" which displays paintings by local and foreign artists and the delectable, international cuisine invite the guests to linger and savour the ambience as does the terrace with its beautiful view, bird song and soft, gentle pine scented breezes.

The menus include Mexican, authentic European cuisine, Middle Eastern or Mediterrane and inspired buffet lunches where one can sample humous, babaganoush, pita bread and tatziki or ratatouie, tomate a la provencale, pizza and fresh pasta. Indian veg. & non veg., tandoori. And for desert the French "floating islands", meringue or fresh fruit pastries and tarts, just to mention a few of the delectable dishes served.

Breakfast and lunch on the sunny terrace or a romantic dinner in front of a crackling, open fire - sangam offers all it's visitors a welcoming and unforgettable experience.

ACTIVITIES

The resort is an ideal starting point for hikes and treks to various places of interest, whether one day excursions or longer trips to higher altitudes. In the nearby vicinity one can visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the famous Jageshwar temple complex built between 8th. to 12th. century A.D. and surrounded by dense cedar forests, the Katarmal Sun temple one of the few after Konarak, Chittai bell temple where devotees bring their pleas to Golu Devta god of justice, prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar and much more.

Idyllic hikes through forests of cedar, oak and rhododendron along bubbling streams, enjoy a splash and picnic in the pool of the nearby waterfall, passing through quaint Kumaoni villages the houses with slated roofs and carved doors and windows where one can interact with the friendly villagers.

The resort also offers massage and acupressure/reflexology with a French lady, collecting herbs and mushrooms during season and for those who just want to relax in beautiful surroundings a library of books and music cassettes.

General: The resort has a library of books on various topics (fiction and non-fiction), a library of music cassettes to suit different tastes in Indian and Western Classical Music and a variety of games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, Ludo, Cards, Backgammon etc.

How to reach Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort:
From Delhi:
1.Train: Ranikhet Express (5013-5014) - 1st class + 2nd class AC sleeper
Departure Delhi 10.40 p.m. - Arr. 06.00 a.m. Kathgodam
Departure Kathgodam 20.40 p.m. - Arr. 4.30 a.m. Delhi
Pick up/drop Kalmatia Sangam to Kathgodam = 2 ½ hrs. drive.

2.Train: Lal Kuan Express (517-518) - 1st class + 2nd class AC sleeper
Departure Delhi 5.00 a.m. - Arr. 11.00 a.m. Lal Kuan
Departure Lal Kuan 3.40 p.m. - Arr. 9.35 p.m. Delhi
Pick up/drop Kalmatia Sangam to Lal Kuan = 3 ½ hrs. drive.

3, Samparkranti Express:
Dep. Kathgodam 08.45 am arr. Delhi 03.30 pm
Dep. Delhi 04.00 pm arr. Kathgodam 10.05 pm
Pick up/drop Kalmatia Sangam to Kathgodam = 2 ½ hrs. drive

By road :
To Kalmatia Sangam 8-9 hrs. - 380km. Drive via Hapur (take bypass) - Gajraula - Moradabad (take bypass) - Rampur - turn left towards Bilaspur - Udham Singh Nagar - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Bhowali - Garampani - Almora - take upper Kasardevi road towards Binsar (Wildlife Sanctuary) 7km - Kalmatia Sangam 1km before Kasar Devi temple.

PACKAGES

ROOM CAT.	2 NTS. PACKAGES 01st Oct 2011 – 30th Sept 2012 (Except long holidays weekends) (in Indian Rupees)				3 NTS. PACKAGES 01st Oct 2011 - 30th Sept 2012 (Except long holidays weekends) (in Indian Rupees)
	APAI	MAPAI	CPAI	EPAI	APAI	MAPAI	CPAI	EPAI
CAT. 1	Rs. 19480/-	Rs. 17530/-	Rs. 14930/-	Rs. 13480/-	Rs. 27830/-	Rs. 25300/-	Rs. 21500/-	Rs. 19350/-
CAT. 2	Rs. 16940/-	Rs. 15240/-	Rs. 12980/-	Rs. 11720/-	Rs. 24200/-	Rs. 22000/-	Rs. 18700/-	Rs. 16830/-
CAT. 3	Rs. 12700/-	Rs. 11430/-	Rs. 9740/-	Rs. 8790/-	Rs. 18150/-	Rs. 16500/-	Rs. 14025/-	Rs. 12620/-
COTTAGE NAMES: CAT. 1 (one unit) = EAGLES NEST CAT. 2 (seven units) = SCARLET MINIVET + HOOPOE + HIMALAYAN MAGPIE + CUCKOO + PHEASANT + PARTRIDGE + OWL CAT. 3 (two units) = ROSEFINCH + GOLDFINCH
Extra Adult (above 12 yrs.)		Rs. 3000/- on APAI per night and Rs. 2600/- on MAPAI per night with or without extra bed.
Extra Child (5-12 yrs.)		Rs. 1650/- per child per night on APAI and Rs. 1400/- per child per night on MAPAI with or without extra bed.

The Package Includes:

• Accommodation for a couple on twin sharing basis.
• AP includes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
• MAP includes Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner.
• CP includes Breakfast only.
• EP includes Accommodation only.
• Children upto 5 years are free on the respective package without extra bed.
• Additional nights extendable on pro-rata basis.
• Service Tax of 1.03 % shall be extra on Nett Billing.
• Check in time is 11.00am & Check out time is 10.00am.

Cancellation Policy:

• 30 - 16 days before arrival 85% refund.
• 15 - 8 days before arrival 75% refund.
• 7 days before arrival no refund possible.

X-MAS & NEW YEAR WEEKEND PACKAGES
(Valid from 20th Dec 2011 - 03rd Jan 2012)

Package on AP plan includes Bed Tea, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Adults on AP Rs. 4950/- per pax per night.
Children between 5 & 12 Rs. 2200/- per child per night
Extra bed Rs. 3100/- per night

Package on MAP plan includes Bed Tea, Breakfast & Dinner.
Adults on MAP Rs. 4550/- per pax per night
Children between 5 & 12 Rs. 1900/- per child per night
Extra bed Rs. 2700/- per night.
(On double or Twin sharing basis)

Single room supplement Rs. 2000/- per night
31st. night supplement Adults Rs. 2200/- per adult
Children between 5 & 12 Rs. 1200/-
Taxes extra 15%.

31st. night supplement:
Adults: Rs. 2200/- per adult
Children (5-12 yrs): Rs. 1200/- per child

Notes:

• For Cat 1 (Cottage Eagles Nest) add 15%. For Cat. 3 (Cottages Rosefinch & Goldfinch) minus 25%.
• 1.03% service tax shall be extra on nett billing.

"Guest Comments"

Peaceful environment, wonderful meditative hike, lovely views. Service and people warm and friendly. The cottage was very comfortable. It was a wonderful visit to the hill country.
(March 2008. Myrna Fleishman - USA)

I love your place, it is so beautiful. The food is great, the rooms generate an extremely warm feeling. However many times you come here, it is still mind blowing and welcoming. I am sure to visit here many, many times more. Open up a branch in Bombay too!!
(December 2006. Anupama Hegde - India)

An experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. Wonderful staff (advise anybody to use guides for an insight into village life). Truly made to feel at home in beautiful surroundings. Congratulations to everybody involved in Kalmatia!
(March 2006. Malcolm and Shirley Bond - UK)

Our 3rd trip to Almora and Kalmatia Sangam was like previous occasions, fantastic. Three beautiful days with trekking on the slopes and valleys of Kumaon. This time we also waded over the Kosi river and we saw the Ram/Dussehra festival - very interesting! We hope to be back soon.
(October 2006. Nicolas Trouve (Ambassador) - Embassy of Sweden, India)

It is beautiful could not get a better place for our honeymoon. Thank you very much for such a wonderful experience. We will return to celebrate our wedding anniversary in the future! Your staffs are excellent! We got the best service and were looked after very well. The food was finger licking Good!! We loved our stay and will definitely return in the future. Thanks again for such a great experience.
(November 2006. Kanail and Hita Kotail - Kenya)

Accommodation good. Food excellent. Could have stayed longer if tour operator had arranged it.
(March 2008. Sir Nevil Carey & Lady Carey - UK)

The more one comes in here, the more he falls in love with the calmness of this place. Great place to be as usual. Excellent staff, good food. So much to treasure in memory will come again next year!!
(March 2008. Mohit Seth - India)

We have had a magnificent time, made new friends and learned to love life in the Himalaya. The walks were exceptional, the food excellent and the cottages truly comfortable + picturesque. My favourite was bed tea and the the wonderful feeling created by staff, management and owners.
(November 2006. Prof. Wendy + Dr. John Schiller - Australia)