Roots - Cafe In The Orchards — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

Tucked away amidst lush apple orchards, The Roots Café and Stay in Bandrol is a quirky little gem. Though just half a kilometer from the Kullu-Manali highway (right before Raison), it’s cleverly concealed behind a mountain ridge, making it almost invisible from the road — a true hidden retreat.

First Impressions As you drive up the short but narrow road from the highway, the charm of this place immediately takes hold. Just beyond the main gate lies a cozy stone-slab courtyard dotted with fruit trees and casual seating — the kind of spot that invites you to pause, sip a drink, or enjoy a quiet snack before even setting foot inside.

The Property The property strikes a lovely balance between modern comfort and traditional Himachali aesthetics, with faux wood flooring and wooden roofs that give it a warm, rustic touch. The ground floor houses a reception area, a relaxed guest seating area, a tiny but delightful bar, and — perhaps the property’s crown jewel — a stunning café that offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the Beas River.

The Rooms The rooms reflect the quintessential Banjara aesthetic — rustic, yet clean and thoughtfully equipped with all essential amenities. Bathrooms are simple but hygienic, with running hot water. Do note that in colder weather, it can take a little while for the hot water to start flowing. Towels in various sizes are provided, though toiletries are not. I had carried my own, so I didn’t check with the management if they were available on request. While there is no kettle or in-room tea/coffee setup, a shared kettle with ample supplies is conveniently placed just outside the rooms, serving the entire block. It’s a small compromise that fits the communal and low-key vibe of the property.

The Café Located at the rear of the property on the ground floor, the café offers excellent outdoor seating — perfect for pleasant weather and soaking in the views. For colder months or during the monsoon, there’s a cozy indoor seating option as well, though the space is somewhat limited. The food is tasty, and the preparation clearly thoughtful. However, prices felt a bit steep, and portion sizes were on the smaller side — arguably the only real drawback of the experience. This also signals a shift from the earlier Banjara ethos, where meals were often included in the stay. That approach worked well given that most Banjara properties are set in remote locations with limited dining alternatives. That said, breakfast was included in the stay — and it was delicious.

Recommendation This property comes highly recommended — especially for those seeking an extended stay to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves. Unlike the busier, often crowded destinations in Himachal, this place offers stunning views, crisp mountain air, and consistently pleasant weather, making it ideal for a slower, more mindful pace of travel. Although, I do hope the management considers revisiting their food policy. Introducing a more inclusive meal plan — particularly for long-stay guests — would greatly enhance the overall experience and align better with the original Banjara spirit of thoughtful hospitality.

A Note on the Property Manager Mr. Rajiv Dalal, the Property Manager, truly embodies the spirit of Banjara hospitality. With his charming personality and amiable demeanour, he is exceptionally helpful and consistently goes out of his way to ensure guests feel...

Great food, lovely interiors, splendid scenery and superb service! That sums up Roots Cafe & Stay Bandrol, tucked away in a lovely little nook 700 meters off the Kullu-Manali highway.

We had lunch twice here while on our way up and down from Manali, and were super impressed by the place. The food is yummilicious with the palette going far & beyond what one may expect from a mountain side cafe/restaurant - the variety and delicacy levels actually go way beyond that delivered by cafes & restaurants in metrod and big cities.

And the ambience is amazing! The place overlooks the Manali highway from a height, with the north view showing the Beas valley near Manali stretching out into the horizon amidst lovely orchards in the immediate vicinity. The property itself is very tastefully done up, appointed with cozy and lively interiors giving mountain vibes amidst well lit rooms and dining areas. And some lovely watercolors hanging on the walls showing Himalayas in all their glory!

But what we liked the best at Roots Bandrol was the service and the warmth with which the team hosted us. Right from Srini ji from Team Banjara who connected us at a short notice to Rajiv ji and team who hosted us on the spot, everyone was super helpful and went out of their way to make us comfortable. And that was no small feat, considering we were a big group of 13 people plus a pet dog!

These short visits were not enough for us, we will definitely be back and next time it will be for stay as well.

Thanks again to Team Banjara and Team Roots Cafe &...

A Culinary Gem in Kullu valley! 💎🍸🍽️

Nestled in the heart of Kullu, Roots Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers an unexpectedly refined dining experience, perfect for food lovers looking for something extraordinary in the Himalayas. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for what is likely the best culinary experience in the region.

The menu is a delightful blend of flavors, and each dish is prepared with absolute finesse. We indulged in a variety of dishes, including the Trout Fish 🐟, Fish Tikka 🍢, the rare Assamese Black Chicken 🐔, and the delicious Jhol Momo 🥟. Each plate was not only bursting with flavor but also beautifully presented, showing the chef's attention to detail and creativity. Every bite was a testament to the mastery in the kitchen, where the chefs work like virtuosos to deliver perfection.

What truly sets Roots apart is the impeccable service. The manager is incredibly attentive, ensuring every guest feels cared for, and the staff exudes professionalism, making the whole dining experience seamless and enjoyable. 🛎️ The service here is on par with the best fine dining establishments you’d find in major cities, yet with the added charm of the Himalayan setting.

For those exploring Kullu and craving a world-class meal, Roots is a must-visit. 🌟 Whether you're a fan of fresh, local fish or adventurous enough to try something unique like Assamese Black Chicken, this restaurant promises to elevate your Himalayan journey to new heights.

Highly...