The Hills are Calling
Sarovar Premiere introduces a Himalayan getaway that blends contemporary design with local Kumaoni influences.
By Suman Tarafdar
An entirely glass façade, clean lines, and a restrained minimal language shimmer in gold against the inky black of the mountains—it could easily belong in Scandinavia. Except, it sits in the Kumaoni hills.
The latest Sarovar Premiere, the top tier of the 150-hotel group known primarily for its midscale properties, has launched a branded hotel in a lesser-known pocket near India’s oldest national park. The Jim Corbett Vandhara Sarovar Premiere Resort & Spa, Patkote—if we were to use its full name—takes a distinct aesthetic route. And yes, it is stunning at first glance.
The 73-key resort has much going for it. For one, it sits at the foothills of the Mailani range. Its form is unusual—low-rise yet markedly elongated. A full round of the property is about a kilometre, as Atul Gupta, General Manager, points out. In a sense, that works to a guest’s advantage—from almost any point, views of the Himalayas lend both calm and energy. It also means the entrance and back gate are far apart, with staff often using scooters to move around.
Easily the most striking feature, apart from the views, is the main restaurant block. Brahmakamal, named for Uttarakhand’s state flower, offers arresting panoramas—you cannot help but reach for your camera. The all-day diner serves both Indian and global fare, alongside a dedicated section for local dishes. The hotel recently opened its bar, Somras, where you can unwind in the evenings over a tipple. The resort can also set up special tables by the swimming pool or at other locations across the property.
The resort offers a range of activities beyond pool-related experiences too. There are ATVs and cycles that can be used within the property, while an indoor area houses various sports and games. Wellness comes through a fitness centre and spa. The expansive grounds, with open spaces and lawns, make pursuits such as stargazing especially appealing.
The all-day diner serves Indian and global fare, along with generous helpings of panoramic views.
The lobby is a bright, welcoming space.
As with most hill resorts, it is full of floral plants—masses of spring flowers such as petunia, along with bougainvillea, hibiscus and, interestingly, lantana. This is perhaps the first hotel where the last is actively used as décor in rooms. An indicator of changing times was the signage reading ‘selfie point’, another first for me.
If you want to explore the area, the neighbouring national park is the obvious first choice. Dense thickets, towering sal and teak trees, and rich foliage make any drive enchanting, even if wildlife sightings are scarcer than in other national parks. You could also drive around the neighbourhood or ramble through the village of Patkote, with a house dating back to the mid-19th century, and the nearby Sitabani temple.
The hotel is designed as a wedding destination as well, with spacious indoor and outdoor banqueting areas called Nakshatra. It also doubles up for conferences and offsites.
The rooms are utterly charming. Unless you are aiming for the Presidential Villa, I recommend the Villa with Terrace Mountain View. Located on the upper levels (there are only two across the property), they offer views on both sides, with French windows enhancing them—so even a leisurely lie back in bed comes with spectacular vistas. The generously proportioned 450sq.ft. rooms also feature balconies on both sides, ideal for sunrise or sunset, best enjoyed with a beverage of your choice.
Even the base category room, Deluxe King Room with Balcony, is amply provisioned and, as the name suggests, comes with that star quality—the viewing balcony. The resort’s design team has done an outstanding job incorporating aipan, Kumaon’s traditional folk art, characterised by intricate white rice paste patterns (bisvar) drawn on a brick-red ochre (geru) base. In a contemporary update, the visuals, used innovatively in the rooms, appear in softer pastel tones.
There are multiple ways to reach Patkote. The closest railway station is Haldwani, a little over two hours away, with mostly picturesque sections that can occasionally feel like a gentle digestive. The nearest domestic airport is Pantnagar, about three hours away. A drive from Delhi, the nearest metro city, takes about six hours.
However, once at the resort, a combination of crisp air, verdant mountains rising around you, a river valley alongside, and a rare, almost magical silence—broken only by birdsong—along with attentive service, makes it a perfect new getaway.
The hotel stretches out in an almost straight line—and these villa rooms are perfectly placed to take advantage of the scenic surroundings.
The discreet entrance to the resort.
