This wellness retreat in Uttarakhand gave me a perfect #End2020

Robert Frost said, "Two roads diverged in the woods, and I took the one less travelled by and that made all the difference"
I've always interpreted the path less travelled by as a very challenging path, full of obstacles and darkness but a perpetual brightness in the end, and it always intrigues me.
With the same zeal, I decided to take this path less travelled by recently, when I chose this retreat for a vacation after months of lockdown and this road led me to an experience that will stay with me forever.
A wellness retreat nestled in the wilderness of the hills of Almora overlooking the Himalayas, it offers everything from a rustic luxurious cottage stay to a  beautiful sunrise and sunset, amazing food and a much needed break from the monotony of this pandemic. Oh, by the way, it's called "ayurVAID Kalmatia"
The cottages at ayurVAID Kalmatia are all named in sanskrit with meanings related to wellness. For instance, the cottage where I stayed was called "Samma Sambuddha" which means door to enlightenment.
Waking up to the hues of crimson, bayern and gold takes away all the dejection and fills you with this incessant positivity that brightens up your soul.
Ofcourse, the only thing negative here were the temperatures at night, but isn't this view worth it?
They also offer a variety of ayurvedic therapies like Shirodhara, Sarvangam Abhiyangam to name a few along with a sound consultation from the in-house doctor. So basically, this place takes care of your all round wellness.
The retreat is also very close to the famous Kasar Devi Temple which is one of the three places in the world which are under the influence of the Van Allen Radiation belt. The other two are "Machu Pichu" and "Stonehenge". People who have meditated here have experienced a strange pulse of energy that they haven't anywhere else. I would highly recommend spending some time here to meditate and feel the difference.
The place serves amazing food with Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisines offered. The helpers here are available round the clock to cater to your needs and make sure that you leave 100% satisfied.
This is an experience one must get atleast once in their life.

Now for a quick itinerary:
Day 1:
Leave your location. I'm taking Kathgodam as an example here. The place roughly 9 hours from Delhi though.
Leave early and get a quick breakfast in Bhimtal or places on the way, you'll find plenty.
You'll be there by lunch. Have lunch, take a tour of the whole property. They have things like:
- Solarium
- Nature Walk
- Yoga/meditation room
- Jacuzzi
- Swimming pool
- Deck area
- Herbal garden
Don't miss out on any of this.
You can then go for a consultation with the doctor followed by a rejuvenating therapy.
It'll be sunset by then. You can go to your cottage and enjoy the view of the Himalayas from your private balcony.
They serve soup and dinner, all cooked with natural ingredients..Enjoy that and go to sleep.

Day 2:
Wake up early and trek to the Kasar Devi temple. It should take half an hour to do that (You can drive too)
The sunrise here looks amazing. Meditate here as the first rays of sun fall on you to make you feel the warmth that this place offers.
Have breakfast in the retreat and then you can walk around in the peace of the mountains.
You can leave by lunch and explore the Almora city as well.