I vividly remember my first morning at the Golden Pagoda Eco Resort. It was a particularly cold morning and by the time it was quarter past five or so, dawn had already set in. Dew drops glistened on tree leaves under the early morning sunshine and bulbuls and koyals made their presence felt with constant chirping. Large fruit trees dotted the central garden that surrounded our cottage and through those trees, we could see the stunning Golden Pagoda basking in all its glory as sunrays bathed its ornate golden surface.
The best part about our cottage was the airy and well-ventilated room attached towards the end of our cottage. With big windows on two of its walls, the room served as a great place to start my day. I sat there admiring nature at its best. There were so many species of birds that I saw from the window that I stopped counting after a point. I enjoyed my morning chai as I sunned myself while listening to some soulful bhajans on my phone.
Soon, I went for a run around the sprawling property. They have great cemented pathways which are perfect for morning walks and running. The resort is right next to the Golden Pagoda complex and there are two entrances to the Golden Pagoda from here. The first one is near the restaurant and takes you directly to the main dome of the pagoda. The second entrance is just a few hundred feet away and it leads you to the monastic centres, the cultural hall, the museum and the nunnery.
My run also took me to an old age home on the western corner of the resort. Right opposite to the old age home stood two yesteryear locomotive engines that caught my fancy. The cottages and other buildings in the resort have been constructed and positioned in such a manner that everyone can wake up to the awe inspiring sight of the Golden Pagoda every morning. Then there&rsquos the gorgeous orchid centre, which houses exotic species brought in from as far as Thailand.
Being an eco-resort, they have taken utmost care to maintain the natural environs and serenity at the property. &ldquoThe vision behind the Golden pagoda Eco Resort was to provide a warm and comfortable stay with an ambience of serenity and spirituality amidst pristine nature,&rdquo says the resort&rsquos owner and our extremely warm and generous host Khanseng Mein.
&ldquoWe do our best to promote eco-tourism and reducing our carbon footprint by reducing our energy use, reducing water waste and using eco-friendly supplies wherever we can. Our surrounding nature and the fauna that accompany it is very important to us and we do what we can to help nurture it,&rdquo he adds.
While most tourists stay at the resort to explore the quaint little hamlet Namsai and its arounds, some also come here to attend vipassana meditation camps held at the Noi-Cheynam Meditation Centre, located next door towards the eastern end of the resort. Over the years, the Golden Pagoda Eco Resort has hosted chief ministers, foreign dignitaries and scholars. The resort also hosts regular seminars, workshops and spiritual camps.
Meals are central to the Golden Pagoda Eco Resort experience. From ethnic Khampti cuisine to the usual north Indian affair to continental and Chinese, you&rsquoll be spoilt for choice. Dinners are pretty special. You can request them to set a bonfire and enjoy some freshly brewed rice beer and wine with your loved ones before you indulge in the wholesome Khampti meal.
I simply loved the Khampti cuisine experience at the resort. We had paasa, a soup made from raw fish and herbs. There was namson tongpuk, a curry made by fermenting yam leaves and rice, paapho or steamed fish which was prepared in a banana leaf and cooked over fire and there was steamed chicken with dry bamboo shoots. But what stole the show for me was khao lam or steamed rice that had taken the shape of the bamboo it was cooked in.
Established in 2013, Golden Pagoda Eco Resort has become the most sought-after place to stay in Namsai district. With all modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay, great food, lovely ambience and peaceful environs, the resort promises to be one of your most special experiences in Namsai. There&rsquos great flora and avifauna, there&rsquos spirituality, there&rsquos fresh air and there are clear blue skies and starry nights. And the cottages, well they are as comfy as they come. A stay at the eco-resort comes highly recommended.
The Information
Where Golden Pagoda Eco Resort, Tengapani, Namsai
Website Goldenpagodaecoresort.com
Mobile 91- 8730081650
Email goldenpagodaecoresort11@gmail.com
Facilities LED TV, Tea Maker, AC, Housekeeping and room service, complimentary breakfast, travel desk, banquet and conference hall
Stay and Meals
There are 8 cottages with two single beds each and 4 suite cottages with a king bed.
Tariff Cottages Rs 3,000 per night plus GST Suite Cottages Rs 4,000 per night plus GST
There are three rooms on the top floor of the reception building. One VIP room with its own attached bathroom, king bed and veranda area (Tariff Rs 3000 per night plus GST). The other two rooms have a common bathroom (Tariff Rs 2,000 per night plus GST)
Dinner and any other meals, food items etc. are priced as per the menu. Guests can decide for room service or visit the restaurant as well. For larger bookings they do buffet services as well and adjust the menu as per the guests&rsquo wishes.