Situated about 80 km from Shimla along the historic Hindustan–Tibet Road, Kotgarh holds a special place in Himachal Pradesh’s history. In 1916, Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia who made Kotgarh his home, introduced the region’s first apple saplings. The original Royal Delicious apple orchard he planted still stands today as a living legacy. Amid apple and cherry orchards lies Banja
ra Orchard Retreat — an eco-friendly haven for nature lovers. The retreat offers a variety of thoughtfully designed accommodations, including fully furnished rooms, spacious Family Suites, independent Log Cabins, a Studio Apartment with kitchenette, and condominiums with kitchenettes, ensuring comfort for every kind of traveler. Prakash Thakur, has poured his heart into creating this peaceful retreat. Warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable, he brings Kotgarh’s culture and history alive for every guest. Open year-round, Banjara Orchard Retreat offers pleasant days and cool nights from April to November—perfect for light woolens. From December to March, the retreat transforms into a cozy winter escape, with chilly temperatures, occasional snowfall, and a magical mountain atmosphere.
