Kudrat: A Sustainable Haven in the Heart of Tirthan Valley
Nestled in the pristine forests of Himachal Pradesh’s Tirthan Valley, Kudrat is a boutique homestay that feels like a storybook come to life. Every guest who visits is enchanted by its tranquility, and its hosts, Sudhir Nehru and Bhawana Koundal, are the architects of this dream turned reality. Their journey, one of love, adventure, and sustainability, led them from the chaos of city life to the heart of the mountains, where they built Kudrat, named after their daughter and inspired by nature itself.
A Dream Rooted in the Mountains
Born in Nagaland but with Kashmiri roots, Sudhir always harbored a deep love for the mountains. However, life led him to the corporate world, where he found himself stuck in an endless cycle of deadlines and structured weekends. In 2012, he and Bhawana decided to break free, embarking on a two-year backpacking adventure across India and Europe. This journey reignited their passion for mountain living, and in 2014, they stumbled upon a piece of land in Tirthan Valley. They fell in love instantly. What was initially intended as a holiday retreat soon evolved into a full-time homestay, an extension of their vision to live harmoniously with nature.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Kudrat stands as a testament to eco-conscious living. The couple embraced traditional architecture to create two distinct yet equally enchanting homes. The Wood House, built in the kath kuni style native to the Kullu region, seamlessly blends with the surrounding deodar forests. It features cozy wooden interiors, a library nook, and an outdoor fireplace, making it an idyllic retreat. Each room offers breathtaking views of the mountains, with the Braag Suite, named after the leopards, boasting a charming attic space.
The Stone House, Kudrat’s twin, is a modern counterpart constructed with mud plaster and locally sourced stones. While the Wood House maintains an ideal indoor climate year-round, the Stone House was designed to maximize natural light, featuring a glass skylight that brightens the space throughout the day. The combination of wood, stone walls, and mud plaster ensures insulation, keeping the homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
A Culinary Celebration of Tradition
Food at Kudrat is an experience in itself. Bhawana and Sudhir are passionate about preserving Himachal’s rich culinary heritage, serving guests the traditional Kullvi dham, a local feast that includes siddu (steamed wheat buns with lentil stuffing), sepu vadi (steamed and fried lentil dumplings), rajma, kadi, madhra, and khatta, among other delicacies. These dishes, prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms, offer an authentic taste of Himachal’s vibrant culture. Guests can also enjoy homemade jams, poori aloo, chola bhatura, and stuffed parathas, making every meal a wholesome delight.
Sustainability: A Way of Life
Sustainability isn’t just a concept at Kudrat—it’s a way of life. The couple has integrated numerous eco-friendly practices into their daily operations. A 40,000-litre rainwater harvesting pond meets the homestay’s water needs, while waste is carefully segregated—wet waste is fed to livestock, and dry waste is sent to a recycling plant in Manali. Plastic use is minimized, and refillable toiletries are provided to guests. Kudrat stands as a shining example of how tourism can coexist with environmental consciousness.
A Home Among the Hills
Kudrat is more than just a homestay; it’s an immersive experience. Guests can explore nearby villages, trek into the Great Himalayan National Park, visit the Chhoie Waterfall, or simply soak in the serenity of the Tirthan River. For Sudhir and Bhawana, this journey has been one of patience, love, and deep respect for nature. In the Valley, where the only deadlines are catching sunrises and sunsets, they have found their true calling.
Now, as you step into Kudrat, let the whispers of the forest, the rhythm of the river, and the warmth of its hosts envelop you. It’s not just a place—it’s a feeling, an experience, a dream realized in the heart of the Himalayas.