Experiences
"Use Two Chimneys as your base camp for the quieter side of Kumaon."
The estate itself is a birding destination, with over fifty species sighted, including red-billed blue magpies, Himalayan barbets, whistling thrushes, nightjars, and multiple raptors.
Swim, read, walk the terraces, sit by a working fireplace, watch mist roll in, and let the day stay unprogrammed.
Convenient routes from Gethia include Nainital, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Sattal, Mukteshwar, Ramgarh, Almora, Ranikhet, Binsar, and Jageshwar. Corbett can also be done as a longer day outing.
Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, about 30 minutes from the estate, has drawn pilgrims and travellers from across the world for decades. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Julia Roberts are among those who have made the journey here. The ashram retains an unusual quiet and concentrated feeling.
Beyond it, temple circuits, old settlement roads, colonial-era landmarks, and local bazaars can all be layered into half-day or full-day plans from the estate.
Beyond it, temple circuits, old settlement roads, colonial-era landmarks, and local bazaars can all be layered into half-day or full-day plans from the estate.
The food at Two Chimneys is as much a part of the estate as the views. Meals draw on Kumaoni tradition, including lai ki subzi (wild mustard greens), bhatt ki dal (local black soybean), pahadi mutton, and bhaang ki chutney (hemp seed, sharp and aromatic) prepared by cooks from the village itself, whose families have been eating and cooking this way for generations.
Meals shift venue across the day — the dining room in the morning, the pool deck at midday, Land’s End at dusk with valley views and dappled light, a canopied gazebo with a bonfire after dark. On some days the staff will lay a picnic table mid-walk, with chai and sandwiches, in a spot that seems conjured from the hillside. It is the kind of food that does not travel well, which is reason enough to be here.
Meals shift venue across the day — the dining room in the morning, the pool deck at midday, Land’s End at dusk with valley views and dappled light, a canopied gazebo with a bonfire after dark. On some days the staff will lay a picnic table mid-walk, with chai and sandwiches, in a spot that seems conjured from the hillside. It is the kind of food that does not travel well, which is reason enough to be here.
A Seasonal Lens
Monsoon and cold months
Cloud theatre, mist, lush greens.
Winter
Direct sunshine, crisp air, long views.
Summer
Cool mornings, clear evenings, active outdoors.