Dense Deodar, oak and pine forests, with the hidden alpine meadow “bugiyal” revealing itself around a corner of the never ending winding road. Slate roofs and stone walls dot the landscape, the crisp mountain air assailing the senses, as you arrive at the Kanasar Eco-lodge, a family-run eco-tourism venture located in Koti-Kanasar, a 25 km drive from Chakrata in Uttarakhand.

Whatever be the season the air is rent with the cries of the Himalayan Magpie on the branch of the apricot or the red streak of the Scarlet minuet as it flits by. A mid altitude birdwatchers haven, Kanasar is an ideal place to explore some alpine bugiyals, and some undiscovered forests.

Visit the shrine of Mahashu devta, the deity of the Jaunsaris or simply take in the crisp Himalayan air and the charm of the villages – enjoying hot cups of tea and delicious locally grown rajma, rice and bhang-ki-chutney.