Blog

February 10, 2025

In the tranquil beauty of the Kullu Valley, Neeralaya Resort stands as a testament to the dreams of its founder, Mr. Muneer Suri, with a deep-rooted connection to the land, Neeralaya is more than just a resort; it's a place where nature and culture harmoniously blend, offering an intimate experience for those seeking peace, adventure, and a slice of Himalayan heritage. Dr. Niraalee Shah, Travel Design Pvt. Ltd, Managing Director, recommending Neeralaya is a natural choice. She describes it as “A hidden gem in the Kullu region, where guests not only experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas but are also welcomed into a warm, community-driven environment that feels like home."

In this interview article, we delve into the origins of Neeralaya Resort, explore its unique offerings, and uncover the activities that make it a one-of-a-kind destination, from its sustainable practices to the handcrafted villas made from recycled timber, Mr. Suri shares the inspiration behind the resort and the local cultural experiences that guests can enjoy. This article gives readers an inside look into the charm of Neeralaya, highlighting the unforgettable experiences awaiting those who choose to stay amidst the natural splendor of the Beas River and the surrounding hills. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or someone simply looking to relax in the mountains, Neeralaya promises an experience that connects you with the soul of the Himalayas.

                                                 
Can you tell us about the history and founding of Neeralaya Resort?

What began as a childhood dream has, over the past decade and a half, evolved into a project embodying two core values: safeguarding the natural surroundings we enjoyed as children, and preserving the vernacular Western-Himalayan architecture and culture. The concept of Neeralaya originated from a childhood dream to preserve this beautiful location, allowing us to cherish all it offered in our youth. The stream running through the land let us catch fish with our hands, the unguarded fruit trees were easy pickings as we climbed them with ease, and the river-formed lagoon provided the perfect pool for a refreshing swim on hot summer afternoons. It was an idyllic place where we could immerse ourselves in nature, inspiring us to preserve it just as it was when we were children, for the next generation.

What inspired the location choice of Neeralaya Resort by the River Beas near Kullu-Manali?

Neeralaya is located on the banks of the River Beas in the village of Raison (alt. 4500 ft.), 25 km before Manali and 15 km from Kullu, isolated from crowds and city noise. This area was our playground, deeply close to our hearts and home.

The resort is a riverside property with five villas, each carefully crafted using recycled timber, stone, and slate, and surrounded by fruit trees, forests, and the river. Today, Neeralaya stands as an island of Himalayan heritage, preserving and showcasing the traditional timber-bonded architecture, a practice that is now nearly extinct.

Neeralaya is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the lush Kullu Valley or for travelers journeying across the Greater Himalayas to Ladakh. It offers a peaceful retreat away from distractions—a place to rest and recuperate after a demanding trans-Himalayan journey, or to prepare and acclimatize before venturing across the Rohtang Pass toward the adventure of a lifetime in Spiti and Ladakh.

What types of accommodation options are available at Neeralaya Resort?

We offer a selection of accommodations in five different villas:

• Two 2-bedroom villas
• Four deluxe suites
• Two junior suites
• One Super Deluxe suite

In total, we have just 9 keys.

Can you describe the unique features and amenities of the resort?

Our location, with its close proximity to the River Beas and the surrounding woods, makes it unique within the entire valley. Additionally, the concept of building the villas in the authentic vernacular Kaath-Kuni style using recycled timber, stone, and slate is a distinctive feature of Neeralaya. Many of our guests also appreciate that both Manisha and I are actively involved in managing the resort. This involvement allows us to interact with guests on a personal level and help them discover lesser-known sites in the valley that are rarely visited by most tourists.

In addition to the river, most guests are pleasantly surprised by the small brook that runs through the property. This brook allows us to offer rafting opportunities for children under 10 (since children under this age are not permitted on rafts in the main river). The brook is also a breeding ground for fish, and we have designed it to provide safe havens for the fish to breed. Children particularly enjoy feeding the fish as part of their experience.

We don’t use room numbers, as each of our villas is named after the fruit trees closest to it. When constructing the villas, we were careful to build around the natural features already present on the property, ensuring that we did not disturb the trees, boulders, or natural landscape contours.

 

How do you ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for your guests?

We’ve been thoughtful in curating our rooms to offer modern amenities while incorporating local patterns and weaves to add a personal touch. During the winter months, we provide electric blankets and fully stocked fireplaces in each suite/villa, so guests can enjoy a cozy evening by the fire. To further enhance their stay, we cater to every dietary requirement whether for our guests or their pets!

What recreational activities and experiences does Neeralaya Resort offer to its guests?

We offer private experiences tailored to the season:

a) Hiking to the apple orchard with a picnic lunch (Spring to Fall)

b) Jungle safari to Kais (Spring, Summer, and Fall)

c) Hike to the meadows of Kuphri (Spring, Summer, and Fall)

d) Skiing at Kuphri Meadows (Winter and early Spring)

e) Visit the shawl weavers in their village

f) Birdwatching

g) Angling (April, May, June, September, October)

h) Picnics by the riverside

i) Fruit picking at the orchards

j) A driving trip across the Atal Tunnel to the gateway of Zanskar

 

How does the resort take advantage of its location by the River Beas for outdoor activities?

a) White-water rafting

b) Riverside picnics

c) Swimming in the summer

d) Fly-fishing lessons

e) Watching migratory water birds

f) Riverside barbecue and bonfire

g) Simply enjoying river therapy

 

Are there any special events or seasonal activities that guests can look forward to?

a) Local Spring festival and village fair (March/April)

b) Fruit picking (June-September)

c) The internationally renowned Dussehra festival (September/October)

d) Several local fairs throughout the year, from the spring fair to the fall festival

e) Experience snowfall at the property during the winter months

 

What dining options are available at Neeralaya Resort?

a) Our breakfast is served daily by the river, with a special focus on platters of fresh fruit and juices from our garden, served alongside authentic local delicacies prepared with love in our in-house kitchen.

b) Lunch is an open option, allowing guests to order à la carte at any spot by the river.

c) Dinner is served buffet style in the dining room, where guests can mingle and socialize with others.

Can you tell us about the culinary philosophy and types of cuisine served at the resort?

• We focus on freshly cooked meals using local produce from our farm and neighbouring farms.
• Our menu includes North Indian, Local Kuluvi, Continental, Chinese, Nepalese, and Tibetan dishes, featuring local vegetables and foraged mushrooms.
• We have a wood-fired oven for pizzas, bread, and cakes, using pruned branches from our apple/plum trees, adding a unique flavor to our pizzas.
• Fresh river trout, prepared in various ways, is one of our signature dishes. We embrace water-to-table as well as farm-to-table dining.
• Our philosophy emphasizes gut health, as we believe a healthy gut leads to a happy person. We offer tailored dietary options while ensuring a holistic experience in a natural, green environment.

 

How does Neeralaya Resort promote sustainable and responsible tourism?

• We chose to build our resort in the Kulu valley, reducing pressure on Manali town and spreading tourism into remote villages.
• Our location creates employment for local villagers, fostering a sense of ownership and community. Guests enjoy interacting with the warm, welcoming staff, some of whom invite guests to their homes for tea.
• With only 9 keys on over 4 acres, we’ve blended into the natural landscape, preserving the local vegetation and enhancing the flora and fauna.

 

What practices does the resort follow to minimize its environmental impact?

• We don’t use bottled mineral water; instead, we collect fresh mountain spring water, filter it, and store it in reusable glass bottles.
• Locally made hemp slippers replace plastic ones in our villas and suites.
• We manage wet waste with Gaia composters and use tree leaves for composting to nourish our orchards and flower beds.
• Solar power heats water, and solar lamps provide outdoor lighting.
• We have incinerators for sanitary napkin disposal.
• 95% of our timber is recycled from old homes, repurposed to reduce fire hazards in nearby villages.

What sets Neeralaya Resort apart from other resorts in the Kullu Manali region?

More than anything else, it is our passion to serve and ensure that all our guests have a truly memorable holiday with their loved ones. We offer them a taste of our culture, cuisine, and of course, the natural beauty of the valley. Our location, as I mentioned, is uniquely positioned along the river. Additionally, we pay exceptional attention to detail in the quality of our accommodations, the preparation of our food, and the small, thoughtful touches found in every hidden corner of the property.

Can you share some memorable guest experiences or feedback that the resort has received?

a) “It is my fervent wish that everyone could live long enough to experience the Suri Villas in Raison: A landscape so lush and poignantly beautiful, it is truly kissed by the Gods! Peace, solitude, and the purity of the soul are the treasures you depart with. A memorable feast for all ages. Barbara and I will forever cherish our two days with the inimitable Suri Family.”

— Penelope Steiner, 189 East Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

 

b) “EXCELLENTE! Home away from home. Manisha is the best hostess. Sad we spent so little time at this wonderful resort! Hopefully, it will become the best in Manali very soon!”

— Gautam Anand, B-4/A Westend Colony, New Delhi.

 

c) “I had no idea what I was getting into, having come here solely at the suggestion of a trusted travel agent. What a great find. A little jewel by a roaring river; an escape from the heat and bustle of Delhi in May. Muneer is a most gracious host and a wonderful guide (though next time I’ll steal his cell phone!). He introduced me to a part of India I would never otherwise have seen. Wonderful conversations on a whole host of topics. A most enjoyable few days that I wish had been longer and hope to extend next time.”

— Arnold Kanter, IL, USA.

 

d) “This is the most amazing place I’ve ever been to. The ‘Plum’ cottage was beautiful and very comfortable. The decor and ambiance of the whole place are absolutely mind-blowing. I can never thank Mr. Giri enough for directing us here. The friendly environment and the warmth and family feeling extended by the wonderful hosts, Muneer and Manisha, are something I’ll never forget. Please keep this resort as beautiful as it is; we will definitely come back because four days was not enough. The food was delicious, and the effort Manisha put into making the most delicious cakes and desserts every day is something I’ll always remember. I’ll cherish the memories of this place forever.”

— Shyamala Aggarwal, 3A New Road, Alipore, Kolkata. Cell: 9830770666.

e) “After much deliberation and studying every possible review on the net, we zeroed in on Neeralaya. From the very first reassuring communication with Muneer to the amazing 10 days spent here, everything was absolutely perfect. We couldn't find fault even if we wanted to. All the generous compliments paid to Muneer, Manisha, Neeralaya, and the staff are well-deserved. As soon as you step onto the property, you realize that the resort is not a commercial project but something built from the heart. What makes it even more special is that the team brings their soul to it. To top it all off, the breathtaking location on the banks of the Beas River, surrounded by beautiful green mountains, creates an experience that is beyond definition.”

— Benu Prakash, Mumbai; Rachita Kapur, Mumbai.


How does Neeralaya Resort support the local community?

• We prioritize hiring local staff, especially women and men from the village, and train them ourselves.
• We maintain the local village road.
• We assist staff children in getting admission to a local English medium school.
• We allow staff to bring their children during holidays to enjoy resort facilities and meals.
• We ensure staff keep their children in school until high school graduation.
• We involve guest children in tree plantations and encourage them to adopt trees for forest conservation.
• We provide basic first aid and medicines to those in need.
• We help maintain a clean environment by offering waste treatment facilities and conducting monthly waste collection drives.

Can guests experience local culture and traditions?

Yes, guests can enjoy local fairs at the village temple and take part in a village walk, visiting a staff member’s home for tea. During harvest season, guests can join in fruit picking and observe the grading and packaging process.

 

What safety measures are in place for guests?

The Kullu Valley is a peaceful and safe area. We have a secure boundary around the property to prevent intrusions, with CCTV surveillance in public spaces and a 24-hour security guard at the entrance. A doctor is on call for emergencies.

Are wellness programs available?

Yes, we offer a dedicated spa with trained masseuses and a yoga instructor on demand. We also provide steam and sauna facilities.

What’s the best way to make a reservation?

Guests are encouraged to call us directly for reservations. This allows us to explain what’s possible and ensure expectations are realistic for a wonderful stay.

Are there any special offers available?

We occasionally offer special packages, focusing on enhancing the guest experience rather than monetary discounts, ensuring a memorable and unique stay at Neeralaya.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Neeralaya offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the serene beauty and spiritual richness of the Himalayas. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or a deeper connection with nature, this extraordinary destination promises an experience like no other, to make your journey even more memorable, connect with Travel Design Pvt Ltd to create a tailor-made itinerary that aligns with your personal preferences and desires, with expert guidance and customized experiences, your Himalayan adventure will be nothing short of exceptional. Embark on this transformative journey today and let Travel Design Pvt Ltd craft the perfect escape to Neeralaya and beyond!