About Mahasu House
Welcome to Mahasu House - an enchanting and exclusive hideaway nestled amidst the beautiful forests of Mashobra. A haven for those wishing to get away from the hustle bustle of daily life and experience nature on a grand scale; Mahasu House offers an opportunity to escape into the Himalayan wilderness, bask in personalized hospitality and completely rejuvenate the soul. Located at an altitude of 2400 metres (8000 feet) above sea level, Mahasu House is a 45 minute drive from Simla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
History And Ownership
The word ‘Mahasu’ is derived from the name and blessings of the ‘Mahasu Devta’. In local dialect ‘Mahasu’ means ‘Muha Sheo’ (Great Sheo or Lord Shiva). Near Mashobra is the famous Mahasu Peak, the highest peak in the region of Kufri, with an ancient temple. However, the largest and oldest temple of the Mahasu Devta is in Hanol (an 8 hour drive from Mashobra).
Mahasu House is owned by Anil Walia, a true blue Simla-ite and proud small town resident. He shakes his head in wonder when people talk of traffic, pollution and stress in big cities because he cannot imagine living away from the mountains. “Having settled in Simla in the 1935's, my grandfather built a hotel here in the late 60’s. Born a year later, I was brought up by my grandparents and have lived all my life in this beautiful mountain paradise” says Anil.
There was never any doubt about his professional calling, “As a 9 year old I was told I would study Hotel Management in Pusa Institute and so I did. After completing schooling from Bishop Cotton School, Simla, I pursued further education at the renowned Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, New Delhi. Thereafter I returned to manage the hotel where I had spent my childhood”. Later, Anil added to his portfolio the management of other hotels in Dalhousie (from 1995 to 2003) and Manali (from 2001 till date).
For Anil, Mahasu House is truly a labour of love. “I bought land in an apple orchard in Mashobra in 2001 to build my dream home. After a lot of search, I settled on architect Duni Chand from Lahaul Spitti, who is known for designing Khat-Kunni (stone and wood) cottages and houses in Manali, to design this home”.
Construction was completed in 2009 but a change of plans had him converting what was meant to be a residence into a hotel. The next few years were spent in making some necessary additions and alterations. Facilities like the club room, gazebo and health club were added and interior work was completed in 2011 with the help of Anil’s friend and architect Sachin Misra from Simla. Mahasu House opened its doors to the world in end 2011.
All staff of Mahasu House are locals from Himachal Pradesh. None of them have a hotel background since they were recruited when the property was envisaged as a home. They have subsequently been trained in-house to ensure warm, efficient and impeccable service and make Mahasu House a true ‘home away from home’.
“We work tirelessly to ensure every stay at Mahasu House is an experience to remember.” says Anil. Being hands-on hotel owners, Anil or his wife Tina meet every guest who stays at Mahasu House and personally supervise all aspects of their stay. “You may sometimes see me teeing off with visiting golf enthusiasts at the Naldehra Golf Club, regaling them with local tales over evening tea or my wife ensuring that ladies and children have a great time on the property.”