At the onset of winter, the kachnar tree, also known as mountain ebony, in the courtyard of the Singh family home blooms with pink flowers. Named after this very tree, Nature Courtyard Kachnar Court is a leafy, cosy homestay in the city of Bhopal which is run by Dhruv Dev Singh, his wife Kundanika, and his parents Dr Pushpendra Pratap and Anshumala Singh.
Modelled on their ancestral home in Satna, Nature Courtyard feels like a heritage home replete with high ceilings, dark sheesham wood furniture, large French doors and windows, skylights that offer glimpses of the moon, and is filled with vintage collectibles.
The home was built in late 2018 on a wild patch of land that the family wanted to preserve and so they built around the gulmohar, tendu, banana, and other trees that grew in the grounds. An elevated lobby built around this tree-filled space is where I chose to have my breakfast of poha, a dish made with flattened rice, and tea as birds sang and the golden sunlight filtered through the canopy.
Six large rooms, spread across the house’s main wing and cottage unit, feature all the comforts of a modern hotel along with the warmth and personal touch of a homestay. And if you want more, choose from an extensive menu, pick up the room phone and call the reception and ask for in-room dining. Rooms are homey and impeccably decorated with a distinct Indian flair including wooden floors that add to the coziness, drapes and rugs in earthy tones, carved mirrors, and old black and white photos capturing the history of Bhopal. Common areas like the lobby and sitting room in the cottage wing are perfect to lounge with friends or to have hearty conversations with the Singh family.
After a long day of sightseeing, I was grateful for the sumptuous Achari Gosht and Sprouts Salad that I enjoyed in the comfort of my room. It really did feel like home.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Getting there: Nature Courtyard is located 20km/40 minutes from Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal and 13km/30 minutes from Bhopal Jn. Railway Station.
Nature Courtyard
Address: Kerwa Dam Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462044
Website: https://nature-courtyard-kachnarcourt-a-home-stay.business.site/
Tel: 070007 58986
Tariff: Double room costs ₹3,500/- inclusive of breakfast