What Makes This Retreat in Jibhi The Perfect Weekend Getaway For Delhiites

For those who are not aware of the region, Jibhi lies close to a more popular region called Gushaini in Tirthan Valley. The place can be reached either via Delhi – Kullu Highway, where one needs to skip taking the Aut Tunnel (the famous tunnel enroute Manali) after Pandoh, and continue straight towards Jalori Pass, or take the Shimla, Narkanda route, and then turn towards Jalori Pass from Rampur road and reach Jibhi after crossing Jalori Pass. From either routes, you’ll be on a picturesque drive to Jibhi.

Jibhi lies in the Banjar Valley of Kullu District. The lush, green, rejuvenating pine and cedar forests envelope this little hamlet. People staying in pinewood cottages surrounded by trees, the unique pahari architecture and the warm-hearted people take you back to the childhood stories and fairytales you used to listen to. It is a great place that serves as a base for hikers, birders and nature lovers. One of the biggest charms of Jibhi is the lack of commercialization. And within this little hamlet, you can find your recluse at this resort called Nature’s Lap.

Like the name suggests, this place is carefully built on a hillock, away from all hustle-bustle, within the lap of nature. This 9-cottage property has been built over a small hill that makes you climb 70 steps before reaching it. This also makes you live away from the vehicular or any other noise of the valley.

Nature’s Lap offers something for everyone. Whether you are a solitary traveller looking for recluse, or a group of friends or fellow travellers looking to have a great time together, or a couple finding a quiet place to deepen their bonds, or a family looking at spending some quality time together, or an adventure enthusiast who wants to explore the lesser known, you’ll find what you are looking for.

Just like the place, the people running this place are unpolluted. Right from the owners, Satpal Singh and Rishabh Mittal, to the very helpful and courteous staff of Nature’s Lap, Everyone I met had a modest and a down to earth persona. They all ensure that your stay at Nature’s Lap is as comfortable as it is memorable. During my visit I was lucky to meet the owners of this place. They shared their in-depth knowledge about the place and surrounding region, including places that are unexplored and not on google yet. They also enlightened me with the steps they are taking to promote responsible travel in the region and supporting the local community. Whenever you plan on visiting, do meet them for some local stories.

Stay in the Nature’s Lap

Nature’s Lap homes 9 well-appointed cottages, including 2 suites. Apart from that, it has an open space where several camps could be pitched on request. Having spent 3 days at this beautiful property, in different rooms each night (thanks to the courteous staff), my favourite cottages turned out to be cottage number X and Y, which are on the right corner of the property (when you are facing it), as they have the best view of the lot.

Food, right from Nature’s Lap

The team at Nature’s Lap tries to source most of its consumables from nature itself. Most of the food contains the local flavor, making it more delicious, unless you have a certain taste bud that needs to be adhered to. The chef and the kitchen staff were kind enough to specially prepare our breakfast at different times to be able to serve it hot to each and every one in the group.

The best time to visit the Nature’s Lap

The best thing about this place is that it can be visited anytime during the year, and it will offer a different flavor every single time. The summers are best suited for couples, friends, families and groups looking to find an escapade from the city’s heat. The monsoons will offer nature at its best. The spring, and especially the autumn, will show you several colours of the valley. And the winters are a great time to enjoy serenity, and some snow adventure.