The Kikar Lodge Nature Retreat and Spa rest inside an 1800-acre forest, rich with wildlife. Kikar Lodge is a delight to visit with your family or a bunch of friends, especially adventure buffs.
First Impressions
A guard welcomed us into the estate with a cheery “Sat Sri Akal.” A long, rugged path led us to the 18 rustic stone cottages, spread across the property. Peacocks cooed and leaves rustled in the cool monsoon breeze.
Suite Story
Decked with simple Sheesham furniture, our cottage was lit with warm yellow lights. Seeing the fresh white bedsheets and fluffy blankets, we could not resist snuggling inside our beds. Later, we sat by the big window in the room, sipping coffee and watching the sun go down. Soon, the lights from the shack shimmered on the pool.
Cuisine and Comfort
We arrived at lunchtime and tucked into kadhai paneer served with hot chapatis and pineapple raita.
Dinner was chicken malai tikka and tandoori khumb, followed by gulabjamun and ice-cream. The multi-cuisine restaurant at the lodge is lit with vintage ceiling lamps. Soft music plays while you enjoy your food. There’s an Australia-inspired retro-themed bar where you can sit back and enjoy a drink and delicious bar snacks.
The Wow Factor!
Zipline
Our most thrilling experience at The Kikar Lodge was zip-lining with The Flying Fox. Taking a tour through South Asia’s longest zipline was daunting initially, especially during the night tour. As we started flying over the jungle, we felt our hearts nearly pop out of our chests. But while zipping through those five lines we saw some gorgeous views of the dense forest below. The instructors at the lodge are not only experienced but also put you at complete ease before you take the plunge.
Forest Safari
The evening forest safari at the lodge was great fun. Walking through the dense forest, we learned about the region’s flora and fauna, including kikar trees, Sheesham trees and shrubs of Ratti, which produce beautiful seeds that were traditionally used to weigh gold in the ancient times. We collected feathers left behind by dancing peacocks. Shapely beaver-bird nests hung from trees. Majestic kingfishers sat on branches. It was a refreshing change from the concrete jungle we live in.
Quad Biking
Riding a 900cc quad bike through the forest was among the most thrilling adventures at the resort. After a quick demo from the trainer, we scudded through steep ramps and muddy waters, enjoying the feel of having tamed a monster.
The Last Word
The Kikar Lodge is a rejuvenating combo of comfort and adventure. In here, you can slow down a little, get close to nature and be as lazy or active as you like!
The Kikar Lodge hosted Astha Mehta and Niket Munjal from the Travel Secrets editorial team.
Team TS says – Also read about this beautiful Punjab secret that we discovered : Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, Anandpur Sahib.
