Drive into Thanedar through a sea of apple trees, all lacy white against a backdrop of blue hills while here and there a mustard field flaunts its dazzling yellow. The area is incredibly peaceful. From dawn to dusk and dawn again, it's the birds that make the most noise. Don't be taken in by appearances, though Thanedar is a very important place for this is where the apple story was born. 

The apple saga began at Thanedar, a charming little village at over 8,000 ft and some 82 km from Shimla, for it was here that Stokes began experimenting with apple saplings he brought from America some 80 years ago. Scion of a wealthy Philadelphia business family, Samuel Stokes (1882-1946) came to India in 1904 to work at a leprosy home near Solan (50 km from Shimla). Soon, however, the young American became increasingly drawn towards Indian philosophy and culture; he turned away from the foreign missionary community and became a Christian fakir, living in a cave for a while, then married a Rajput Christian girl, bought land in Thanedar village and took upon himself to improve the lot of the local hill people who lived then in abject poverty.

80 kms from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road lies Kotgarh, which enjoys a special place in Himachal history. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia brought the first apple saplings to Kotgarh, the place he adopted as his home. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious' apple orchard that he planted there.

Nestled amongst acres of apple blossoms is the Banjara Orchard Retreat - an eco-friendly getaway that will enchant nature lovers. There are fully furnished rooms with attached baths and a well-equipped kitchen to cater to a variety of tastes.

Prakash Thakur,the host, for whom the Orchard Retreat has been a labour of love, is also the resident expert on the history and culture of this little piece of paradise.

Best time to visit
The Retreat stays open all year round. However temperatures vary with the seasons. April - November - Pleasant days (light woolens) and cold nights. December - March - Likelihood of snow and minimum temperatures touch zero degrees C.

Accommodation
Seven fully furnished rooms with attached baths. There is 24 hrs supply of hot and cold water.

Places to visit around the Retreat
Tani-Jubbar Lake
Famous for 'Nag Devta' temple built along the lake. The lake is 6 Kms from the retreat.
Hattu Peak
15 Kms away, at 11,000 ft, this peak offers a panoramic view of the snowline. 
St.Mary's Church
Built in 1843, this church at Kotgarh is one of the oldest churches in India. 
Parmjyotir Temple
Built by Stokes in the Pahari style, the temple is 1 Km away from the retreat.