A gentle pause in a house where every corner tells a story.
Originally built in the late 19th century, Prasada Bhawan has been the summer home to generations of the distinguished Prasada family. Today, it opens its doors to discerning guests seeking the intimacy of a private home, the romance of colonial Kumaon, and the warmth of genuine hospitality amidst forested serenity.
LOCATION:
- Distance from Kathgodam Railway Station: ~35 km (approx. 1.5-hour drive)
- Setting: Above Mallital, tucked into the oak and rhododendron forest, just beyond the bustle of Nainital town
- Surroundings: Hillside gardens, British-era trails, chirping songbirds, and panoramic Himalayan views
ACCOMMODATION:
- Abbotsford offers a handful of thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, each uniquely designed to reflect its historic roots while providing modern-day comfort.
- Heritage Rooms: With antique furniture, wooden floors, and classic bay windows that frame misty valleys
- Garden View Suites: Spacious, sunlit rooms opening to the cottage garden, perfect for long reading mornings and quiet reflection
- The Writer’s Room: A favorite among artists and thinkers, with an antique writing desk, views of the forest, and timeless stillness
- All rooms include heritage furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, handpicked linens, and charming vintage accents that echo the elegance of a forgotten time.
DINING EXPERIENCES:
- Café Chica – A beloved space known for its homemade charm, offering Anglo-Indian dishes, Kumaoni flavours, and continental comfort food served with garden views
- Garden Breakfasts – Fresh fruit, warm bakes, and eggs to order in the crisp morning air beneath rustling pines
- Fireplace Evenings – Dine indoors by the hearth during chilly evenings with mulled wine, local stories, and candlelight
- Custom Meals – Pre-booked meals curated with home-style warmth—everything from roast chicken to traditional Kumaoni bhatt ki churkani
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES:
- Heritage Walks – Explore old British trails, colonial bungalows, and untold tales of Nainital’s layered past
- Forest Hikes – Gentle or guided walks through the oak and rhododendron woods surrounding the property
- Local Culture & Cuisine – Get a taste of Kumaoni traditions through storytelling, music, and curated dinners
- Reading & Writing Retreats – Abbotsford’s library, verandahs, and writing desks create the perfect setting for creative souls
- Birdwatching – The forests here hum with life—wake up to the Himalayan whistling thrush, flycatchers, and sunbirds
- Winter Charm – Snow-kissed gardens, warm quilts, hot chocolate, and vintage fireplaces light up the colder months