34 ReviewsA New Zealanders vision, The Mirage is a multi-function residency hosting travellers, yoga groups and artist/acting workshops. The Mirage is a cluster of traditional Himachali mud houses which have lovingly been restored to an inviting homestay with fully modern amenities. Set amongst dense foliage in the artists colony of Andretta, against a backdrop of jungle & bamboo groves of the Shivalik Hills, The Mirage is a veritable museum of hand picked Indian furniture and artefacts with the mighty Dhauladhar range and its snow-capped peaks looming like a curtain across the Kangra Valley. <br/> Andretta artists colony was started some 75 years ago by an Irish woman named Norah Richards, who acquired the land from the District Commissioner of Kangra in 1935. A fascinating story which links Andretta today directly to Bollywood via some of Indian cinemas greatest actors, Norah Richards was brought to Andretta at the insistence of Jaya Dayal of Lahore University, the man who built the Mirage in 1948. According to the late cine actor Shammi Kapoor, he was in love with her & she with Shakespeare. (Google Andretta Artists Village for the full story) <br/>
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Andretta Chowk, 45km away from kangra,Palampur,Himachal Pradesh,India
A New Zealanders vision, The Mirage is a multi-function residency hosting travellers, yoga groups and artist/acting workshops. The Mirage is a cluster of traditional Himachali mud houses which have lovingly been restored to an inviting homestay with fully modern amenities. Set amongst dense foliage in the artists colony of Andretta, against a backdrop of jungle & bamboo groves of the Shivalik Hills, The Mirage is a veritable museum of hand picked Indian furniture and artefacts with the mighty Dhauladhar range and its snow-capped peaks looming like a curtain across the Kangra Valley. <br/> Andretta artists colony was started some 75 years ago by an Irish woman named Norah Richards, who acquired the land from the District Commissioner of Kangra in 1935. A fascinating story which links Andretta today directly to Bollywood via some of Indian cinemas greatest actors, Norah Richards was brought to Andretta at the insistence of Jaya Dayal of Lahore University, the man who built the Mirage in 1948. According to the late cine actor Shammi Kapoor, he was in love with her & she with Shakespeare. (Google Andretta Artists Village for the full story) <br/>
Rating from 34 reviews
Sleep QualityRoomsServiceValueCleanliness 
Shiva D on 31/10/2017 19:30
If you want a peaceful environment full of greenery then this place is definitely a must visit. When we entered the village the roads were not so good but as I stepped into this place everything here was so damn good.
insta_kaydee on 31/10/2017 18:00
A visit to Mirage will leave you with good memories for a lifetime. Tucked away in a small village, this place will leave you spellbound. I stayed in the White House which was made of mud. The rooms were aesthetically appealing. The decor had a rustic charm. The rooms were filled with books, artificats, collectibles, film posters, paintings, etc. Every minute spent at this place was invigorating. Dennis, who runs this place, is a great host. Will visit there again.
67prabhan on 19/07/2017 05:33
This homestay is tucked in nature and surrounded by lush greenery - a nature-lover's paradise! The 2 lovely dogs and wonderful hosts made it a wonderful weekend for me. Enjoyed meals in the house, and quiet time in between.
Recommend this place to anyone who would like a few days off from city life!
Adventure_Seeker9990 on 19/06/2017 20:33
If you're looking for some peace and tranquility in the foothills of the Himalayas (Dauladhar range) this BnB is a gem of a place. Along with the calm and serenity of the views, one has the option to do yoga (their yoga glass house is spectacular), pottery classes in the nearby village, jungle treks and paragliding (30-45 mins away via car). The house and stay itself provide a blissful, homely & a unique experience. The food is awesome as well! Will be back soon! (stayed at the white house)
RajikaTalwar on 30/05/2017 09:35
Loved the location of the house. Couldn't have asked for anything better.
Here is a quick breakdown -
1. Hospitality - The house manager Poonam was just wonderful. She did her best in her capacity to make us feel comfortable. She would take my 3 month daughter from me just so I could have a relaxed breakfast.
2. Location - 5 on 5. The house is located in Andretta, a small, quaint village. Stay here only if you are ready / prepared to drive to Bir / Mcloedjang to eat out / visit cafes and restaurants. We loved the fact it was completely cut-off. Low on tourist and all the commercialisation that it comes with. The location worked for us.
3. House keeping - this is probably the only area which needs major improvement. I would give it 2 on 5. I understand that it is a homestay. But even in our homes we sweep, clean, dust, wash, etc. everyday. For example, there were cob webs in the room and thick dust on the windowsill.
Since the property has over 8 rooms (maybe more), once the house is full, the housekeeping is not priority. Denis (the owner) really needs to work on this and get some systems in place.
However must add, the suite that we stayed in had a very big and clean bathroom (We stayed at the White House). That was definitely a plus for me.
4. Food - Poonam is an excellent cook. Of course it's very simple but finger licking. She manages the kitchen and baking and does a very good job at it.
The meals are expensive. Might want to look at stepping out for atleast one meal a day.
While my husband and I were generally okay with the breakfast, but we felt Denis should definitely add cereals, juice, different baked breads to the morning layout. Currently it is eggs and toast everyday and Poha if you ask for it.
Cold coffee is the best I have had - made by Poonam.
Overall - I would give it a thumbs up. However, go only if you are ready to compromise a little on the housekeeping and rooms (unless this is sorted by the time you go). I would call it the -- rustic feel :)
