Kangra valley may be locale for organic resort

Organic is the buzzword now. After organic vegetables, fruits, flour now it's time to organic resorts.

And, soon Himachal Pradesh may have an organic Wellness Resort, the first of its kind in the north, in the Kangra Valley, close to Palampur.

ITC, TCM (a private equity fund of the UK) and Arun Bhan (a hotelier from Ireland) are in talks with a local player called Chandpur Flowers & Nurseries (CFN) Private Ltd for putting up the resort.

Speaking to Business Standard, CFN (P) Ltd Managing Director P C Sarin said, "The proposed organic resort will be the first of its kind in the Kangra Valley and close to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. Negotiations are on with ITC, TCM, and Arun Bhan."

The proposed resort will be a joint venture between CFN and any one of the three parties.

CFN will provide the land, and the construction as well as expertise will come from the company with which the deal is struck.

The resort will be spread over 10 acres and have a spa, a wellness centre, etc. The resort is likely to attract an investment of Rs 20 crore. Sarin said this would be the first resort in Himachal Pradesh totally organic.

For organic foods, Sarin said, "We have identified an organic production hub at two or three locations in the Kangra Valley suitable for grow organic food products."

It is expected that 2,500 hectares would be brought under the production of tea, herbs and vegetables.

"Also there are plans to set up the first organic production and processing hub, to be established at the Chandpur Tea Estate (CTE), bringing in 12 hectares of tea and farm land," he said.

He said the resort would help in promoting the place as a tourist destination.

"There have been offers from different organisations and individuals willing to offer financial and technical expertise in promoting this area as an upmarket resort and a corporate retreat," he said.