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Visit 'Raison D’être'—with its exclusive riverfront view ashore the Beas River, this heavenly dwelling in Manali will surely leave your soul recharged.
I have always wanted to spend a few days in a remote part of Manali, away from the thronging township. So when I heard about Raison D'être on a summer evening, I knew what choice I had to make. Raison D'être is not just a homestay, it is a dream abode amidst nature. The homestay has a charming riverside orchard, where the homeowners cultivate a delightful array of fruits including plums, peaches, apples, persimmons, strawberries, and kiwis. Apart from these juicy fruits, they also nurture a variety of herbs and vegetables that later found their way onto my plate. The property also boasts excellent craftsmanship and design. With four bedrooms—each named after a season, this retreat offers a cosy yet luxurious homestay experience. Two rooms named Summer and Spring are situated on the ground floor and on the floor above, one can find the Winter and Autumn rooms. Each room opens to a sit-out/balcony, creating a sense of community and comfort. I stayed in the Autumn Room, which was adorned with classic and contemporary furniture, as well as artefacts from all over India. One of the defining features of Raison D'être is its proximity to the pristine Beas River. The property offers a picturesque view of the meandering river flowing across. Initially, I had concerns that the river might be too noisy, especially at night. But surprisingly, its gurgle was experienced as comforting music that provided immense relaxation. Located deep in the Kullu Valley, the property has access to clear water from a Himalayan aquifer located closeby. This pristine water source also fills an infinity pool located here, with a view of the Beas River. While the pool is not heated, I did not mind taking a refreshingly cool dip during my holiday.
The culinary experience at Raison D'être was delightful. The menu takes you on a gastronomic journey that spans Asian, European, and Indian cuisine, depending on the availability of fresh ingredients and the creative inspirations of the resident chef. Meals are served under the shade of an old apricot tree. I treated my taste buds to some of the finest homemade jams, chutneys, pickles, and juices—all crafted using fruits grown in the property's orchard. I also tried a variety of dals while staying here, including Moradabadi and Punjabi, Lakhnavi arhar dal and bhuni moong (along with panch phoran). To sate my non-vegetarian palate, I tried the homeowner's special Pahadi-style mutton curry served with fragrant rice. Savouring this delectable dish while seated in the open-air setting, surrounded by the crisp mountain air, made me better appreciate the local cuisine.
One of the many delights of Raison D'être is its ideal location. Days are sunny and bright, with winter temperatures ranging between 5°C to -15°C. All rooms are heated, and each room has wood-burning bukharis (traditional heating equipment), ensuring a cosy and comfortable stay—regardless of the season.
The neighbourhood around Raison D'être is a haven for solitude seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. I walked through the beautiful trails leading to nearby villages. The village market and the main Kullu-Manali highway are also close by. You can also explore the Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery while staying at the retreat. The inauguration of this monastery took place in May 2005, in the presence of the spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Situated along the left bank of the Beas River, the monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. For those seeking adventure, river rafting (140 m away) and quad biking facilities are readily available close by, and a ziplining facility (WOLC Zipline Tour) is about half an hour's drive away from the homestay.
A few other places of interest could include—a visit to the Himalayan Dairy Products to savour some locally produced cheese and pahadi village food, and some nearby cafés to enjoy some wood-fired pizzas. For shopping and additional attractions, Manali's bustling Mall Road is located only 25 km away. Whether you choose to dip your feet in the Beas River, laze around in the hammock placed in the backyard, or simply gaze out of the window of your room—the serene beauty of the Himalayas surrounds you from every nook and corner of Raison D'être. It is a place that feels like a sanctuary enveloped in tranquillity and cosiness. In French "raison d'être" means "reason or justification for existence"—often, a profound reason for being. After staying at the property, I did find my raison d'être while enjoying a warm bonfire under a starlit sky.
How to get there: The fastest means to travel is to arrive at Kullu Airport—closest to Manali—or at Bhuntar Airport, which is about 50 km away. From Kullu, travel north via Biasar, Bandrol, and Chaatan Seri to reach Raison, which is roughly 15 km away, and should take half an hour to reach by road.
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