If you’re new here, you should know one thing about us – both of us have roots in Uttarakhand and Animesh is actually a Dehradun boy. Since our college days, I’ve heard so many charming stories about Dehradun, its quiet lanes, lush green surroundings, slow mornings and that old-world calm.
So, this monsoon, I found myself craving a little bit of that calm. We wanted to escape Delhi for a weekend, breathe some fresh mountain air and experience a slower side of Dehradun.
And that’s how we ended up planning a little road trip from Delhi to Koti Village, an offbeat corner of Dehradun, where we found the most adorable little cabin concealed in the forest.
If you’re looking for more quiet, offbeat escapes from Delhi, you might also enjoy: our peaceful getaway to Kotabagh, Uttarakhand
Delhi to Dehradun Road Trip : How to reach Koti Village
Tucked away from the bustle of the city, Koti is a small village in, Vikasnagar tehsil, around 29 km from Dehradun and 10 km from Vikasnagar. It is roughly 3.5 hours drive from Noida/Delhi via Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
As we drove towards Koti, the roads gradually began to narrow, with tall trees lining either side. And then, just as we were getting deeper into the countryside, it started raining. The freshly washed roads and misty surroundings made the drive even more beautiful.
Instead of busy roads, cafés and the usual urban rhythm of central Dehradun, you'll find yourself surrounded by green hills, forest stretches, village roads and pockets of rural life.
Our Little Cabin in the Woods – Valora Retreat
By the time we reached the point where our cabin was located, the weather had turned torrential. There was barely any network, and since the cabin was located amidst the forest, we couldn’t simply drive up to it. So, there we were, waiting by the roadside, surrounded by pouring rain and wondering what we had signed up for!😂
Thankfully, the weather eventually calmed down, and our caretaker arrived to fetch us. And that’s where our little adventure truly began.
We started walking up and down the hillside, making our way through the tall grass and lush green surroundings. Honestly, it was a bit of a dream come true for me – walking through misty grasslands, surrounded by nothing but nature, on our way to a tiny cabin hidden somewhere in the forest.
And then, within barely five minutes, we spotted it.
Our little cabin.
We both couldn't contain our excitement. Enveloped in mist and surrounded by layers of green, Valora Retreat looked almost surreal.
What Does It Feel Like to Stay in Koti Village?
I opened the door of our cabin one evening and there it was – a peacock, just casually standing outside.
These were the kind of days we experienced while staying in Koti Village.
We mostly fell asleep to the sound of rain tapping against the cabin and woke up to misty landscapes and clouds floating right outside our windows. And instead of an alarm on our phones, we had the calls of the Himalayan Bulbul as our morning wake-up call(haha).
Although the cabin gives you plenty of privacy, there are a few local families living nearby. And this is something we absolutely loved about staying here. It didn't feel like we were staying at an isolated resort created just for tourists. We were actually surrounded by everyday village life.
One of our neighbors was kind enough to show us his maize farm. He walked us through his little patch of land, showed us how they grow the maize and, much to our delight, even gave us some freshly harvested maize to take back with us – it became one of our favorite memories from Koti.
The best part:
We cooked our own breakfast and sat outside, savoring it in the middle of all that greenery. Afternoons were for reading, playing games and doing absolutely nothing. As the sun began to dip behind the hills, we’d pour ourselves a drink and settle in for sundowners surrounded by nature. And when the rain came, we didn't run indoors. We danced in it.😊
For a few days, life felt beautifully uncomplicated.
If you love quiet Uttarakhand escapes, you might also enjoy our guide: From Delhi to Munsiyari: A Romantic Roadtrip
Things to Know Before Staying in Valora Retreat.
A forest stay naturally comes with a few quirks. And honestly, we think it’s better to know them beforehand so you can arrive prepared and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
1. Accessibility
The cabin is not directly accessible by car. You’ll need to walk for around 5–10 minutes on a moderate trek to reach the property. The trail involves some uphill and downhill walking, so this stay may not be the most suitable option for elderly travelers or anyone who has difficulty walking on uneven terrain.
2. Food & Cooking
One of the things we really loved about the cabin was having a fully equipped kitchen, and we thoroughly enjoyed cooking our own meals.
The host was also incredibly thoughtful and provided basic vegetables along with essential spices and masalas, so you don’t have to carry your entire kitchen with you!
Since the cabin is tucked away in the forest, food delivery may not be available, so we’d recommend planning your meals and carrying any specific ingredients or snacks you might need.
3. Wi-Fi & Mobile Network
If you’re coming here to disconnect, you probably won’t miss Wi-Fi much anyway. 😉
There is a decent Wi-Fi at the cabin, and Jio network worked well for us in the area, which was more than enough for basic calls and connectivity.
4. Parking
There is plenty of roadside parking available near the point where you begin the walk to the cabin. We found the area to be generally safe for parking.
5. Room Size
The cabin is comfortably sized for a couple. There’s enough space to move around, relax and spend a lazy day indoors or enjoy sitting at the patio.
6. Is Valora Retreat Pet-Friendly?
Yes! Valora Retreat is pet-friendly, and we think your furry companions would have a wonderful time here.
7. Power Backup
The cabin is equipped with power backup, so you don't have to worry about being completely without electricity.
That said, it is important to remember that you're staying in a forest. During extreme weather conditions, power cuts can happen, and they’re simply part of staying this close to nature.
8. What Kind of Luggage Should You Carry?
Here’s a small but important tip: don’t bring a huge suitcase!(like we did 😪!)
Since you have to do a little trek to reach the cabin, we’d recommend carrying a backpack or a small cabin-sized trolley instead of bulky luggage.
Trust us, your arms will thank you when you’re walking uphill with your bags. 😄
9. What to Pack for Koti Village in Monsoon
If you're visiting Koti Village during the monsoon, come prepared for rain, mud and plenty of greenery.
We’d recommend carrying:
- Insect repellent – you're staying in a forest, after all.
- Waterproof or water-resistant shoes – particularly useful for the treks and hikes.
- An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
- Water resistant Sunscreens
- Extra socks and comfortable clothes
- A Camera for sure!
Things to Do in and Around Koti Village
Here are a few things we enjoyed during our stay in Koti Village:
1. Go for a Village Hike
Put on your walking shoes and simply explore the village on foot. Its really fun.
During our walks, we watched people going about their everyday routines – locals tending to their farms, children making their way to school, and the village doggos happily playing around. There was no rushing from one attraction to another and, thankfully, no tourist crowd.
2. Slow Evenings at Bliss Wave Cafe
For a relaxed evening, head to Bliss Wave Cafe.
This little local cafe has a lovely vibe and overlooks beautiful views. We enjoyed sitting here with some evening snacks, taking in the landscape.
3. Drive to Koti Waterfall
It takes around 13 minutes to drive towards the waterfall, and along the way we spotted several little waterfalls flowing down the hills (especially during the monsoon).
Once you reach the point where the road ends, you can park your car and continue on foot. It’s a simple short trek that eventually brings you to Koti Waterfall. Don't forget to reward yourself with hot momos and chai at a tiny local eatery run by two sisters.
4. Have a Meal at CountrySide Restaurant
We also stumbled upon an amazing dining spot called CountrySide Restaurant, and this one was a pleasant surprise.
The restaurant has a beautiful open-rooftop seating area with lovely views, and the food was just as good as the setting.
5. Drive towards Sorna Village
If you have your own car, we'd definitely suggest taking a slow drive towards Sorna Village. You'll come across little local markets, houses scattered along the roads, many of them dotted with colourful flowers; a bridge with water flowing underneath.
Altogether it was a fun detour:)
And if you want to explore Dehradun…
We are big-time foodies, so obviously we couldn't leave Dehradun without treating ourselves to some good food along the way!
Here are a few of our food finds that we really enjoyed:
Ellora’s Bakery – A Dehradun Classic
Animesh has been visiting Ellora’s since he was a kid, so this one comes with a little nostalgia attached. Try their Korean Bun, Plum Cake and, honestly, just go with an open heart and try whatever catches your fancy. 😂
Kalsang Cafe & Restaurant – For Tibetan Flavors
Located on Rajpur Road, Kalsang is a great option if you're craving authentic Tibetan flavours in Dehradun. And yes, momos are a must-try!
Katlambe Chole – For Some Local Street Food
If you want to try something a little different, head towards Moti Bazaar and look for Katlambe Chole, a Peshawari-style dish.
Salads & Co. – For the Salad Lovers
We really enjoyed Salads & Co. Their High Protein Salad was chef’s kiss! A great option if you want to balance out all the momos, chai and road-trip indulgence.
And just like that, our weekend trip from Delhi to Koti Village Dehradun came to an end.
Here is our expense for this trip:
Koti village Trip Cost (Approx. Cost for 2)
Valora Retreat – 3 nights: ₹12000
Fuel – Delhi to Koti & back: ₹4000
Tolls: ₹1300
Food & groceries: ₹2000
Miscellaneous: ₹200
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Valora Retreat and, loved experiencing this quieter side of Dehradun.
If you're looking for an offbeat place near Dehradun or a peaceful weekend getaway from Delhi, we would definitely recommend adding Koti Village to your Uttarakhand travel.
Hope you enjoyed reading our Koti Village experience:)
