We see text posts on Reddit and Tumblr that validate us and give us faith that we’re not the only ones who like long drives where we listen to sad music, look outside the window and pretend we’re a heartbroken protagonist in a movie. Bonus points for drama if it rains!
What we don’t realise in this microsecond is that it is in these moments we’re also fully at peace, because we actually have a minute to stop and introspect — we’re not sitting down planning our next big client meeting, our next big break, our next big purchase, because in these moments we can actually leave behind everything that’s bothering us and be content.
If one of these breaks and the desire for a long drive happens to take you to Dharamshala, then the property that you need to stay at to continue seeking peace and content is Brij Anayra. This luxury retreat gets 5 stars plus one extra for the location. Located just under 1 km from the bus stand in the White Haven Estate, this property spreads across 10 acres and is surrounded by lush green tea plantations on one side, and sublime views of the valley and the mighty snow-capped Dhauladhar range on the other. We were told that this is a 161-year-old heritage property that was once inhabited by tea planters and explorers, and was later the residence of visiting British Viceroys.
The property is divided into cottages, with each named after Indian viceroys, like Dalhousie and Elgin and feels like stepping into history, with the decor as vintage and royal as it would have been when Lord Dalhousie stayed here. We stayed at Viceroy Block which definitely kept up with its name.
To say the property and the rooms are beautiful will be an understatement. Stepping into our room, Dalhouse, instantly enveloped us in a sense of calm and joy, further must we add that people who give two dimes about picking a property on their vacation know that a balcony and/or a window can elevate the entire experience. This heritage suite was blessed with both. The room was spacious with a window seat and a view from where we were greeted by the mighty Dhauladhar ranges.
Our favourite spot though, after the massive window was the cutesy, Victorian-style balcony with all-white decor. Just the thought of waking up early in the morning and having tea here was enough to spark joy. Also, our other room, on the ground floor, had lawn access — all in all, views were plenty.
Famished after after the long journey from Delhi, the cosy dining area was calling out to us. We were impressed that everything is made fresh to order, and you can enjoy all cuisines of your choice from North Indian, to Asian, Continental and Italian (they don’t have an inhouse bar, though, but we didn’t mind). We were excited to find authentic Pahadi food on the menu, and the Telia Mah dal, which had a beautiful flavour of mustard oil figuratively left us licking our bowls clean. We spent the rest of the evening lazying around the property, playing a game of ludo, walking in the exquisite lawns, and then enjoying a special high tea in their private tea gardens!
Later on, on the same day, the sunset tea set-up was simply dreamy and if you happen to visit with your partner, you should certainly indulge in this romantic experience, sipping tea as you watch the beautiful sunset surrounded by the backdrop of green tea estate — is unmatchable.
The indoor and outdoor dining area at Brij Anayra is certainly a highlight. These guys know how to make their guests feel special because the dinner set-up was magical. Under the sea of twinkling stars, surrounded by the shining lights of the busy Mc Leodganj and lit up by warm candlelights and a bonfire, the outdoor dinner set up complemented by the soft music in the background is something one cannot easily forget. So is the taste of the wholesome, homestyle food.
We spent a good amount of time on our room’s balcony at night, savouring the stillness and the quiet around us.
LBB-tip: Should you find it in yourself to leave this wonderful property, there are ample places to sightsee and shop, both in Dharamshala and McLeodganj.
Brij Anayra is the kind of property that’s hard to say goodbye to. You keep feeling like you need another minute, to just be able to take in the spellbinding views for a little while longer. You keep wondering if you sat on the window seat for long enough, walked in the lawns enough, cycled through the property enough, or gazed at the tea estate enough. But for that, you can always come back.
