Sip by the river: Café Kalindi blends nature and nibbles in Paonta Sahib

Perched beside the gently flowing Yamuna, Café Kalindi is the newest addition drawing visitors to the lush green expanse of the Yamuna Riverfront Nature Park in Paonta Sahib. With its serene riverside setting and eco-friendly design, the café offers more than just refreshments — it promises a rejuvenating pause in nature.

This is the third such café established by the Forest Department in Paonta Sahib’s nature parks over the past two years, following the success of Café Van in Yamuna Van Vihar and the women-led cafeteria at Sirmaur Van Vihar. The initiative is part of a broader vision to make forest landscapes more accessible and welcoming, while also generating meaningful local employment.

Aishwarya Raj, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Paonta Sahib, expressed his enthusiasm for the new café, saying, “Café Kalindi is more than just a place to eat — it's part of our mission to connect people with nature in a responsible and enriching way. By creating eco-restored spaces and offering livelihood opportunities through initiatives like these, we are turning forest areas into shared community assets.”

In addition to boosting tourism and improving visitor amenities, the Forest Division has emerged as a key player in nature-based recreation with seven eco-restored nature parks now thriving across the region. These include Gondpur Nature Trail, Sirmaur Van Vihar & Nature Museum, Arogya Vatika, Miyawaki Green Zone at Bhatanwali, Ecopark Rampurghat, Yamuna Van Vihar and the newly enhanced Yamuna Riverfront Park.