Wilson Cottage was built by Mr. Wilson in 1864. He was a deserter from the British Army after 1857 and escaped into Garhwal where he met the Raja of Tehri. Raja refused to give him shelter. After that he moved towards Harshil. Without informing Raja, he starts his business there. But later, he acquired a lease from the Raja, in which he use to gave his profits. It is said that the revenue of the Raja of Tehri went up ten times at that time. He also introduced the villagers to the apple cultivation. He also built 350 ft. long suspension bridge over Jadganga for local people. Wilson’s bridge has no longer, but traces of its still remain. Local people use to call him "Pahari Wilson".
He fell in love with a local Garhwali girl named Gulabi who belongs from a village Mukhba. She bore Wilson three sons Nathaniel, Charles and Henry. The local people of Harsil and Mukhba still tell tales about them, by using their local names Nathhu, Charli Sahib and Indri. He built a double-storied house in Harsil for his wife. In this cottage you can still find some photographs of Wilson and his Garhwali wife, Gulabi.
The dense forest of Harshil is covered with Deodar tress, the gushing water of Bhagirathi River, sounds of bird tweeting makes it a peaceful destination. There are many trekking destinations near Harsil.
Harsil is well connected by motor able roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Harsil is located on NH108 which connects Gangotri in Uttarkashi district. Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport to Harsil situated at a distance of 232 kms and is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. The nearest Railway Station to Harsil is Rishikesh which is 215 kms away from this place for better rail connectivity you can also choose Haridwar railway station (225 kms) to reach Harsil. You can hire taxi from there.
