UNEXPLORED HIMACHAL
Rakkh Patrika, news from unexplored Himachal Pradesh
Unique Travel Stories from an Experiential Resort in Himachal Pradesh
RAKKH Patrika
Lore, unexplored. See the unseen, Hear the unheard, Live the forever.
Explore Himachal: Barog Hill Station
Just imagine, you have decided to tour Himachal Pradesh, booked your transport and booked your room at a resort in Himachal, have also picked a few activities you would like to do and places you would like to explore. But you would not want to only visit the obvious places that tourists always go to, would you?
Well, let us help you explore the real Himachal Pradesh, here focusing on a quaint village around 60 kilometres from Chandigarh that is not just known for its views like every other town in the region but a lot more.
Andretta: Artist Colony of Himachal Pradesh
Andretta, the artist colony of Himachal: An absolute must-visit place in Himachal Pradesh for artists and art enthusiasts. Visit the mud house of Norah Richards, explore the pottery scene, and learn much about art of Himachal Pradesh.
Things to Do That Resorts in Himachal Pradesh Provide: Tea Gardens
The state of Himachal Pradesh situated in the Western Himalayas is home to beautiful snowy mountains, rivers, and sublime tea estates. One has to visit tea plantations to experience the true serene nature of Himachal Pradesh. Several resorts in Himachal Pradesh are based in these tea gardens and a few days strolling through these green fields can refresh any person.
Exploring The Ancient Temples of Himachal
Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh - An ancient Temple and caves located in the Dhaulagiri range of the Himachal and is situated in the village Chakmoh near Kasauli, this temple is an enchanting site for pilgrims. This temple is thronged by tourists during the Navratri when the devotees travel miles to worship the Babaji.
Top Bird Watching Sites in Himachal Pradesh
Surrounded by many high-altitude mountains and brimming with lakes and rivers, Himachal Pradesh enjoys a varied topography which makes the region rich in flora and fauna. The dense forest cover here is a mix of tropical to coniferous, providing a perfect home to myriad migratory and rare birds.
The Atal Tunnel of Himachal Pradesh - The World’s Largest Tunnel
Parasailing in Bir Billing is an extremely fun and adventurous activity for tourists and adventure junkies alike. Bir Billing is proudly known as the 'Paragliding capital of India'. This small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is considered to be the best location in the country to enjoy the sport of paragliding or parasailing.
Popular Hiking Places by Resorts in Himachal Pradesh
The snow-capped land of the gods and heavenly scenery is what you may call Himachal Pradesh. This North Indian state hosts the Himalayas and is definitely a treat for the active! They are trails lined throughout with snowy mountains and flora which hikers can enjoy while enjoying the cool weather the region mostly experiences.
Astronomy In Himachal
For thousands and thousands of years, the night skies have been our key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. Come dusk, and one by one the stars begin to make their appearance as they walk across the sky slowly, moving until once again the sun warmly shines over everyone.
A Comprehensive Guide on the Monasteries of Kangra
Dharamsala has one of the grandest and most picturesque monasteries in all of India that have preserved the Buddhist and ibetan culture after the Dalai ‘Lama’s exile from Tibet. One must definitely not miss out on visiting some of these wonderful monasteries in Kangra. Our resort in Himachal Pradesh has many amazing monasteries in the region around it.
Pin Valley National Park - Himachal Pradesh
The Pin Valley National Park is located in the calm and serene location of Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, this quaint and enchanting national park is a cold desert, replete with a variety of natural landscape features.
Spirituality in the Hills
The balance and peace we seek for ourselves and our society won't be achieved through mental effort alone. Mind and spirit are meant to travel together, with spirit leading the way. Until we make a conscious commitment to understand and embrace our spiritual nature, we will endure the ache of living without the awareness and guidance of the most essential part of ourselves.
- Susan L. Taylor
Folk Tales from the Hills
Himachal Pradesh, literally means "in the lap of Himalayas". This Northern state of India, is surrounded by the most awestruck mountains one can lie eyes on.
This state is situated in the Western Himalayas, and surrounded by states like Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab in its borders. Himachal Pradesh is also known as Land of the Gods or Deva Bhoomi.
A Pet friendly Holiday at Rakkh
Our pets or our fur companions are an important part of our lives. We cannot stand to be without them even for a minute. Our pets truly are our best friends and even a part of our family.
When we travel, we don't have the heart to leave behind our fur companions and go ahead with our journey.
Kangra Art Museum - A quaint spot for Kangra Miniature Paintings and reviving history through art.
Kangra Valley has beautiful and breathtaking scenery. When you visit a resort in Himachal Pradesh you will uncover the history and art of this quaint town.
In 1905, an Earthquake took away the loss of around 20,000 people in and around the valley of Kangra in Himachal.
A 2021 Guide to paragliding and parasailing in Bir Billing
Parasailing in Bir Billing is an extremely fun and adventurous activity for tourists and adventure junkies alike. Bir Billing is proudly known as the 'Paragliding capital of India'. This small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is considered to be the best location in the country to enjoy the sport of paragliding or parasailing.
Spiti Valley - A cold dessert amongst two lands
Our resort in Himachal Pradesh has various places in and around that you can visit at your leisure. One of the main tourist spots to visit while you're staying in our resort in Himachal Pradesh is Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley means "middle land," referring to its location between Tibet and India.
Wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal
Our previous post had us talking about the biodiversity of Himachal and around our resort in Himachal Pradesh. With over 1200 birds, 70 mammals and tens of thousands of species of flora
Kasol - The mini - Israel of India
Kasol is one of the most amazing and surreal hill stations in the District of Kullu. It is about 26 kilometres away from Kullu, on the way to the holy pilgrim town of Manikaran.
A New Chapter Of Sustainability With Dharamshala Social!
Rakkh Resort in Himachal Pradesh is delighted and excited to announce a new partnership and friendship with a venture that has forever been a beacon to the heroes of Himachal Pradesh
Sky Cycling in India at Rakkh Resort in Himachal Pradesh
Yes, we have done it again! Rakkh, an adventure resort in Himachal Pradesh has been a pioneering adventure and outdoor activities, bringing the best of treks, hikes and team-building activities too for all our patrons, be it a group of friends, families or corporates.
Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh
The abode of the gods has forever been a haven in every sense of the word. Lives move about differently around our resort in Himachal Pradesh. In conjunction with nature. The people of Himachal have innate ties with the vast expanse of biodiversity that surrounds them and we are privileged to be right in the thick of it all, as a resort in Himachal Pradesh.
Rakkh Activity Passport: Your Mandatory Document For A Fun Time!
Ahoy, young explorers! So you want to experience the great outdoors at our resort in Himachal Pradesh? You’ll need a special document all filled up here when you leave with mummy and papa! For you see, anyone who visits our resort in Himachal Pradesh must go on
Historical promience of Palampur: Tea Gardens and Beyond
Although now famous among the travellers, not many know of the rich history of the Kangra region. Here we explore particularly the history and landmark events and personalities of Palampur. At Rakkh Resort in Palampur, we are proud of history, culture and heritage, wanting to showcase it to the world. This is one humble attempt at it.
From the hills to the heights of Wall Street: Jay Chaudhary
In our own little way at Rakkh Resort in Palampur, we do give back to the community and the locals who work with us. We are proud of people such as Jay and Jyothi who have made India and Himachal Pradesh proud. Born in Panoh village of Una district of Himachal Pradesh, Jay Chaudhary today is an aspirational figure for all, not just in the tech industry.
Hing: The Taste of India, finally Made in India
Many of the ancient manuscripts and stone inscriptions of recipes found in the Indian mainland refer to Hing in the making. Dishes at our Himachali Rasoi and elsewhere too, Hing forms an important herb arsenal to create magic and satisfy our guests at Rakkh Resort in Palampur.
Tibetan Food Around Our Resort In Dharamshala
While you must feast on the local pahari fare at our resort in Dharamshala, you must also try the varied Tibetan cuisine when visiting the various towns around the resort. Some of it may be common knowledge to you while some may seem unique and even a little grotesque. But every bit of the cuisine has a story and purpose, which we shall explore in this story.
The Mighty Mountain Peaks of Himachal Pradesh
If you are an adventure enthusiast, our resort in Himachal Pradesh, has many mountaineering and trekking experiences ready to be endeavoured in the mighty Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayan mountains.
The most famous mountain ranges that pass through Himachal Pradesh are the Dhauladhar Ranges, The Great Himayalan Range and the long Pir Panjal Range.
The Best Himachal Itinerary Around Our Resort In Himachal Pradesh
Himachal comes alive, decked in green. Our resort in Himachal Pradesh goes from a snowy retreat into the summer hill station getaway you’ve always dreamed of! For those who rightly decide to escape to the hills this summer, a week’s getaway in Himachal Pradesh is what you need!
Sustainability In Himachal | Rakkh Resort
Summer is slowly approaching us and while this means that trekking in the South becomes a hassle owing to the days getting toastier, it becomes the perfect excuse to go trekking around our resort in Himachal Pradesh.
Our Only Home: A Climate Appeal to the World by Dalai Lama - A review
From the voice of the beloved religious leader of the world-renown comes an eye-opening manifesto that empowers the generation of today to step up, take action and save our environment.
Gaddi Jewelry | Rakkh Resort
The culture, traditions, heritage and art forms of Gaddis stand out as they are unlike any other. Rakkh Resort in Palampur is proud to showcase many of these artefacts for the benefit of art and history buffs. In this blog, we would like to talk about a specific aspect of Gaddi life. Their jewellery and fashion, particularly the Gaddi women.
Summits You Must Trek To | Rakkh Resort
Summer is slowly approaching us and while this means that trekking in the South becomes a hassle owing to the days getting toastier, it becomes the perfect excuse to go trekking around our resort in Himachal Pradesh.
Summer In Himachal | Rakkh Resort
By far the most popular summer getaway in India, Himachal Pradesh promises a holiday of a lifetime. The summer season in Himachal Pradesh, starts from the month of April and lasts till the month of June.
A Romantic Getaway At Our Resort In Palampur
We have a guest column from an intrepid traveller who spent a romantic weekend at Rakkh with their partner. There is romance to be found around the hills of Palampur!
Wellness In Himachal | Rakkh Resort
Our resort in Dharamshala is not just a place to enjoy the outdoors; the sense of spirituality that permeates through the air can be felt by anyone who travels throughout the region.
Here's a guide to what a wellness itinerary would look like, including a stop at our resort in Himachal Pradesh!
Adventure In Himachal | Rakkh Resort
For those that seek adventure, the mighty playgrounds of the Himachal offer the best outdoors experience, and then some. With all activities located at very convenient distances from our resort in Himachal Pradesh, there’s no reason for you to while away another weekend in the city when you could be soaring above the clouds!
The Kangra Fort In Himachal | Rakkh Resort
The largest fort in the hImachal Pradesh is the Kangra Fort and it is also the eighth largest in the country, spanning and covering an area of 463 acres, according to the Archaeological Survey of India.
For tourists residing in any resort in Dharamsala over a weekend getaway, this is the perfect place to visit from some historic wonder and knowledge.
A Library Of Tibetean Learning
Near Our Resort In Dharamshala!
This Library is just a short drive away from our resort in Dharamshala, making this the perfect escape to immerse yourself in some learning and lessons on wellbeing straight from the source.
Guide To Dharamshala Visit In 2021
A new year is upon us, and with it come exciting new opportunities to explore our hills! Now that Himachal tourism has opened for 2021, there’s so many things to see in Dharamshala and the regions surrounding our resort in Dharamshala.
Mind your way: A guide to nature walk manners 2021
Rakkh Resort near Dharamshala, in Palampur, is blessed with innumerable trails and pathways around, some tough, some moderate, some a walk in the garden, literally, a walk in the tea garden. But with freedom comes responsibility.
History of Palampur
Palampur got its name from the word Polum which means abundant water. It was earlier part of the local Sikh Kingdom of Jalandhar but later came under British rule during the Colonial era.
A Temple Trail in Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala has always been bestowed with the title “the land of spirituality”. Even before the Lama established his presence in the valley, Dharamshala and its surrounding environs have been the stronghold for spirituality.
Tourist Attractions in Palampur
Palampur, the land of freshwater is blessed with not just fertile earth but rich history and traditions not to mention unparalleled natural beauty. For aeons, this has attracted people, from settlers to seekers, from pilferers to pilgrims.
In-house Activities at Rakkh Resort
Rakkh resort in Palampur is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for an experiential getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities. For those seeking adventure, all one has to do is step out, and the towering foothills dotted with pine forests are your playground.
Winter foods to warm your Soul - Himachal Pradesh
The days around our resort in Palampur have gotten shorter and chillier as winter in Himachal has finally set in for the year. These pleasantly cold days are the perfect time to enjoy a steaming bowl of noodles from our inhouse Maggi station, and then some.
Mountain Fishing in the Himalayas
The indigenous species of Mahseer thrive in the lower, warmer waters and so the British introduced the Brown and Rainbow Trouts, with the Brown Trout being an anglers nemesis. Both coldwater and fast stream fish the upper streams too became angling grounds.
A Traveller's Guide To Himachal Pradesh
If you are an individual who loves the never-ending cold climate, peace, tranquility, a little potful of adventure and a whole lot of fun, then the hill paradise of Himachal Pradesh is the right travel destination for you.
Snowfall Stories of Himachal Pradesh
If you love snowfall, then there is no better place in India to visit than Himachal Pradesh, the land of the snow!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Around Himachal
There are a total number of thirty eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the land of India. Of these thirty eight sites, two of the most beautiful sites are in Himachal Pradesh, the kingdom of snow.
The Rakkh Guide To Birding | Rakkh Resort In Palampur
So you’ve read our previous posts about the beautiful birdlife in the Himachal region, and hopefully are enamoured enough to try and become a birder yourself. But where do you begin? Depending on your interest levels and more, the art of birding can either be a weekend hobby or a lifetime passion. Here’s a small, straightforward guide to get you started.
Where The Wild Things Are!
For millennia, the hills that surround our resort in Palampur have harbored a natural world of great magnitudes. Indeed, the mighty Himalayas support one of the world’s oldest ecosystems, from millions of years ago. Rakkh resort in Dharamshala is a part of the Indian Himachal Reserve, a popular biodiversity hotspot.
The Village Walk At Rakkh: Among Friendly Faces And Timeless Tradition
Have you ever wondered where our resort in Palampur got its name from? As it turns out, Rakkh resort owes its name and indeed its persona to the quaint and charming village of Rakkh, a short distance away. In a world of fast paced lives and deadlines, we could all learn a thing or two from the humble residents of Rakkh village
On The Path To The Spiritual: Norbulingka Monastery In Dharamsala
As we’ve iterated in our previous posts, Dharamshala has always been a center of spirituality and worship along with being a fine winter destination for those from the plains. Today, most of these centers are still very much active places of worship, each with their own special story and place in history. There are a good number of monasteries in Dharamshala.
Tantalizing Tapestry: One string at a time
Himachal Pradesh has a rich history of textile in various materials from cotton to wool to even hemp owing to a rich diversity of land and seasons, facilitating and necessitating the mastery of this art form. The cold weather of winter is prohibitive and requires warm clothing as a survival essential. Moreover, the winters could be drab with the sun hidden for weeks on end.
Soar Above The Clouds: Go Paragliding In Himachal!
Well an idyllic village deep in the mountains of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is one of the world’s most sought after paragliding destination with amateurs, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike flocking by road only to take wing in the thermals around Bir-Billing.
Bir-Billing although intertwined together forever due to the sport of paragliding, Bir and Billing are two separate villages
Himachal Artforms
Himachal Pradesh is blessed with pristine natural beauty. All this nature has led to people of Himachal Pradesh being inspired by the environment around them and developing their own form of art and crafts.
Guide to Himachal Sights
Himachal Pradesh is a land of majestic mountains, sprawling green landscapes, picturesque valleys, and flowing rivers. There are a multitude of attractions and destinations that are all within short distance of Rakkh...
Tea Time Treats: Snacks and Street Food Of Himachal
There’s a vast variety of evening snacks that belong to the hills that are either sweet, savory, hearty or sometimes all three (depending on your palette).
Summit A New Peak: 3 Treks Around Kangra That You Must Try
Being a part of the Himachal region means that every mountain and every peak has an adventure in store for you on your Himachal trip over the weekend. Located conveniently in the vast Kangra district, Rakkh is an ideal resort in Dharamshala.
Diwali in Himachal
Celebrate the festival of lights in the solitude and peace of the Himalayas, in the company of the Dhauladhars that oversee our active resort in Palampur.
Namgyal Monastery In Dharamsala
We’d like to showcase a few more monasteries in Dharamsala that are just a short drive away from Rakkh, our resort in Palampur. As with every monastery or general place of worship, each has its own unique story.
Saluting Himachal’s Conservation Efforts!
As a small boutique resort in Palampur, we at Rakkh have always been friends of the forests and its denizens. The multitude of wildlife that makes these hills their homes is something that locals are proud of and strive to protect.
Spiritual Sojourn: A Few Of The Best Temples In Dharamshala
Some are ancient, some are relatively modern, but each location is conveniently located from Rakkh, one of the best resorts in Dharamshala, and all the chosen places of worship make for a perfect holistic addition to your Dharamshala sightseeing experience.
What the Himachali Dhaam Consists Of When you stay at this Resort in Palampur
One of the Himachal’s most signature culinary experiences that’s a speciality at our resort in Palampur is of course the Dhaam!
No celebration in the hills is complete without a traditional dhaam...
Why you should not visit Rakkh?
Well, for starters it's the land kept by Gods. So if you have not been a ‘good boy’ then you might anger the gods...
An essential guide to family bonding
Family Bonding is the indispensable ingredient for a productive and rewarding life...
Kangra, an introduction
Once the seat of power in all of Himachal, Kangra is equally renowned for its rich cultural milieus...
Kangri Dham
The legendary Dhaam is a response and challenge to the royal Wazwan feast of Kashmir. Dhaam started as a royal feast for the King’s guests and slowly percolated into the local populace who started contracting the Botis.
The Lockdown Experience
The horror-show of epidemic turning pandemic was akin to a hurricane in its scale, speed and spread. It shook the economy and forced several businesses to shut down and leaving others struggling to survive.
It is Time for Nature at Rakkh, Always
Today as we celebrate the most precious, beautiful and enriching entity in all our lives, even as the dark clouds of a pandemic hovers above us, the unadulterated joy and bliss nature brings to us is palpable amongst all.
Let's unlock Dream Vacations - Resorts in Palampur
However we assess it, COVID has exacted a toll on all of us and we can’t wait to get life
back to normalcy. While many pundits and thought leaders debate what that novelty is, we believe that travel is a fundamental need of humans.
The Gaddi Tribes of Kangra
Hills of Kangra along with the upper regions of Himachal which are predominantly mountainous are home to the Gaddis who practice pastoralism for aeons, going up hills with their livestock of sheep and goats during summers.
Dharamshala - The Land of the Dalai Lama
Entangled in a vicious cycle of work and never-ending traffic jams? You might want to break off from your busy schedule and escape to the hills. There’s nothing more rejuvenating than being surrounded by serene mountains and breathing fresh air.
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Maas, Machili, Mountains - A lip-smacking journey into Himachal
The Himachal region boasts a wide array of delectable foods of every nature; most of which are unique to Himachal. Being the Dev Bhoomi, with a rich culinary tradition, sometimes the vegetarian offering can feel overwhelming to the detriment of meat cravings.
Staycation at Rakkh Resort in Dharamshala
There could not be a better time to visit Rakkh, an idyllic getaway in the Kangra Valley. Let your ideas of better living be changed, completely. With Rakkh’s staycation package, experience the best hospitality, cuisine and adventure that the Himalayas have to offer you.
The Majestic Forts and Temples of Kangra
The royal town of Kangra is a treasure trove of scenic treats, wealth and history. Historically, the kingdom of Kangra comprised of three capitals. The third capital which is tucked away in the hills, is what we know as present-day Kangra. Nagarkot, Susarmapura, Bhimkot and Katoch are names that are often associated with Kangra.
Ferns, Nettles and Lentils: The Uniqueness Of Himachal Cuisine
In the vast mountain lands of the Himalayas, far from the world of Rajma Chawal and Sambar, food takes on a slightly different avatar here.
Scratch that, “slightly” might be an understatement.
Plumes of Paradise: Endemic Birds To See In Dharamshala
The Kangra Valley is home to a massive selection of bird life, with a documented 200 odd individual species, including migrants. Rakkh is located quite conveniently outside urbania, being a resort in Palampur region, thus giving you the perfect opportunity to go on the search for these beautiful avifauna.
Check off things to do on your bucket-list at Rakkh, the Experiential Resort in Dharamshala
Rakkh, an experiential and adventure resort in Dharamshala hidden away in a quaint mountain village is also eponymous of it, Rakh an idyllic village is home to our resort in Palampur area. We encompass the spirit of Himachal within Rakkh, living and breathing the ethos of Kangra.
Travelling to Rakkh, Himachal Pradesh in times of COVID: A first-hand experience.
This is an excerpt from the heart-to-heart between Swati Makkar, our Resort Manager and our very first guest for the season since COVID Lockdown.
Beautiful villages near Dharamshala
“Village is a place where you can find peace, unity, strength, inspiration and most importantly a natural and beautiful life” - Minahil Urfan
Main attractions of Dharamshala
The amalgamation of history, spirituality, culture, and nature is what makes Dharamshala a must-visit destination. Nestled in the mystic hills of the Kangra Valley, this hill station is unlike any other
Religious places of Dharamshala
A lot of people from around the world travel to Dharamshala in search of peace and mindfulness. “What you seek is seeking you”, this quote couldn’t get any closer to the truth.
Winter is the best to visit Dharamshala!
The ‘Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh’ is a title given to Dharamshala. The reason for this is because Dharamshala is at its most beautiful self in winters. During this season, the city comes truly alive.
Snowfall in Dharamshala- Focus on the snow Trek at Rakkh
Dharamshala is blessed with abundant snowfall in the winter months. The snow, like a blanket, covers everything right from the mountain peaks to the valley.