Once a drought-stricken village overlooking the still waters of Sattal, Suriya Gaon lay barren in the early 1990s—its land parched, its homes abandoned, its silence heavy with what once was.
It was here that Naveen Budhraja, a young engineer with a deep love for the mountains, arrived almost by chance—and chose to stay with intention. Drawn to its raw beauty, its wide-open skies, and the quiet, meditative energy of the land, he saw not what was missing, but what could return.
Where many saw challenge, he saw responsibility. In a landscape often shaped by extraction, Naveen chose restoration. He began planting trees across acres of dry earth, slowly coaxing life back into the soil. Water, electricity, and a motorable road were introduced into Suriya Gaon—without the felling of a single tree. What emerged over time was not just a place to live, but a way of living—rooted in care, restraint, and deep respect for the land.
With a vision that extended beyond the estate, he devoted himself to the village—donating land for a primary school and working quietly yet persistently toward breaking down the caste barriers that divided the community.
A civil engineer from BITS Pilani, he went on to establish Alka Projects, building homes that were not only beautiful, but in harmony with their surroundings—crafted for those who sought a slower, more intentional life in the mountains.
After his passing in 2016, his wife Alka and daughter Nitya opened the estate to guests, creating Naveen’s Glen in his memory. Today, they continue to live on the land he nurtured—alongside their many rescued dogs—welcoming those who feel drawn to the same quiet rhythm, the same love for nature, and the same sense of belonging.