In the heart of the enchanting citrus valley—Mandal / Chopta, where the whispers of flowing water blend with birdsong, Poonam’s dream of creating a sanctuary was born. As a teenager, she passed through this fairytale-like valley with her parents, and its charm left an indelible mark on her heartplace where nature, comfort, and community could come together in harmony.
Poonam fell in love with this valley—Belonging to this part of Uttarakhand, she felt an innate connection to its beauty and serenity.
For over two decades, she searched for the perfect spot, one that was not only safe but deeply connected to the soul of the land. In 2016, she finally found it: a haven nestled amidst pristine beauty and tranquillity.
The vision for Dea Avnova was born from Poonam’s work with Fernweh Fair Travel, an award-winning, women-led travel initiative that empowers local communities, primarily women, while preserving the environment. This space was to be a continuation of that purpose—a comfort-luxury retreat where guests could experience the magic of the Himalayas along with authentic experiences while contributing to meaningful change.
To honor the land and ensure sustainability, Poonam traveled to Thailand to study permaculture and natural building. The journey to bring this dream to life was far from easy—years of training locals, navigating challenges, and even overcoming betrayal taught her resilience.