Vanghat is made up of just 9 private cottages and dining area, kitchen and researcher's quarters, bordered on all but the northeastern side by forest, which is where the Ramganga River flows.
Set amidst breathtaking surroundings and home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and other wildlife, Vanghat is aesthetically and sustainably designed to perfectly align with nature. The lodge is composed of 9 cottages, 4 mud and thatched cottages, and 5 stone cottages. Each cottage can accommodate maximum of 3 guests, has an en-suite bathroom and a veranda.
Refreshingly simple, our dedication to making as small a footprint as possible is such that the cottages are raised off the ground to let reptiles and other wildlife pass unimpeded and are equipped with energy efficient fans instead of air conditioning and RO filtered drinking water instead of bottled. The toiletries provided are chosen specifically to be organic and safely biodegradable.
Handcrafted by local stone masons, typical of an age old architecture of the Himalayas. They bond stone with clay, creating thick walls for insulation and set at a height that allows watching birds from your balcony. These cottages are warm in winter and cool in summer - and is of low environmental impact. A modern blend has been created by putting metal sheets for roofing with insulated ceiling.
Constructed with locally sourced clay, savannah thatch and wood inspired by traditional Vangujjar tribal style that has been perfected over hundreds of years so that it perfectly suits the environment and serve as natural air-conditioners. Each one is dedicated to a different group of wildlife, named and painted accordingly to give them unique identities. Each cottage has a veranda surrounding three quarters of the building from which one can relax and watch the wildlife in our grounds which have been planted with species specifically to attract birdlife.
Equipped with a small rack of must reads, varying from the stories of Jim Corbett for a lazy afternoon to birding/ mammals encyclopedias, our Chaupal also doubles up as a Hide for bird and mammal viewing.
Our chef is an expert in local wholesome dishes, as well as a range of Indian and Tibetan specialties and continental fare. Even with our remote location and access to predominantly locally sourced ingredients, our healthy and varied meals are a highlight of Vangat, all served in our dining area with dinner served by candlelight. We are happy to accommodate special dietary requests with prior notice.
Entirely made of wood the machan, our watch tower is set against the backdrop of Shivalik Mountain Range. Tucked away and having a spectacular 360-degree view of the forest around Vanghat, overlooking our salt lick and waterhole, a day spent quietly on the Machan will surely help you spot various species of mammals, birds and if lucky enough the star Bengal Tiger itself.
Know whats happening.