Kilmarnock is a beautiful cottage nestled in the lower Himalayas (~7,500 - 8,000 Feet) in the Garhwal mountains in Uttrakhand. This Quaint & cute cottage (but little by no means) was built approximately 250 years ago. The cottage was originally named Bruce Lodge after the son of the builder. The next owner was a Scottish man named Robert Burns (not the famous Poet unfortunately). He was from the Scottish village of Kilmarnock in Scotland. This village is the home of Johnny Walker Whiskey (and might I add - a Fabulous Whiskey). And thus, the cottage got its name - Kilmarnock. During World War I, this cottage served as the temporary home for the Chief Medical Officer of the Army Hospital (which was where currently ITM stands in Mussoorie). The nurses (called 'sisters') used to live in the houses in Sisters Bazaar (thus the name) just down the road from Kilmarnock. In 1980's the cottage once again changed hands and became the property of Mr. Rajpal - the principal of St. Stephens College in Delhi. Finally, in 1989, the cottage came into the ownership of The Rani Saheb of Dhrangadhra. Pramila Devi has owned and cherished this cottage ever since. It has been the 'Home' for her nieces, friends, and family. Kilmarnock Today:
As quaint and beautiful as ever, this lovely cottage has been shaped by the treasured memories and experiences of the extended family and friends of Rani Saheb of Dhrangadhra. It is 'not just an old house', but one that is full of love, excitement, adventure, and amazing experiences. We now want to share these memories and amazing experiences that this cottage has to offer with others who choose to have them. There is the in-house 'fool' - Ghengiz (pronounced Chungaze). He is a beautiful Bhutia dog (a local breed of the interior Himalayas). He is extremely friendly and loves company. Check out his pictures on the website! There is a full time Caretaker who looks after the property when one of the family members (Rani Saheb or her nieces are not in town). About Kilmarnock and what to do:
ON clear days in summer, and Autumn-Winter, one has a view of about 500 KM of pristine interior Himalayan Snow peaks. You can see Bandarpoonch, Trishul, Nanda Devi among other peaks. Facing North, the cottage overlooks a valley and continuous mountain ranges into the deep reaches of the Himalayas. It is a great base camp for treks going further interior. The cottage is modern in the sense of having hot water, modern bathrooms, electricity, and other basic comforts of life. Internet is not provided but one can walk a mere 5 minutes to get access at Sisters bazaar. It also very near to language school and under a 10-12 minutes scenic walk. Lots of trekking opportunities in the region (ranging from an hour to a few days), such as Flag Hill, Jabarkeht, river in the valley trek, Nag Tibba etc. There is also a 4-4.5km running loop or a walk loop from the house (for those who want one), relatively flat, through Deodar forests with occasional Langur sightings, which goes to Lal Tibba and back. Groceries can be done at Prakash's Dukan (@ sisters bazaar) for local and imported goods. Char Dukan (15 minute walk) offers meals, and I highly recommend the Cheese omelette made by Vipin at Tip Top Tea shop ;-) Summers are nice and warm, monsoons get damp and a bit chilly making way for a beautiful end August - October, before winter sets in with its cold, only to be warm and pretty in march again!
