Tag: apple orchards in Shimla

10 things to do while at a SaffronStays Home!

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We work recklessly to not only earn a living but also live a life full of rich experiences worth cherishing. These are best lived with a companion along. So here we give you 10 things to do at our homes that are worth living and reminiscing. Share it with your friends and decide which one is best for you.

Apple & Cherry Orchards Tour at SaffronStays Thanedhar Estate

A 100 year old estate home SaffronStays Thanedhar Estate in Himachal Pradesh belonging to the family which has a close connection to Samuel (Satyanand) Stokes, the man responsible for introducing apple cultivation in India. Yes this home is where you can learn and experience the cultivation of apples and cherries. You can even Drive down to Narkanda-India’s oldest skiing destination during the winter season. Or Visit the popular tourist spots like Hatu Peak, Tani Jubbar Lake and St. Mary’s Church. When Firstpost, Business Today and Financial Express have spoken about India’s first apple orchard, SaffronStays Thanedhar Estate, you know this is one of the 10 things to do while at this home in the North!

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Visit the Palampur tea garden near SaffronStays Villa Asha

 SaffronStays Villa Asha is a pet-friendly villa set in the tea capital of North India. This rustic abode is a perfect combination of simplicity and modern splendour. Situated in Palampur, one of the most majestic hill stations of the North. This home urges you to visit the Palampur tea garden which is very close to the villa. Also, you can visit the 13th Century Baijnath temple or Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery too. With so many places around, this cannot, not be in the 10 things to do of our list.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Treks and Trails around SaffronStays Tridiva

Perched on hilltop in the village of Talwari, over 5,500 ft. in the Garhwal Himalayas, SaffronStays Tridiva is a comfortable home that suits best for the adventurous souls. Believe it or not, this home as trek routes connected to reach all the famous spots around. From a day’s trek to Badhangari a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati to a 5-6 day trek to the famous Roopkund-a famous glacial lake. There are religious festivals that take place in autumn,where the nearby villages participate. The lake is covered with ice all the time and it adds to its beauty. You wouldn’t want to miss out on these things to do, even if you plan to go SOLO like Indian Express has stated!

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Traditional activities at SaffronStays Jaipura Garh

A royal heritage home built on land gifted by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur to Sardar Singh was restored to its formal beauty recently. And it is no other than SaffronStays Jaipura Garh in Jaipur. If you’ve been looking to witness a melting pot of cultures or encounter fascinating anecdotes of history, this home is where you will find all possible cultural things to do. Pottery, Camel Cart or Tractor Trolley Ride, Jaipura Village Trail, Dinner with the Royals, city tours, picnics, night safari etc are few of the things to do while you are at this getaway home with your friends and family. Tripoto and have explained why this should be your next getaway

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Cricket tournament at SaffronStays Casa Blanca

Calling all you cricket enthusiasts to SaffronStays Casa Blanca in Karjat. This beautifully crafted Home has a Greek touch, artistically painted murals 2-acres of organic farms, a private pool and a huge ground for cricket, volleyball or badminton. Having a dedicated cricket pitch, this home will surely attract your attention if you are a cricket enthusiast. With a dance floor, DJ console, speakers, poker table, and a small TT table, you will not fall short of things to do at this villa near Mumbai, this even Curly Tales would not deny.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Pet day out at SaffronStays Casa Manga

What if I tell you that having a pet day out, is one of the 10 things you must do? At a home that’s pet-friendly, SaffronStays Casa Manga in Karjat is where you can tick this wish off the list. Surrounded by lush greenery with a gazebo in the outdoors, you can soak yourself at this beautiful home. Not only can you and your friends play cricket and football in the sprawling lawn area, but your pets can also have its own good time as well. Not forgetting the  bonfire which is right next to the pool to keep you warm. ND studios which is a major tourist attraction in Karjat, is located close to the villa.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Fun workshops at SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow

SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow is a 1890’s colonial home that’s set amidst the green hills of Coorg. Here, you can pick and brew your own morning cuppa, learn the basics of bee-keeping from the apiculture farm. This villa has a an enthusiastic home owner who can teach you everything from baking to photography. Did your vacation ever seem to be this interesting? With so many things to do at just one place, this villa makes it the perfect vacation home for you and your gang.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Organic Farming at SaffronStays Thenkani Organic Farms

A garden with a rock pool and several plants and colourful flowers pave the way for this Swiss chalet-esque home, SaffronStays Thenkani Farms in Tamil Nadu. At this home you can not only catch the surreal vision of a herd of elephants and deer walking by the home from the balcony but also spend your time plucking out tomatoes from organic farms for chutneys or relax under a blanket of stars. With all such fascinating things to do in Southern India, you must not miss out on booking this home right away.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Stroll through the coffee estate, SaffronStays Nandanvan Estate

SaffronStays Nandanvan Estate is an earthy stone and mud structure built on a 35 Acre Estate. exudes a homely vibe one can grab their favourite book from the collection of over 200 books in the home’s library. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll as you set out for a picnic along with your furry friends by the serene river. Also, not forgetting the coffee plantations at this home where one can experience the fresh aroma and feel refreshed. Not only does this villa have coffee plantations, but also includes a wide variety of trees like jackfruit, orange, avocado, banana, rose-apples, rosewood, vanilla, pepper and more. You don’t have to be a FOMO when you have so many things to do at this Estate home.

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Vacay at SaffronStays Ivory Cottages, a 100 acre coffee plantation home

Ek se badh kar do they say, hence we have another home that is has a 100 acre coffee plantation. SaffronStays Ivory Cottages has a legacy of 125 years and can be traced back to the Colonial Era. With fully trained hospitality staff, this home wants you to just relax and enjoy the coffee from the homegrown plantations as one of the things to do while at a SaffronStays villa. 

Know more: (+91) 2268110811 | book@saffronstays.com

Aren’t all these 10 things to do unique and a must do while on a vacation? If your answer is yes, you know the benefits of holidaying with us. It also comes with hasslefree getaways and honest hospitality to pamper you. So why wait, when you can book right away? 

‘Ripe Choice’: Apple Orchards of Thanedhar Estate

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apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh

As the snow starts to melt and spring rolls around, the long stretches of apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh bloom in colours ranging from subtle green to luscious red. Drive through the streets and you’ll see the workers picking and carting the apples in the triangular baskets attached to their backs as well as the markets bursting with fresh produce. With the apple orchards blooming everywhere, the heady smell of ripe apples perfumes the fresh Pahadi air.

Thanedhar Estate, apple orchards of Shimla

A Lesson in History

Himachal Pradesh is India’s second-largest producer of the fruit. It’s been almost a century since apples were first introduced to the valley. In 1870, a British army officer introduced a variety of English apples to Kullu Valley. Since they were sour for the Indian palate, it didn’t catch the attention of the farmers.

In 1915, Samuel Stokes was responsible for apple cultivation in India. Belonging to the distinguished Quaker family and an American missionary working in the leper colony of Shimla, he brought a few saplings of the new strain of apples, Red Delicious, from a nursery in Louisiana. They were planted in his orchard in Thanedhar village where the first trees bore fruit in 1926. Soon, the farmers came around following the popularity of this sweeter variety of apples. The locals switched out wheat for apples. 100 years later, the apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh contribute largely to the state’s economy.

Thanedhar Estate, apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh
Time to go apple picking at Thanedhar Estate!
apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh, Thanedhar Estate
Wander through the orchards of Thanedhar Estate

Experiencing the Heritage at Thanedhar Estate

Set in the timeless city of Shimla is a 4-bedroom villa on a hilltop, SaffronStays Thanedhar Estate. Nestled on an apple orchard, this estate has a legacy of 100 years. The family has a close connection with Samuel Satyanand Stokes, the pioneer of apple cultivation. Experience the rich heritage pulsing through the air as you take a walk amidst the fruit-laden boughs.

Set on a hilltop, Thanedhar Estate offers expansive views of the surrounding orchards. Rows and rows of apple, as well as cherry trees, line the slope. Wake up to the view of the surroundings soaked in shades of green punctuated with vibrant red spots.

Thanedhar Estate in Shimla
Enjoy the expansive views of the apple orchards from the veranda
Thanedhar Estate in Shimla
Get cosy as you enjoy some downtime with your family and friends

As you traverse through the orchard to reach the house, the front porch furnished with a seating area sporting colourful cushions brightens the space. The interiors of the home are decked up in muted tones of cream and brown lending a cosy and comfortable vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. Embroidered cushion covers, retro-style lamps, mood paintings and photographs, all add to the aesthetic charm of the home.

Thanedhar Estate in Shimla
Enjoy the solitude as you gaze out into the immensity

A home that is designed to put any soul at ease, it has multiple seating areas where you can just sit and let the surroundings take over you. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the front porch or from the common verandah that joins all the bedrooms. Appreciate the warm sunlight dancing on your face as you sit on the porch. Enjoy the sunset from the verandah as sunlight pours through the glass window.

Call of the Valley

If you’re visiting between June and September, you’re in for some luck. You might get to pluck the apples right from the trees (under the Thanedhar Estate Manager’s expert guidance, of course!). Since, you’re in the land of snow-clad mountains, beautiful lakes and stunningly rich greenery of Shimla, it’ll almost be a crime to let it go unexplored. Visit Hatu Peak, a 30-minute drive from the estate. Trek to the top and enjoy the magnificent 360° view of the towering Himalayas. A quaint picnic spot, Tani Jubbar Lake is surrounded by tall trees and mountains making it a must-visit.

The clear blue skies, mighty mountains, lush green cover, the sweet smell of the luscious red fruits, home-like hospitality at SaffronStays Thanedhar Estate beckons you to enjoy the apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh.

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