A New Year Gathering Beneath the Stars
Step into the New Year at Geeli Mitti, held in the warmth of community and the quiet magic of the mountains. Nestled within dense temperate oak forests inside the Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary, Geeli Mitti is every nature lover’s dream – idyllic mud cottages, panoramic Himalayan views, crisp mountain air, gurgling freshwater streams, and a vibrant world of flora and fauna. It is a sanctuary where people of all ages and backgrounds come to slow down, learn, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
Join us for an intimate 3 day gathering of nature-loving souls – a space where we slow down, breathe deeply, and return to ourselves. We’ll make and break bread together, wander along forest trails, share laughter over picnics under open skies, and end the year with a soulful musical evening that lingers in the heart long after the last note fades. Step away from the noise and hurry of the city, and welcome 2026 in the luxurious lap of nature – in tune with Gaia, in a way that feels intentional, meditative, heart-led, and beautifully alive.
Highlights of the 3-Day Experience
– Coffee Appreciation Workshop
– Sourdough Bread & Cake Baking Workshop by our chef extraordinaire
– Hikes and picnics by the freshwater stream
– Guided tour of Geeli Mitti’s iconic hobbit-like cottages
– Musical evening with bonfire and barbecue
Schedule
29th Dec. 2025
12pm-4pm – Arrival
5pm – 7pm – Coffee Appreciation Workshop
– origins of and introduction to coffee, from bean to cup.
– open fire bean roasting and professional roasting.
– brewing the perfect cup of coffee – Mocha pot, French press, South Indian filter, Espresso, Cappuccino/Latte.
30th Dec. 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm: The Geeli Mitti tour of magical mud structures and enchanted water systems.
3pm to 6pm: The Ultimate Baking Workshop
– how to make a nutritious Sourdough Bread.
– baking a delicious (surprise) cake.
– baking sourdough crust pizzas in the ultimate wood-fired, rocket stove, clay pizza oven aka Narsimha.
– Pizza party and you also get to take some of the sourdough starter home with you.
31st Dec. 2025
11am to 1pm – Village hike and tea picnic by the stream.
7pm onwards – Live musical night with bonfire and barbecue.
1st Jan. 2026
10am – 2pm – Chilling and Departure
Your Hosts
Chef Rajat Pandey:Â A Chef and a beautiful human extraordinaire who specialises in Baking, Italian and Fusion Dining. He is also an International Sommelier. Under his kitchen wizardry expect full tummies and happy hearts throughout your time here.
Rajat comes with extensive experience at Taj Palace Hotel, The Leela Palace, IHC, Cafe Olive, The Kumaun Binsar …
Puja Singh: The Lady of the Manor! Under her watchful eyes and smiling face, all the human and the non-human residents are taken care of. With a natural culinary flair, she has run her own restaurant and has led the world of hair styling internationally, from the Sassoon Academy in London to Bollywood celebs and shows in India.
Inclusions
– 3 x night stay
– 3 x breakfast, lunch and dinner
– Coffee appreciation workshop
– Baking workshop
– Geeli Mitti guided tour
– Musical evening with bonfire and barbecue
Exclusions
– Travel to and from the venue
РAny additional food or beverage purchased from the caf̩
– Haircut and styling by Puja Singh😊
*Refer to Accommodation details for your stay options.
Unforgettable Cottages
Unique magical mud cottages straight out of Harry Potter. An experience to remember. Only 3 available on first come basis.
Rs.48,000 for a couple / 2 adults.
(Includes 3 nights stay with breakfast, lunch, dinner. Includes the coffee workshop, baking workshop, Geeli Mitti guided tour, hike, picnic, musical night and barbecue.)
Check out some of our cottages here.
Please note: We will allot the cottages (at our discretion) once all the bookings have been received. Each cottage has been lovingly crafted and offers a unique experience that we hope you will enjoy.
Spacious Safari Tent
Bathroom is outside and not attached.
Rs.35,000 for a couple / 2 adults. Extra person @Rs.10,000. Only 2 units available.
(Includes 3 nights stay with breakfast, lunch, dinner. Includes the coffee workshop, baking workshop, Geeli Mitti guided tour, hike, picnic, musical night and barbecue.)
Adda, The Dormitory
The hangout ‘Bamboo & Mud’ dormitory space lovingly called The Adda. Full of love, cosiness and good vibes only. Spread over multiple machaans. The best way to experience community.
Rs.18,000 per person.
(Includes 3 nights stay with breakfast, lunch, dinner. Includes the coffee workshop, baking workshop, Geeli Mitti guided tour, hike, picnic, musical night and barbecue.)
Note: Please select your accommodation and pay the holding deposit of Rs 10,000 / per person during checkout. We will contact you separately for the balance payment, which is payable within a week to block your reservation. Non-payment will lead to forfeiture of the deposit and cancellation of your reservation.
1. Arrival
We recommend planning your arrival by 2:00 PM on 29th December. Due to the terrain, reaching the property after dusk is not advisable or possible. If you are running late, you may need to stay overnight in Nainital/Pangot and make the final journey to Geeli Mitti the following morning.
2. Getting Here
You can reach us by air, train or road. Please refer to the Get in Touch section for complete travel instructions. After registration, we can also assist with taxi bookings – simply let us know when we connect with you for your balance payment.
3. Weather
Temperatures range between 15°C and 1°C at this time of year. Warm layers are essential. We also recommend:
– Easy slip-on sandals/slippers (shoes are left outside living spaces)
– A pair of comfortable walking or hiking shoes
– A reusable water bottle
4. Food
Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals (with eggs included on request) prepared by our wonderful cooking team. Our Tapri/café will also be open for simple snacks and beverages.
5. Parking
Parking is available 900 metres before the property at a common street-side area.
6. Luggage
The last stretch to Geeli Mitti involves a 900-metre uphill walk. To make your arrival smooth, please avoid heavy or awkward large luggage. Backpacks or small suitcases are ideal, as larger bags are difficult to handle even by the team or the mules.
7. Animals
Our family includes lively dogs, playful cats, gentle hens, and the occasional wild visitor. There is no concern of safety per se from either the resident or wild animals and critters, remember we are in the lap of nature.
8. Cancellation Policy
– Up to 60 days prior: Fully refundable (minus processing fee and GST, if applicable)
– Up to 30 days prior: 50% refund (minus processing fee and GST)
– Less than 30 days: Non-refundable
9. Essentials to Bring
Please carry your own toiletries, essential medicines, and any preferred drinks. There are no department stores nearby.
10. Mobile Networks & Power
Jio, Vi, and BSNL networks work well here; Airtel does not work at all. Occasional power outages may occur – perfect for a little extra stargazing! We have emergency lights, candles, and charging points available.
11. Smoking
A designated outdoor smoking area is available. Please don’t smoke inside the living spaces.
12. Pets
We are unable to accommodate pets for this retreat.
