Mahasu House in Mashobra - my stay at the Himalayan heaven!

“It's not yet winters, but I am freeing cold sitting on the balcony and sipping a cup of tea, which was hot just moments ago. It’s still early morning and maybe I should be taking a walk outside, but I feel like writing while I look at the sun spread it’s golden light in the valley ahead, see the birds making taking flight from the trees and feel the cold of the air on my body. Traveling solo certainly has some advantages, along with many disadvantages, but I love it still. It allows me to take a break even from myself for long moments. I had a talk with Tina (she owns the place with her husband Anil) last afternoon over a delicious lunch about meditation and I think traveling solo is the only time I even come anywhere close to it…”

Mahasu House

The way to my room...

I was at Mahasu House, a product of love and labor, located deep into Himalayas in a small town called Mashorba near Shimla. I came here all by myself and interestingly this it was also a not-so-busy week at the property, so I actually had the entire place to myself for the extended weekend, well almost.

Mahasu House is a hotel-resort but it’s quite unlike what you expect from a hotel. The place is so much more personal, and I was immediately at home. My room was beautiful, but what caught my attention was the living room on the ground floor with stacks of books on Shimla, Himachal and India. While the temperature outside dipped, I sat with my hot cup of tea and poured through books on the neighbourhood, particularly about Mashobra. I was here simply to relax and enjoy the weekend, but reading the books convinced me to get out and explore the lovely little town.

The Living room 

My temporary office :)

The history of Mahasu house is as fascinating as the place itself. There are lots of local deities in the mountain regions (I know if because I also come from one such region in Uttarakhand) and often permission needs to be taken from the Gods before anything new is done. The reigning devta of the region is ‘Mahasu Devta’ and it’s actually on his name that the property is named. He is a form of Lord Shiva and his main shrine is actually located about 8 hours away in the neighbouring mountain state of Uttarakhand.

Facilities at Mahasu House

Over the last six years the hotel has evolved into becoming one of the top rated hotels of Himachal Pradesh itself, which in itself is a huge achievement. There are now a total of 7 beautifully decorated double rooms and a view to die for. My view from my room was so good that I never at all regretted getting up at sunrise to start my day.

From my window...

Watching the sunrise...

Apart from that there is an attic room which is quite a hit with the children, and the huge Mahasu suite which has two spacious bedrooms and the best view in the house! There is also a cottage with four bedrooms which is perfect if you are traveling with friends.

My room at Mahasu House

Reading books, drinking tea...

As I already mentioned, the living room is great and do have chai after it gets cold outside. However, if you really want to enjoy the place insist on having your breakfast out in the open. There are so many options pf place to sit that it’s worth eating both your breakfast as well as lunch outside. Bathe in the Himalayan sun and enjoy the crisp and cool breeze outside. If you want to do more, there is also a gymnasium, a billiards table and many other board games to keep you occupied. In the right season, you can also barbecue though as a vegetarian I am not a huge fan, but the process is surely fun :)

Billards room

Sit and enjoy the view!

The food at Mahasu House is great, but my favourite meal was actually the pahadi food on my last night. If you love to try the local cuisine, do ask for it and you won’t be disappointed. All the staff at the hotel are from Himachal and they can tell you a lot about the local food stories as well.

Things to do around

During my stay at the hotel I was out walking, hiking, chatting with the locals and enjoying the fresh and crisp Himalayan breeze. Shimla is actually quite close by and most travellers even to Mashobra spend most of their time there, but I didn't want to do that. I was much more keen to see the temples around, walk to the villas from the British era, and get the local vibe of the town. Of course, I did visit Shimla and really enjoyed my evening there at the club, but it was actually my time in this charming town which became the highlight of the trip.

Mashobra hills from the hotel...

Without much ado, here are some of the most interesting things that you can do in and around Mashobra.

1. Walk through Mashobra town and a visit to the local British era church
2. Visit the important landmark buildings at Mashobra - like The Retreat, The Peak among others.

3. Explore Shimla, especially the Mall, the Viceregal lodge etc
4. A day’s trip to Kufri
5. A day’s trip to Chail
6. Hike to Taradevi

How to reach Mahasu House

By road
Mashobra is well connected by road from both Delhi as well as Chandigarh. There is lots of work going on on the mountain road connecting Chandigarh and Mashobra, but the drive is nice still. Do plan for this road-trip and you would certainly not be disappointed.

By train
You can take the train to Chandigarh or to Kalka. From Kalka you can either take a toy train to Shimla and then ask for a hotel pick-up from there, or just come by car from Kalka.

By air
Shimla actually has an airport but unfortunately no flights fly into the city. So the closest airport is in Chandigarh and from there you can come by car or request the hotel for a pick-up.