It's like going over to a friend's house
madhulikab2021
Apr 11,2022
To put it simply, our stay at Unmad was, hands down, one of the most memorable travel experiences we've ever had. The warmth, hospitality, friendship, and company that Krishan, Aparna, Sakshi, Leo and Tuffy provide makes every guest feel at home instantly.
If you're considering Unmad as your choice of stay in Dharamkot, here's some info that might help you make up your mind:
Location & Getting Around: Unmad is beautifully located away from the touristy crowds of Mcleodganj in upper Dharamkot. Some of Dharamkot's best cafes are 3-5 minutes away. And a 20-25 minute easy downhill walk will take you to Mcleodganj. If you need a cab for getting around, you can get one from the Dharamkot Square that's a 10-minute walk away, or Krishan can put you in touch with a local cab service that we used during our stay and absolutely loved. Only thing to note is that while cars come right up to the property, you need to climb a set of stairs to reach Unmad. They help with the luggage and if you're reasonably fit, this shouldn't be an issue, but if you have health conditions that make climbing or walking unadvisable, then Unmad (and possibly all of Dharamkot, since the village doesn't have motorable roads in all parts) isn't the best choice for you.
Stay: Nothing we can write about our stay at Unmad can do justice to the experience we had. Unmad is designed to be experiential, not luxurious. The rooms had all basic amenities, and Krishan and Aparna were always approachable and forthcoming about any special needs during our stay. The lower floor rooms open into the common area and are great for people looking for community; the upper rooms have stunning views. The food here, just like everything else, tastes like home. It's always freshly made, and you can simply walk into the kitchen if you need anything to be customised to your preferences. Personally, we adored the aloo parathas here - they were super light and delicious.
Besides the food and stay, what really makes Unmad what it is, is the community. Krishan, Aparna and Sakshi are always around for a chat, along with Leo and Tuffy who never say no to a belly rub. In the evenings, the guests all usually come together to chat and share their day; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and we always felt like we were amongst friends. If you love meeting new people and cherish good company, you'll fit right in. During our stay here, all the guests, along with Krishan and Leo, went on a trek to the Gallu waterfall. It was the high point of our entire Himachal trip, and one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Ideal For: Solo travellers, young professionals, artists, creative folks, groups of friends, couples, and anyone who loves to meet new people, enjoys good company, and doesn't mind walking a little bit to get to these good things.
We loved loved loved our time at Unmad, and we're already checking our calendars to be back there asap!
(Full disclosure: we weren't big walkers or trekkers in any way, so don't be dissuaded if you're not either. We just went there and did what it took to have a great holiday; go with the same spirit and Unmad will take care of the rest for you!) :)