Escape to Kesari Cottage: Your Unforgettable Manali Getaway!
Escape to Kesari Cottage: My Unfiltered Manali Getaway (A Rambling Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little chai) on my recent escape to Kesari Cottage in Manali. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs; this is gonna be messy, honest, and probably involve me going off on tangents. You've been warned!
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- Keywords: Kesari Cottage, Manali, Hotel Review, India Travel, Himalayas, Adventure, Spa, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Luxury, WiFi, Restaurant, Spa, Pool, Cleanliness, Safety, Accommodation, Room, Food, Service.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest, rambling review of Kesari Cottage in Manali, India. Unfiltered opinions, hilarious anecdotes, and a deep dive into everything from the amazing views to the questionable coffee!
First Impressions (and a little panic)
So, picture this: I’m a city slicker, perpetually glued to my phone, and suddenly, BAM! I'm in the Himalayas, staring at the majestic mountains and breathing in air so crisp it feels like a slap in the face (in a good way, mostly). My initial reaction? Utter awe…followed quickly by a frantic search for Wi-Fi. Thankfully, Kesari Cottage had my back on that front. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, thank goodness! The Internet was pretty decent too - I actually managed to post some Instagram stories without wanting to throw my phone off a cliff. The Internet [LAN] option I didn't even bother with, who has a cable these days? My inner tech-addict shuddered in relief.
The Accessibility aspect piqued my interest. I'm not disabled myself, but I appreciate a place that caters to everyone. I was impressed that there were "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, but to be completely honest, I didn't see any specific ramps or modifications during my stay. Perhaps I missed them!
Rooms & Ruminations (aka, My Cozy Little Cave)
My room? Let's just say it was a haven of comfort (and a slight mess, courtesy of yours truly). The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, considering the altitude and the unpredictable mountain weather. The Blackout curtains were perfect for those post-hike naps (which happened more often than I'd like to admit). The Bed was enormous, with an Extra long bed, and the linens were crisp and clean. Hair dryer? Check. Bathrobes and Slippers? Double-check! I felt like a queen (or at least, a reasonably well-rested princess).
Important Note: The View! Holy moly, the View! I spent a significant amount of time just gazing out of the Window that opens, completely mesmerized. They should honestly charge extra for that view. It was worth it.
There were little things too, like the Coffee/tea maker. I used it religiously. I was especially grateful for the Complimentary tea selection. The In-room safe box was a nice touch, even though I mostly used it to hide my snacks from myself.
The Bathroom was… functional. The Shower was hot, the Toiletries were decent, and the Mirror was big enough to check for rogue mountain-induced beard growth.
The Big Question: Cleanliness & Safety (because, COVID!)
Okay, let's be real: traveling in the current climate is a minefield of anxiety. But Kesari Cottage actually did a pretty good job. I noticed Hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff were generally masked up. They were clearly taking it seriously. The "Rooms sanitized between stays" claim gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. I didn't personally witness the cleaning, but everything looked clean, so I'm going to assume they weren't lying. Daily disinfection in common areas, and there was even a Doctor/nurse on call, just in case I went full-on altitude sickness (which I thankfully avoided!). And I appreciated the "Anti-Viral cleaning products" used. They kept things sanitized.
Dining, Drinking, and Dodging the Buffet (A Foodie's Lament)
The food situation was… complicated. The Restaurant had a charming ambience, but the Buffet in restaurant was a bit underwhelming. I’m a connoisseur of breakfast buffets, and this one felt a tad… sterile. I did manage to snag some decent Asian breakfast. But the quality was not the best nor the worst. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver. I even took the occasional Breakfast takeaway service for when I was in utter laziness. You can get some good Desserts in restaurant and the Salad in restaurant was fine.
I tried the A la carte in restaurant on a few occasions. I was particularly fond of the soup. The food was good and you could get some Asian cuisine in restaurant.
The Poolside bar was a great place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views, but I really wish that they had more variety in the drinks.
The Spa & Relaxation (My Body's Best Friend)
Ah, the spa. This is where Kesari Cottage truly shines. This is where I could spend all my money. I indulged in a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and a Massage. I also took a dip in the Pool with view. It was heavenly. The Sauna and Steamroom were perfect after a long day of hiking. The Spa/sauna experience was exquisite.
The Ultimate Relaxation Moment
I spent what felt like an eternity in the Steamroom. Imagine this: the Himalayan air on your face, the heat enveloping your aching muscles, and the faint clatter of other spa-goers outside, getting massages. The best part? I forgot about everything. Work, deadlines, the fact that I look like a panda after sleeping in a face mask… gone. The Gym/fitness center was there (I saw it!). I didn't use it. .
Beyond the Bungalow: Things to Do and Not to Do
Kesari Cottage is well-positioned for exploring Manali. You can arrange a Taxi service or avail the Airport transfer. They even have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. It's like, "here's all the tools for adventure and you're still in comfort."
For the Kids While I travelled solo, I saw that the hotel was very Family/child friendly. I spotted Kids facilities. I'm not for sure, but I believe they had Babysitting service, too.
Service & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The staff at Kesari Cottage were genuinely lovely. The Concierge was helpful with arranging excursions. The Doorman was always there with a smile. The Laundry service was efficient (because I'm a serial outfit repeater). There's even a Convenience store for those emergency snack runs. Cash withdrawal was easy, and there was a Currency exchange service available. The Elevator made life easy with the luggage. They are experts at the small things.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nobody's Perfect)
Okay, let's get real. The Wi-Fi in public areas, was a little spotty. During one particularly crucial video call, I lost connection. I’m not saying it was a disaster, but my boss's face on a choppy screen has scarred me for life.
Also, I found the absence of Pets allowed to be a drawback. I was missing my dog and if I could have got him there, I would have.
Final Verdict: Would I Return?
Absolutely. Despite the tiny imperfections (and the slightly dodgy coffee), Kesari Cottage delivered a truly unforgettable experience. It's a place where you can disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with nature (and maybe yourself). And honestly, the view alone is worth the price of admission. I recommend it to anyone who wants a blend or luxury and comfort. Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (and a strong recommendation for better coffee)
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secret of Chiang Mai's Twenty Lodge
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't some sterile itinerary from a travel brochure. This is my Manali Mishap – a Kesari Cottage Chronicle, warts and all. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Trip Title: Kesari Cottage Chaos & the Quest for Inner Peace (Spoiler: I found neither, mostly)
Duration: 7 Days (May have been a bit ambitious, honestly)
Overall Vibe: Expect a rollercoaster of "OMG this is amazing!" to "Why, God, why?!" moments. Think Bridget Jones meets Bear Grylls (but with less survival skills).
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Anxiety (and a Terrible Momo)
- Morning (or Late Morning, Thanks to a Delhi Delay): Landed in Kullu. The airport? Tiny. The baggage carousel? Apparently, a suggestion, not a guarantee. Finally snagged my backpack (after a minor panic attack that it was lost forever – my favourite thermal underwear was in there!). The drive to Manali? Picturesque, yes. Curve-inducing, also yes. I swear my stomach hasn't been the same since.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Kesari Cottage. The view from the balcony was… breathtaking. Actually, the words "breathtaking" took on a whole new meaning because the altitude was already trying to kill me. Felt like an asthmatic goldfish. Checked into my room – cozy, rustic, and with a slightly questionable stain on the duvet. I decided to call it "character."
- Evening: Hit the Mall Road. Overwhelmed. Overstimulated. And hangry. Found a Momo place. Oh, the hubris! I thought I could handle the spiciest chili sauce. I couldn't. My mouth felt like it was on fire, my eyes were watering, and I’m pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. (The Momo itself? Meh. Don’t judge me, I'm still recovering.) Crawled back to the cottage and collapsed. First impressions: Manali, you’re a beast.
Day 2: Hadimba Devi Temple & The Existential Question of Goat Cheese
- Morning: Stumbled out of bed, still slightly altitude-sick. Decided to embrace the tourist life at Hadimba Devi Temple. The temple itself was beautiful, surrounded by giant trees and the smell of incense. The crowd, however, was a different story. People pushing, jostling, taking selfies with absolutely everything. Did manage to get a blessing, which was nice. Now, watch out world, I'm blessed!
- Afternoon: Found a café specializing in cheese. Goat cheese. I, a lifelong hater of goat cheese, felt compelled to try it. Ordered a plate of goat cheese and… cried. Not from tears, but from the horror. It tasted like socks and despair. Made more friends with my water bottle than anybody else.
- Evening: Tried to find a quiet spot for a walk. Manali is not known for quiet. Ended up at a riverside café with live music. The music was terrible! I, however, thoroughly enjoyed the people-watching.
Day 3: Rohtang Pass Rollercoaster & the Search for a Decent Coffee (and Avoiding Hypothermia)
- Morning: The Rohtang Pass! All the travel blogs promised stunning views, snow, and Instagram-worthy moments. They weren't wrong. The drive up was brutal. Winding roads, traffic jams, and the distinct feeling that my car was about to fall off the cliff. But then… the snow! The mountains! The sheer vastness of it all! It was incredible.
- Afternoon: Snowball fight! Took some photos. Got soaked. Briefly considered joining a snow-scooter. Decided against it, as I don't want to end up in a body cast. The altitude was even worse up there, so I spent most of the time gasping for air. Spent the afternoon huddled in a cafe, trying to thaw out with some questionable coffee. The coffee in Manali? A serious problem.
- Evening: Back to Kesari Cottage. Woke up missing my heated blanket (and my life).
Day 4: Vashisht Village & The Myth of the Hot Spring (and a Moment of Zen?)
- Morning: Hired a taxi to Vashisht Village. Famous for its hot springs. Pictures looked relaxing. Reality was… crowded. So many people! So much splashing! Found a spot in the designated female bath. The water was so hot that I felt like I was slowly turning into a lobster. But, for all the madness, I felt peaceful.
- Afternoon: Wandered around Vashisht. A beautiful village, with lots of little shops and cafes. Took a few pictures. Found a cafe run by a lovely couple from Israel. The coffee? Surprisingly good!
- Evening: Got back to Kesari Cottage. Spent the evening writing and enjoying the view. And cursing the altitude.
Day 5: Solang Valley & the Daredevil Within (Kinda)
- Morning: Determined to be adventurous. Went to Solang Valley. Paragliding! Nope. Skiing! Double Nope. Decided on a yak ride (because I'm nothing if not basic). The yak was grumpy. The ride was slow. The views were pretty. Basically, I got what I paid for.
- Afternoon: Went to see some local handicrafts. Got some beautiful shawls and some trinkets. Haggling is not my thing. The vendors are persistent. They will wear you down.
- Evening: Watched the sunset from the balcony of Kesari Cottage. The sky was a riot of colors. A moment of pure, unadulterated peace. Until a mosquito bit me. Sigh.
Day 6: Rambling Around Manali & the Quest for the Perfect Thukpa (and my Breakdown)
- Morning: Decided to embrace the wandering. Walked around Mall Road, again. The crowds are growing, the energy is chaotic. I walked into many souvenir shops, and many more tea houses. No, I think that is not what I need.
- Afternoon: Focused on finding the perfect Thukpa. Tried three different places. One was too bland, one was too spicy, and one was… well, let's just say I'm not sure what was in it. I’m convinced ‘Yak’ is a euphemism for something else in this city.
- Evening: Started crying (okay, sobbing) in my room. The altitude, the crowds, the goat cheese, the… everything! It all hit at once. Then, a knock at the door. It was the cottage owner, offering me some tea and a chat. Turns out, he’d seen it all before. He was kind, patient, and he reminded me that even the most chaotic trips have their moments of magic. Which is fair. It did get better.
Day 7: Departure & the Promise to Return (Maybe, Eventually)
- Morning: Packed my bags. Said goodbye to Kesari Cottage. The view from the balcony will stay with me, I know that much. The memories? A glorious mess.
- Afternoon: The drive to the airport. The drive back was not quite a rollercoaster. But almost.
- Evening: Back home. Exhausted. Slightly shell-shocked. But also… filled with a weird kind of fondness for the chaos of Manali. Would I go back? Maybe. Eventually. After I've recovered from the altitude, the goat cheese, and the existential dread. But I'll be sure to pack more socks, and maybe a therapist.
Escape to Kesari Cottage: Your Unforgettable Manali Getaway - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!)
What's the DEAL with Kesari Cottage? Like, REALLY?
How's the Food? Because, let's face it, food is IMPORTANT.
What's the Vibe? Is it all romance and couple-y stuff?
How about the Rooms? Swanky or rustic?
What Activities are available NEAR Kesari Cottage and in Manali in general?
How Do I Get There? Is it a Pain?
Any Downsides? Anything I Should Know BEFORE booking?
Would You Go Back?
