Nestled amidst the serene Himalayan mountains, Blue Stream Cottage in Jibhi is a hidden gem that offers a perfect getaway for those seeking peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. Located in the Himachal Pradesh region of India, Jibhi is a quaint little hamlet that is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green forests, gushing streams, and pleasant weather. The quiet lanes amidst the mountains remain peaceful and unspoiled, which makes it a must-visit destination for the peace-seekers and nature lovers. The lush pine and cedar forests create a picturesque view for those who love to capture memories and breath in nature’s sweet smell. The Cottage is located in Ghiyagi village which itself is a panoramic, magical and wondrous village in the old Himalayan region, The fine architecture and beautiful views that the village has an offer for its visitors are remarkably flawless. The houses in this old village are built of stone and wood, with a large number of apple orchards and Galgal trees embracing them as a backdrop.
The Blue Stream Resort is situated at around 2 kms from Jibhi, situated in Banjar Valley of Distt Kullu. This boutique resort is surrounded by forest comprising of Deodar trees, Pine and various other varieties. Situated amidst apple orchard and fresh water stream named “hidib” a tributary of river Tirthan, this resort is perfect place to rejuvenate the soul and freshen up the spirits. This resort is derives its name “The blue stream” from specially crafted bluestones brought from Riwalsar situated in district Mandi and the fresh water stream that forms one of its boundaries. The architecture of this resort is “Kath kuni” which is a traditional way of building country houses comprising of beautiful blend of stones and wood. The Cottage, with its charming wooden architecture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking surroundings, is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, or anyone looking to unwind in the lap of nature.
Location and Accessibility
The Cottage is located in the village of Jibhi, which is approximately 60 kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Manali. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 60 kilometers away, and the closest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, which is approximately 120 kilometers from Jibhi. From both the airport and the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jibhi. The road to Jibhi is scenic and takes you through lush green forests, apple orchards, and picturesque villages, making the journey itself an experience to cherish.
Accommodations
The Cottage offers cozy and comfortable accommodations with a rustic charm that blends perfectly with the natural surroundings. The cottage has well-appointed rooms that are designed with wooden interiors and provide modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The rooms are spacious and come with comfortable beds, clean linen, attached bathrooms with hot water supply, and breathtaking views of the mountains or the gushing stream nearby. The warm and hospitable staff at Blue Stream Cottage ensures that guests have a memorable and comfortable stay. There are basically two types of rooms:
Royal Rooms
The 4 Royal Rooms are situated on the first floor of the resort. The rooms are larger and have high ceiling giving the experience of grandeur and royalty. The private balconies of each room are facing the forests and orchards giving a breathtaking view.
Luxury Rooms
The 5 luxury rooms are situated on the ground floor of the resort. The ceiling and the walls are paneled with wood in a traditional way to keep the guests warm and cozy. All the five rooms have private balconies which gives an unhindered view of the beautiful and scenic surroundings.
Restaurant
The Cottage offers buffet menu with elements of Himachali, Italian and Mughlai courses. They use only the freshest ingredients from self grown and local market to make dining an amazing experience.
Garden
Take a morning stroll through the beautiful garden created and lovingly landscaped by the owner and enjoy the wide variety of exotic plants, flowers and fruits. The blooming apple tress adds to the elegance of the property.
The Cottage offers a serene atmosphere and is strategically placed away from hustle and bustle of city and at the same time not too far away from it.
The design elements of the Cottage
The design of Blue Stream Cottage is one of its unique features that adds to its charm and appeal. The cottage is designed with a traditional Kath kuni architecture that is commonly found in the Himachal Pradesh, giving it a rustic and cozy ambiance. It is a traditional technique that uses alternating layers of wood and stone masonry, held in place without using mortar. The wooden beams and stone masonry are interlocked without the use of any nails or metal fasteners. This ancient technique requires skilled craftsmanship and is known for its earthquake-resistant properties, making it well-suited for the hilly terrain of the region. This design is most evident in the temples in the region.
The cottage is built using locally sourced wood, which adds to its eco-friendly appeal and blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. The exterior of the cottage is adorned with wooden paneling, large windows, and sloping roofs that are characteristic of the traditional architecture of the region. The use of wood not only gives the cottage a warm and inviting look but also keeps it well-insulated, making it comfortable throughout the year, especially during the colder months. The architecture features climate-responsive design which are inherently low maintenance and relevant to achieving energy efficiency. The Kath Kuni construction technique is believed to be a thousand years old, and the flexibility in construction allows the structure to flex with the seismic waves (earthquake) offering excellent structural and seismic resilience.
The interiors of Blue Stream Cottage are tastefully done, keeping in mind the traditional Himachali design elements. The rooms are designed with wooden & stone walls, ceilings, and floors that exude a cozy and rustic charm. The windows in the rooms are strategically placed to offer breathtaking views of the mountains or the flowing stream nearby, allowing guests to connect with nature even while indoors.
The common areas of the cottage are designed to provide ample space for guests to relax and unwind. The cozy lounge area features comfortable seating, adorned with colorful cushions and rugs, making it a perfect spot to curl up with a book or simply soak in the natural beauty outside. The restaurant area is also designed with wooden interiors and offers a warm and welcoming ambiance where guests can enjoy their meals.
The outdoor spaces of Blue Stream Cottage are thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. The cottage has outdoor seating areas where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains or the nearby stream. The beautifully landscaped gardens are adorned with flowering plants, adding a touch of vibrancy to the serene ambiance. Also there is drawing area for the guests to relax and enjoy the mountain views from the property itself.
In addition to Kathkuni architecture, Blue Stream Cottage also features the use of blue Rewalsar stone in its construction. Rewalsar stone, also known as limestone, is a locally available stone that is known for its durability and weather resistance. It is commonly used in the construction of traditional houses in the Himachal Pradesh region. The use of Blue Rewalsar stone in the Cottage can be seen in its stone walls and exteriors. The natural beauty of the stone adds to the cottage’s rustic charm and blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. It also reflects the use of locally available materials, which adds to the eco-friendly appeal of the cottage. The combination of Kathkuni architecture and Rewalsar stone in the construction of Blue Stream Cottage not only adds to its unique design but also reflects the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Himachal Pradesh region. It gives the cottage a sense of authenticity and a connection with the local traditions, creating a truly immersive experience for guests.
Facilities and Amenities
Blue Stream Cottage offers a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay enjoyable and convenient. Some of the facilities and amenities include:
Restaurant: The cottage has an in-house restaurant that serves delicious home-cooked meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor authentic Himachali cuisine as well as Indian and Continental dishes.
Bonfire: A bonfire is arranged at the cottage premises in the evenings, where guests can gather around, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the starry sky.
Outdoor Seating: The cottage has outdoor seating areas where guests can relax, soak in the natural beauty, and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Trekking and Adventure Activities: Jibhi is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, and Blue Stream Cottage can arrange various adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, and fishing. The cottage also organizes guided village walks, bird watching tours, and bonfire nights to make your stay more enjoyable.
Parking: The cottage provides ample parking space for guests who are traveling by their own vehicles.
Internet: Although Jibhi is a remote location, Blue Stream Cottage provides free Wi-Fi connectivity to guests, ensuring that they can stay connected with the outside world if needed.
The Blue Stream Cottage in Jibhi is not just a place to stay, but a reflection of the local Himachali culture and architectural heritage. The use of Kathkuni architecture with its interlocking wooden beams and Rewalsar stone in the construction of the cottage adds to its unique charm and authenticity. It showcases the skilled craftsmanship, durability, and eco-friendly appeal of traditional Himachali architecture. The rustic wooden interiors, stone exteriors, and serene natural surroundings create a perfect blend of traditional and modern elements, making Blue Stream Cottage a delightful retreat for those seeking a serene and authentic experience amidst the Himalayas.
Places to visit nearby
Jibhi Waterfalls
A short walk from Blue Stream Cottage will take you to the beautiful Jibhi Waterfall, which is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, and the sound of gushing water is soothing to the senses. You can either trek all the way or drive up to about a kilometers before the waterfall and then walk rest of the way. There are wooden bridges built over water streams and a cemented pool around the waterfall. Swishing over the natural rocks joyfully with water tuning down and getting mixed in the stream, the view is magical and ecstatic in itself. The pool which forms at the bottom of the falls is clear. The whole setting of it looks straight out of a wallpaper. It is a perfect spot to spend some time in the lap of mother nature.
Kuli Katandi or Mini Thailand
Jibhi’s ‘Mini Thailand’ will award you with a surreal experience. Formed along the path of the Tirthan river, there is a rocky crystal clear pool of water. There are two enormous boulders in the shape of a hut that makes this area particularly picturesque. The area is pristine and quite unknown to even locals devoting to the reasons why it is Jibhi the paradise of Himachal. Located in Kulhi Katandi, you will have to walk for 250-300 metres towards Jalori pass and start walking down on the right when you see a yellow board of Forest guest house on the left side. Carefully trek down for around 200 metres. A little while ahead you’ll see pink/purple flowers blessing your eyes, and two distinct pipelines leading further down. You can count on them, just follow the pipes and in a couple of minutes, you’ll reach your hidden paradise.
Shringa Rishi Temple
Shringa Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley and the temple is dedicated to him. It is a three-story temple with amazing views of the valley around. It is located on the same trail as Chehni Kothi. From the road, you have to first climb up to the temple, pay respect and then continue further up towards Chehni Kothi.
Sheshnaag Temple
Sheshnaag is another presiding deity of Banjar, other than Shringa Rishi. This temple is believed to be over 500 years old and can also only be reached by a short trek from Jibhi. It sits amidst a picturesque location deep inside the forest and the trail is a scenic one as well.
Chehni Kothi
Also known as Chaini Kothi, it is a small village known for its huge tower-like structure that is believed to have been built in the 17th century. This is one of the tallest structures built in the traditional local architecture in entire Himachal. To reach the village, ask around and keep an eye out for the stairs leading to Shringa Rishi Temple. Leave your vehicle on the road, climb up to the temple and then continue on the 3 kilometers trail to Chehni Kothi.
All of these 4 places can easily be covered in a single day. However, these are just a few that are located right next to Jibhi. If you move a few kilometers either to the village’s left or right, there are several other places that you can include in your trip such as Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass, Sirolsar lake, Raghupur Fort.
Overall, Jibhi is a hidden treasure in the Himachal that holds the true beauty of nature and numerous attractive sights. It is the best weekend getaway destination if one looks forward to a short pause from his routine life.
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