Himachal: British-era rest house ready to welcome visitors

Himachal Pradesh: The colonial-era Forest Rest House at Khara is open for booking to the general public after its renovation. The efforts to restore the structure, built in the early 1900s, were led by forest workers of the area under the guidance of Paonta Sahib Divisional Forest Officer Aishwarya Raj. Nestled in the lush Sal forest in Khara block of Paonta Sahib range, the rest house is a testimony to the rich forestry heritage of the state and is an ideal place for trekkers, bird watchers and tourists. Built during the British era, it served as a resting place for forest officials and researchers. The structure suffered considerable wear and tear over time, necessitating careful renovation to enhance its functionality as well as maintain its historical integrity.

Speaking on this initiative, DFO Aishwarya Raj said, “The heritage structure has been carefully renovated to retain its old charm while making it accessible to visitors. It is now available for public booking, offering people a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful environment.” The nearby trekking trails have a large number of bird species, making it an ideal destination for ornithologists and wildlife photographers. The area is also included under the Economic and Social Council of India (ECOSOC), which emphasizes its ecological importance. The Sal forest ecosystem supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the environmental conservation efforts of the region. The forest department aims to promote responsible tourism while maintaining ecological balance. Visitors interested in experiencing this heritage retreat can make bookings through the Paonta Sahib Forest Division. The forest department will provide more information on reservation procedures and guidelines.