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"How long will it take to reach the fort?" I asked Abdulla, my guide for the day's trek. It was a crisp 5 am as we embarked on the short journey towards the Gurkha Fort (also called Shoghi Fort), perched 4,500 feet above sea level. This trek was just one of the many activities offered by Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, nestled in the foothills near Kalka, Himachal Pradesh.
Abdulla smiled reassuringly. "The fort is only about an hour's trek," he informed me. "The beauty of this hike is that even complete beginners can enjoy it, as it's neither lengthy nor overly strenuous." He was spot on. In no time, we found ourselves atop the mountain where the fort stood.
"There are conflicting stories about the fort's origins," Abdulla explained. "Local lore suggests Gurkha Army Chief Amar Singh Thapa built it during his battles against the British. However, another theory claims the Gurkhas captured it from the King of Patiala."
Despite the fort's shrouded history, the sunrise from its ramparts was nothing short of spellbinding. Entranced by the surrounding beauty, I couldn't help but notice a river winding its way through the towering mountains. "That's the Jhajhra Nadi," Abdullah informed me. "And see that peak over there?" he continued, pointing a finger towards a mountain's top, "That's where the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort sits."
I was at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, a luxurious wellness destination perched atop a hill, for a quick weekend getaway. With its state-of-the-art facilities, this resort is dedicated to enhancing physical health and well-being. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the majestic canopy of pine and deodar trees that spread across the property, which has 62 deluxe rooms and two opulent family suites.
"The dream behind this property began with my father's desire to craft a luxurious haven in the Parwanoo hills," said Akash Garg, Chief Managing Director of Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort. Recognising this region's potential, Garg's vision went beyond just luxury. He envisioned a resort that offered a holistic experience for every guest. "We meticulously considered every aspect of a traveller's needs—from comfortable accommodations and engaging activities for all ages to delectable local cuisine and exciting recreational options. But most importantly, we focused on health and wellness. This all-encompassing approach ensures an enriching and rejuvenating experience for every guest."
Garg elaborated on what sets Moksha apart: "The resort boasts several one-of-a-kind experiences," he said. "Guests can arrive in style via our exclusive Swiss Gondolas, offering a scenic introduction to the property. We also feature Himachal Pradesh's largest spa, a sprawling 70,000 square feet, complete with unparalleled amenities like a Turkish Hammam. This, along with personalised guidance from our Ayurvedic doctors, elevates your wellness journey. For relaxation, unwind by our expansive heated infinity pool or soak in the breathtaking views from our open-air jacuzzis. Additionally, we showcase the region's cultural richness through authentic Himachali Dhams, which are traditional feasts that are a true highlight."
My luxury suite, adorned with lush furnishings, was practically a mini-mansion itself. At over 800 square feet, it boasted a king-size bed, a dedicated study table for productivity, and a separate living area perfect for unwinding. Stepping out onto the beautiful balcony, I was greeted by breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding valley, all framed by expansive French bay windows.
The suite's opulence continued in the bathroom, featuring not just a spacious shower cubicle but a luxurious bathtub as well. Wooden panelling adorned the walls, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication. To top it all off, the suite came with amenities fit for royalty—a golf cart service to whisk me around the resort grounds whenever I desired.
Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort offers a haven for rejuvenation beyond the breathtaking vistas. The resort's spa, designed with the serenity of a Thai temple, features calming water features and a lush garden, instantly transporting guests into a tranquil state. While the spa's architecture and facilities boast modern amenities, the treatments are rooted in classic practices, providing a timeless path to wellness and relaxation.
The spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments and facilities. Multi-functional therapy and treatment rooms cater to individual needs, while luxurious couples' suites with sunken bathtubs provide a romantic retreat. Tranquil outdoor lounges allow for open-air relaxation, and a traditional Turkish hammam with segregated men's and women's bathing rituals offers a unique cultural experience.
What truly sets Moksha apart is its emphasis on personalised wellness. Dr Maneesh Damodharan, Director of Wellness, explained, "We customise treatments following in-depth consultations and a thorough analysis of your constitution. This ensures a tailored approach for every guest. We create wellness plans based on your body type and specific needs, including a specially curated Ayurvedic diet that balances your doshas. Combined with our trained Ayurvedic therapists and a wide range of traditional treatments, Moksha offers a truly transformative wellness experience."
My spa included two treatments: Herbal Bundle Therapy (also known as "Potli") and Shirodhara. The former was a game-changer for my achy joints and body. "It helps relax muscle stress, rejuvenate nervous and muscular systems, and addresses musculoskeletal issues," Damodharan explained. "The warm herbal bundles applied after the massage target these issues exactly, promoting deep relaxation and rejuvenation."
Shirodhara, known for its incredible relaxation benefits, was just as impressive. Following a soothing head massage, the therapist continuously poured warm, medicated oil onto my forehead. It felt calming and restorative, a perfect antidote to stress and anxiety, just as Damodharan promised: "This treatment helps with sleep issues, stress, and anxiety, calming the nervous system and providing complete relaxation." Both treatments lasted 60 to 90 minutes, leaving me completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Moksha's culinary offerings truly stand out. Their fine-dining restaurant focuses on sustainable Indian cuisine, emphasising local and seasonal ingredients. The Himachali thali is a noteworthy experience, an extensive and meticulously prepared meal showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. This thali is a journey through Himachal Pradesh's unique food history featuring predominantly yoghurt-based and slow-cooked dishes.
Chef Pritam Singh, the resort's Chef de Cuisine, shared his approach: "Our kitchen primarily uses organic vegetables from our farm, alongside local produce like mutton, mushrooms, taro, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cilantro. When guests ask for Himachali cuisine, I always recommend the Himachali Thali, which features an array of traditional dishes."
The meal began with a refreshing glass of kheru, a spiced buttermilk drink that perfectly set the stage for the feast. The thali itself was a grand array of flavours and textures, including specialities such as sepu vadi (urad dal dumplings in a spinach-curd gravy) and khatta ghosht (a tangy mutton dish in a gram flour and buttermilk gravy). Other highlights included meethe chawal (sweet rice cooked with milk and spices) and rajma madra (a creamy kidney bean dish from Chamba).
One of the standout dishes for me was a simple yet exquisite rice flour pancake served with warm ghee and jaggery. Its combination of flavours and textures made it memorable.
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City life can be a relentless assault on the senses. Delhi, with its scorching heat, suffocating pollution, and chaotic traffic, only amplifies this effect. The yearning for escape becomes a constant hum. Thankfully, hidden sanctuaries like Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort offer a luxurious escape for the mind, body, and soul.
Getting There: Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The closest airport, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, is just 43 km away.
Note: The cable car that connects the property to the main road operates from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm in the summer and from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm in the winter.
