Landour, the small town located at a distance of mere 5 kilometers from Mussoorie and yet a whole world apart has repeatedly attracted us to its mesmerizing mountains and architecture which leaves nostalgia for the British era as one rams its streets.
During our last trip to Landour, we had planned a day full of mostly lazying about in the mesmerizing beauty of this town together with its twin-town Mussoorie has earned the title of ‘Queen of Hills’. We had already visited its some of its most important landmarks such as Sister’s Bazaar, St. Paul’s Church, etc; the eating points such as Chaar Dukan, Lal Teeba Coffe Point – both highly recommended as well as nearby landmarks such as Dhanaultri and Sukanda Temple; even had a chance to shake hands with one and only Ruskin Bond.
Although we had just planned a lazy holiday, the beautiful memories lived in these places might have tempted us to visit those places again if only it was not for the hotel we hade chose to stay at this time. For we had chosen to stay in Rokeby Manor this time. This heritage home that was built as far back as 1840 is one of the best hotels we have come across in the Himalayas.
Though its architecture that reminds one of the times of British Raj has been kept in its old-style – much like most of the buildings in Landour, it avails all the facilities that you can expect from a most modern hotel – flat tv screens with cable, wi-fi access, in-room dining, 24×7 open front desk, etc. They even avail bikes and scooters for exploring Landour, not that we took them – preferring walking instead.
The rooms of Rokeby Manor are spacious, well ventilated and maintain the same British Raj style interiors. The staff really friendly, hospitable and well informed with all the details a tourist might be interested in. The food here is incredible – in fact, the best we have come across in Mussoorie and Landour region. They have a café here and though we had our breakfast within our rooms. The first thing we did just after checking in was getting a massage. Our bodies exhausted from long journey welcomed the soothing hands of therapists with all delights.
We spent the afternoon exploring the streets of Landour and enjoying the simple pleasure one can get out of walking in them instead of committing ourselves to visit the old tourist spots this time.
We were back in Manor as we had already planned our evenings. After spending some time gazing at enchanting ‘The Tea Garden’ of Manor, we moved to the next item – watching the mesmerizing the sunset of Landour in Jacuzzi hot bath provided by Rokeby Manor. It was an experience of inexplicable delights to be in a hot bath amid the cool hills of Landour and watch the sunset.
We returned from the trip fully relaxed by this holiday and also full of memories. J
A classic and iconic holiday destination in Uttarakhand, the cozy and scenic hill town of Dehradun boasts breathtaking beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of 1400 feet, the town offers panoramic views, 365-days of perfect alpine weather, and natural wonders.
Traveling to Dehradun
The city of Dehradun is well-connected to major towns and cities in northern India by railways, airways, and roads. But the best experience comes from a road trip. Even the journey to Dehradun is equally fascinating, with roads passing through quaint villages and towns surrounded by forests and hilly areas along the way. The nearest metro city is Delhi, at 283 KM and takes about six hours to reach. You can easily book a top-rated and licensed Delhi to Dehradun cab for your one-way or round trip travel. Alternatively, you can also book tour packages which will cover your travel and local sightseeing tours. If you are traveling exclusively for treks, you should sign up with local adventure groups and the get the best deals on tours.
The best of Dehradun
Whether you are visiting Dehradun for the first time or returning to rediscover its beauty, here are a few things you would not want to miss.
Explore the Robber’s Cave
At about 8KM from the main town, near the Dehradun Clocktower, you will find this naturally-formed caves enveloped by mountains and streams. Locally called Gucchupani, It is technically an enclave of crags and hills with a mountain stream running through. The 600-meter-long passage has two parts. A locally popular picnic spot, Robber’s Cave and its surroundings is a great place to walk around and explore the wilderness. You can trek for a few kilometers and reach the surreal spot, where a mountain stream flows into an underpass and disappears, only to reappear a few yards ahead. Or you can explore the ruined fort, which sits centrally in the cave.
If you walk further into the forests nearby, you will reach the Malsi Deer Park. A reserve forest, it is a habitat of spotted deer and antelopes, which you might be able to spot in the warmer months.
Seek serenity at the Mindrolling Monastery
At about 7KM from Dehradun town, you will find the largest Buddhist vihara (learning center) of India. The Mindrolling Monastery is home to a huge school of monks, preachers, and Buddhist masters, who conduct religious discourses, ceremonies, and training. The monastery is also known for its impeccable architecture, designed in Zen style. The interiors portray wall paintings, narrating stories of Buddha and his journeys. Surrounded by greenery and mountain views, the monastery is the most tranquil corner of Dehradun and offers the perfect place for peaceful introspection.
Take a jungle safari
The forests of Dehradun is home to a huge population of wildlife and lets you enjoy a tryst with the wild side of nature. You can opt for a stay at places like the Tiger View Jungle Camp, known for wildlife spotting and camping. It is located about 10 KM from the town, in a secluded village called Goolar Kalla. The camp organizes jungle safaris, wherein you can spot tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears, among other endangered species. You can also go for birding tours in the late winter months when migratory birds flock from colder northern locales.
Get some thrill with trekking
Dehradun serves as the base for several exciting treks around the Garhwal Himalayas. Ranging from easy to highly difficult, these trek routes pass through various terrains, offering endless views of snowy mountains, grassy meadows, blooming valleys, alpine pastures, and sleepy villages in between. Har Ki Dun, Roopkund, Valley of flowers, Nag Tibba, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, etc. are some of the most popular treks conducted from Dehradun. The best time to explore these trek routes is between June and December. For more adventure and professional level expeditions, sign up for treks through the Bali Pass, which connects Har Ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri Glacier, or the snow trek to the Kuari Pass, which happens only in the peak winters.
Spend a day in Mussoorie
A trip to Dehradun is incomplete without paying a visit to its sister-town Mussoorie. Sitting at a stone-throw distance from Dehradun, the quieter settlement of Mussoorie makes you travel back in time and makes for a great day trip. You can book a reliable and comfortable Dehradun cab service and easily reach Mussoorie is less than an hour. The mansion of Sir George Everest, Kempty and Bhatta Falls, Christ Church, and Mussoorie Lake are some of the iconic sites you cannot miss in the town. Don’t forget to stop by the 100-year old bakery in Landour.
With traces of a long-lost colonial vibe, exotic flora and fauna, and endless opportunities for the adventurous soul, the capital city of Uttarakhand will make you want to lose yourself in its dreamy atmosphere and never wake up.
Having been to many treks in our lifetime, mountains and breath-taking views are nothing new to us ghoomophiro sisters. But when it comes to the Himalayas, we always feel the challenge enthralling us, tempting us to come to see what lies beyond the city life. Brahmatal is a trek with the most fantastic views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. So let’s take you on the journey to the Brahmatal summit with us.
Overview
Brahmatal is easy to a moderate winter trek. With two frozen lakes and panoramic views of the mountains, one has to walk approximately 24 km to undertake this 6-day trek. Situated in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal Lake surrounded by snow-covered forests is at its grandest during December, January, February, and even March. The maximum altitude you have to endure is 12,100 ft.
How to Reach?
By train, via Kathgodam railway station which is connected to Lucknow, Delhi, and many other places. Train ticket for both sleeper and A/c class is cheap from Delhi with costs ranging between Rs 180 and Rs 450. But remember to book in advance.
By Bus, it is an 8-hour journey from Delhi to Kathgodam.
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1- Kathgodam – Lohajung
Our journey began once we reached Kathgodam from Delhi by train. We had already booked a trekking organization and many options are available online. As soon as we reached the station, we saw that the vehicles were waiting to pick us up and take us to Lohajung. It was 15 of us who were going on the trek. The road journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung was nothing but exposure to the beauty of Uttrakhand. The view was fantastic as we saw the marvels of nature on both sides. While the mountains stood tall and proud, the river flowed gently by. We crossed the Bhimtal Lake, Kausani and Dhewal on our way to Lohajung. It was a long and wonderful journey that took approximately 12 hours. We did stop at different places to have breakfast, lunch and the occasional tea. Once we reached the base camp at 7 in the evening, we ate dinner and were briefed about the upcoming days. We, the trekkers had already gotten familiar with each other. We sat and listened calmly about medical tips, trekking etiquettes, staying hydrated, etc. The day-long travel had already tired us and so we got inside our blankets and went to sleep.
Day 2- Lohajung – Bekaltal
The second day, our actual trek began and it spanned five hours with us trailing in and out of the treeline, all exposed to the marvelous views. The snaky trail took us firstly to a village called Mandoli. That was our first rest stop after moving from Lohajung. The trek got gradually harder as we ascended the mountain and we saw a breath-taking valley formed by the confluence of Mountain Kali and Pindari. There were many muddy huts on our way and we did stop to take pictures with them. From there, the rhododendron forests began which are a treat to the eyes. They grow red during February but while we were trekking, it was a light trail. The rhododendron trees are not too tall but give ample shade while walking. The oak forests and rhododendron forests right on our first day of trekking was proof that this trek was going to be memorable. As soon as we moved out of the forest cover, we saw a wooden bridge and reaching Begum, our next resting spot. Then on, we saw Gujrani Stream and many other streams. Then finally our long trail had ended and we ate dinner before resting for the rest of the night.
Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal
The next day when we woke up, we saw snow all around. There was snow on our tents and even though we felt like sleeping in for a little longer, we had to wake up at 6 in the morning and head out for our journey. There was no internet access but we chatted among the other trekkers and mainly enjoyed the walkthrough meadows of Telandi, all spread like a snowfield. After we crossed the meadow, the highest point in the trek, we started feeling the altitude shift since now we had to descend to reach the basecamp of Brahmatal. The atmosphere at Brahmatal was fantastic. There was a small temple there with bright yellow flags. Brahmatal Lake was a small walk from the temple and it was frozen in the stone-cold weather. We were surrounded by the Almora and Nainital valley as the Mountain peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Himalayas stood strong and tall. As far as eyes could see, there was a soaring beauty of nature. The aura of Brahmatal Lake was simply incredible.
Day 4- Bramhatal – Bramhatal summit – Bramhatal
The next morning we woke up to the beauty of the frozen lake with the sunlight falling on it. As we walked ahead seeing streams being made out of melting snow, we felt like each slope was going to be the last. We had essentials in our backpacks and sometimes the beauty of trek was overshadowed by the tough times but the will to reach the top kept us going. The last 1 kilometer to the top was the hardest and a fight between going on and giving up. As the final walk ended, we sighed with relief. It was an inexplicable experience making it to the top as there we saw magnificent views of the mountains from the Brahmatal summit. The feeling of finally accomplishing what we had come to achieve was beyond imagination. It was one of the moments we would cherish all our lives. The trail down is different than the trail that got us there since we saw a 180-degree view of the Himalayan Range. Click fantastic pictures of Nilgiri mountains, peaks of Mandi, Mana, Maitoli, Haukhambha and Nanda Ghunti.
Day 5: Brahmatal – Lohajung
Now it was the last day of walking and we were supposed to descend to Lohajung. It was a 10 km long trail with villages like Wan on the way. We started the trek back early in the morning and though the trail was mostly downhill, somehow we weren’t motivated enough for it. We wished to explore the trek, even more, stay there for little longer and capture as much as we could both on our cameras and our mind. The mental struggle of not wanting to leave with the physical struggle of hurting limbs and knees was weighing us down but our fellow trekkers and trek leader kept us going with fantastic mythological tales of Brahmatal. Time seemed to pass a little slower than expected and it was still an hour till we reached the basecamp and yet we already wanted to pass out in a tent nearby. When we finally reached Lohajung, it was still an accomplishment since now we had finished the complete trek successfully. Despite the adversities, we had made it back.
Day 6:- Lohajung to Kathgodam
Our last day was spend travelling back to Kathgodam from Lohajung. The night before, we had slept like dead horses with our limbs aching and us knowing that there was no more walking to be done the day after. We moved from Kathgodam after breakfast and said goodbye to the beautiful Uttarakhand. The trek wouldn’t have been truly complete without our pitstop at Kausani where we went souvenir shopping to commemorate a successful trek. After reaching the railway station, we were off to our journey back to Delhi.
It was when we were on the train that we thought about our entire experience. Life in the mountains is entirely different from city life. While city life is stressing, busy and challenging, the mountains challenge more than just your brains. They calm your soul, challenge your body, can be exhausting but the trekking experience is addictive. Trekking makes you feel closer to nature and also makes you realise how close you can be with the earth. The sight of clouds so near to us, marvellous sunset and grand mountains left an imprint on our hearts. Go Trekking towards Brahmatal whenever you wish, though we definitely recommend the winter trek. It might be harder but the views of snow-covered peaks and snowfields are worth it.
Do you keep getting that vibe to run far away from the day-to-day life, from the noises traffic make as if from despair on urban roads? If yes, Faraway Renz is just the place for you. Whether it be for some quality family time or a chance to contemplate the beauties of nature or for a chance to develop your conceptual health or a chance to pursue your artistic side or just a chance to be with yourself, Faraway is where you should go.
Started and run by Rishi Mohan Sanwal is an IIMA alumnus and his wife Nidhi Prabha Tewarian IRMA graduate (who met while volunteering for relief after Gujrat earthquake of 2001 and left their corporate careers to follow their hearts’ call), Faraway Renz rests in cradle of Himalayas on Rani Khet Highway in Uttarakhand, just 8 hours drive from Delhi, near a small village Ghatti. It is near the words just beyond Corbett National Park and will serve as the best retreat for anyone wanting to spend their time surrounded by beauties of nature
When to visit?
Faraway Renz is located at the altitude of 4800 ft. The temperature lies in quite a comfortable range most days of the year. And summers are better than winters, which when added to the advantage of a chance to see the Melas at Binsar Mahadev Temple held in June, making it the best place to go Faraway. You might also want to attend one or other programs they are in habit of organizing at Faraway and thus keep an eye on their website to see what programs are being planned.
How to reach Faraway?.
The resort is just 8 hours away from Delhi or you can catch trains – the Ranikhet Express will take your Ramnagar from where you can take a taxi to resort while enjoying the tranquil beauty of Corbett forests. Sampark Kranti and Kathgodam Shatabadi are other options. The Shatabdi will take you to Haldwani from where you can take a taxi to be at the resort just in time for lunch.
Architecture
Faraway Renz has a bungalow and six cottages – all made of stone and designed, to both add to the beauty of Kumaon Himalayan greens and to comfort its guests’ enjoyment of the same.
The Bungalow is built on a platform at the highest point in the resort. It is furnished just like a house-made to accommodate a family of four adults and two children – two-bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a drawing-room, and a big private garden.
The Corner Cottage, as the name suggests, is situated on a corner of the property. It invites nature’s beauty in itself with an open view of three sides – that of tall pines of the forests, a small lawn, and of ever-beautiful Himalayas. It can accommodate two adults and a kid.
The Family Retreat is a large cottage made for an ideal nuclear family – two adults and two children. A kitchen is provided and there is of-course the view of the Himalayan landscape.
The Duo Cottage is a simple cottage with large windows to treat one’s eyes with the beautiful Himalayas. It supports two adults and one kid, but as we mentioned before.
The rooms are all splendid with pinewood roofs. The resort gives you the option of getting additional beds in case the number of members larger than usual accommodation. A picnic table over the ridge and Kumaoni cuisine picture-perfect the picture.
What to do there?
There is no end to activities that you can do here but, if you are anything like me, you will know that the best thing to do is often nothing and that is the case here. You just sit around and watch the Himalayas unfold its different colors from early dawn to late after sunset, while birds sing to its glory, and after twilight, you lie on your back and look at stars.
Faraway avails you the option of playing games – from cricket (it has its own field!) to board games like Monopoly, playing cards, Poker and Pictionary. The kids have their own play area with swings, sandpit, an outdoor tent and some board games like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders.
It is also a reader’s paradise – providing a perfect natural background for a reader wishing to while his or her days away reading. It is appropriate enough that it comes with its own restaurant.
You can go fishing or swimming in the nearby river, Ramganga or exploring flora in the woods nearby or simply do a barbeque in light of a bonfire.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Living in Faraway is an experience worth having on its own but the resort is ideally located near several other tourist spots like:
1. Binsar Mahadev Temple
The Binsar Mahadev Temple is at distance of a mere 15 kilometer and has an ashram of its own. A two-day Mela is organized here on Vaikunth Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima in June – which is full of local programmers likeMangal and Khuded songs Pandav and Chaufula dance,etc.
2. Ranikhet
This beautiful tourist spot is just an hour’s drive from the resort. The Rani Jheel, the apple orchids, Ashiana Park, Golf course, Kali temple, Shawl factory and, of course, apple orchids at Chaubatia are some of the major attractions of Ranikhet.
3. Corbet National Park
Built by a hunter-turned- conservator, Jim Corbett, this National Park was the first in the country and offers its visitors a chance to go on tiger safari along with a chance to observe several other faunae.
Programs
There is also a program to be held on 16 to 19 September in partnership with SWAS Healthcare, HEALTHify with yoga classes from experts, cardiac exercises, Meditation Sessions, Talks on Healthy Living, Nature Walks and Individual wellness consultation in the peaceful beauty of Himalayas.
This Program is to be quickly followed by another program ‘Urja’ (20 September to 23rd September 2018) which is focused on mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs with aim of rekindling the aim of helping them deal with mid-life career crisis (The ‘Is this all?’ panic syndrome). The behavioral scientists and career coaches from Kavyata will be helping you to turn this very crisis into motivation for aspiring something new, higher, better.
Creative Writing Retreats with workshops on writing and a chance to learn from each other are often held regularly. The last one was held in April 2018
How much will it cost?
The prices depend upon the size of the group and the category of reservation. A standard occupancy (2 adults and 2 kids below 5 years of age) in Bungalow is available at a price of 14000 rupees plus taxes but a Single adult occupancy will cost 10000 rupees plus taxes. The prices are slashed to half or even lesser for cottages. All occupants are offered complimentary morning tea and breakfast. You must pay 50 percent advance and remainder at the property. All meals are free for kids up to 5 years of age and for kids between 6 to 13 years, it is 250 plus taxes rupees plus taxes. For the rest, it 500 rupees per meal plus taxes. This might seem expensive but it is a cheap bargain when compared to view and comforts on offer.
Conclusion
We can thus conclude that the experience of living in Faraway is a luxury available to the fortunate. The experience is unparallel and you can literally breathe in the joy the place will give you.
Located 11 km away from the Library point in Mussoorie is Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by pine trees and views of snow-capped mountains. This sanctuary is a part of the Rajaji National Park in the ‘Queen of Hills’. The place is popular among bird-watchers since it is a haven for rare bird species. Set among dense forests, it also gives the nature lover something to be enthused about and also the mesmerizing sights of the peaks of Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch.
What to do there?
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place and there are plenty of attractions here, of course, everything is connected to nature because that is the biggest highlight of the place. Major ones being:
Flora
The whole sanctuary is surrounded by pine-covered slopes and there are plenty of medicinal herbs and plants in the area as well. Benedictory pines old cedar trees and Fir trees are seen all around the place and as we walked amidst that dense forest, we felt like we were lost in a fairy tale.
Fauna
This is one of the major attractions of the place—its wide range of rare and beautiful bird species. It is a hub for bird-watchers who can spot White Capped Water Redstart birds, mountain quails and Red Billed Blue Magpie among other wide variety of birds. There are also many wild animal species such as Himalayan bear, deep, leopard and panthers that can be spotted.
Trekking:
The sanctuary offers multiple trekking opportunities for the area within or surrounding areas. We took a trek from cloud’s endpoint to Benog Sanctuary, watching amazing views on the way. Since the sanctuary is located amidst the solitary region of Mussoorie, it is perfect for people looking forward to spending some alone time in solace. It is away from the hassle of the crowded city.
Our experience:
The place gave us a complete ‘Into the wild’ feeling as we explored the wilderness on foot, with our camera in our hands. There were just so many places where we just wanted to sit and not move for hours at end. Benog Wildlife sanctuary is one place that is still unmarked by degradation through heavy tourism. Everything is still natural and raw there. There were so many beautiful birds, some of which we were able to capture in our camera. Trekking with such incredible views was a delight as well, and the snow-capped mountains just added a cherry to the top. It is the perfect place to escape from the city and take a day off. Mussoorie is one of the top tourist attractions, and this wildlife sanctuary showed us exactly why that is. Our visit to Benog Wildlife sanctuary turned out to be a perfect mix of leisure and adventure holiday.
Travel Tips:
The timings for the sanctuary are 7 am to 5 am so it is preferred to leave early since vehicles are not too easily available and one should have enough time to explore the place.
Best Time to visit would be April to November, though the sanctuary does remain open throughout the year.
Where to Stay?
There are plenty of accommodation options near the sanctuary itself ranging from luxury hotels, resorts to budget hotels.
How to Reach?
From Library point, public and private buses are easily available and it is 11km away by Road.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is 60 km away from Mussoorie.
The nearest railways station is Dehradun Railway Station which is 30 km from Mussoorie.
So hurry up and start planning your next getaway to Mussoorie! The natural beauty, scenic views, natural wilderness is all worth it.
Ours was an 8-day long trip exploring the region in Uttarakhand. We saw incredible views of the snow-capped Himalayas and mostly clear blue skies. Since there is a lot to be explored, we followed this itinerary instead of fumbling on our own through the days. Our journey began from Delhi via tempo traveler along with other fellow members and through the course of the next eight days, we were blown away by the beauty that Kumayon had to offer.
Day 1
We were so excited to be at our destination that we all reached our starting point on time.During the journey, we took tuck buying, tea, photo break to keep ourselves entertained. Our guide Mr.Ramesh, who decided to make KMVN’s Kathgodam as our lunch our pitstop. The lunch was delicious. We had Bhat ki dal, which is a traditional preparation of Kumaon. There is nothing much to do at Kathgodam, it is the last railway station on the railway line. Beyond this, you need to hire a car to discover Kumaon.
We stopped at Bhimtal. The main attraction there had to be the vast lake which was quite beautiful. Since it is monsoon season the tourist were almost nil and that have given we a chance to just sit by the lake and relax.
Then our last stop was Nakuchiatal, the nine-cornered lake. We stayed at KMVN Parichay which was right near the lake and our room gave the perfect view of the lake and the mountains in a scenic landscape. A stroll near the lake during sunset had us finally realizing that this trip was going to be incredible.
Day 2
The next day took us firstly to Kainchidham which is located on the Nainital- Almora road. The temple had its own ethos and it was quite a peaceful place to be at. It is popular as the religious retreat for people of all faiths and we felt quite at ease around there. The next place we went to was Kakadighat where Swami Vivekananda got his inspiration. There is a Peepal tree under which he sat & meditate, before leaving for the Himalayas.
Then, we had our lunch at Khairna in a place called ‘Standard fast food and restaurant’ which had decent food. We stuck to our North-Indian routine since there was a lot of driving to look forward to, so we didn’t want to try something new and spoil our appetites. We drove through hilly areas to reach Ranikhet Golf course, stopped and wandered around for a while and then headed to Sitlakhet which is approximately 24 km away from Ranikhet via Kathpuria. We were welcomed at KMVN’s TRH at Sitlakhet. Today it was Harela festival, a local sowing festival. On this occasion we planted trees. The view from the terrace was amazing we could see the Almora city.
Day 3
We got up early in the morning to capture the sunrise and see the snow peaks. But our luck was bad as it was too cloudy to see anything. We decided to hike around Sitlakhet and were lucky to see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli etc. After breakfast, we headed towards Katarmal sun temple which was built by the Katyuri King Katarmalla. It is the second most popular sun temple in India after Konark and one look at the place tells you exactly why.
While we were heading towards Someshwar, we saw a lot of farmers doing paddy plantations as it was sowing season. Mr. Ramesh told us that like every one of us gets bored with their job & routine work they too get bored and too keep themselves entertained, the group sing local folk songs which sowing the paddy. It was such an amazing feeling to see women working hard in the fields
Throughout the rides, we looked out the window for sights of the region which never failed to amaze us. It was incredible how similar the cities looked in every place, but the remote areas always had their unique identity. The trip from Someshwar to Kausani was another 10 kilometers. The best part about traveling in Uttarakhand was the delicious local food which was a treat for our taste buds.
Day 4
This day was dedicated to doing sightseeing & discovering places near Kausani. Kausani is also known as Switzerland of India. We first headed to the Anasakti Ashram which is a religious site and Gandhiji stayed here in 1929. It had a small prayer room, a museum, and a beautiful setting.
Then, we also visited the Sumitra Nandan Pant Museum. The famous Hindi poet was born here. His house is converted into the museum which has manuscripts of his poems, & the glimpse of his lifestyle. There is a large collection of Hindi & English book as well. To comrade his birth anniversary, poetry sessions are organized there. If you have an artistic taste and want to revisit your school days, then it is a must visit the place.
The bus was now heading towards the Baijnath Temple which was 37km west of Kausani. It was a nice Lord Shiva Temple on the banks of Gomti River. The temples were built in 1150 AD by local kings. It is one of the four places in Shiva Heritage Circuit’ in Kumaon.
Before heading to our day’s final destination it was time to refuel ourselves, we had our lunch at Bageshwar at the KMVN TRH. Then we headed over to Chaukori and visited the picturesque Tea Plantation sites. Chaukori is another hill station and we stayed at KMVN Chaukori which gave the perfect view of the Himalayas right from our window. It is a quiet little relaxing place with great weather.
Day 5
Though we got up early to capture the sunrise, we another unlucky day the whole town was engulfed in clouds & fogs. But this view was quite mesmerizing. The flower plants in the TRH were in full bloom. Since the rest-house itself is in a secluded area, there was not much to do there except sit back and enjoy the scenery, so we headed over to Patal Bhuvneshwar which had the limestone caves that are popular among pilgrims. Legend has it that the cave enshrines Lord Shiva which accounted to their popularity. Patal Bhuvneshwar was not just one cave but a series of caves. We almost crawled down to 90 feet to reach sanctum. The guide followed us through the cave & explained the carvings which were quite interesting.
After that, we headed over to Gangolihat which is 14 km away from Patal Bhuvneshwar. Then we headed to Paanar Gaon to view the Saryu-Ramganga confluence which is popular mainly because of Lord Shiva and the holy rivers. Then we also went to Lohaghat which is perched on the banks of river Lohawati. For as far as our eyes could see, there was lush green scenery and oak forests. There were also many temples with a historical and mythological importance that we stopped to pray and get blessings.
Day 6
The next day consisted of us heading to Abbott Mount which was at a 7 km distance. The Abbott hill had an infamous bungalow on it called ABBEY which is believed to be a haunted place. Since no one goes there after dark, we visited the place in bright light of the day but the place still managed to give us the creeps, just by appearances and the ghost stories of mysterious instances associated with it. It was believed that the building that was donated to a hospital contained a Mukti Kothri where the patients died exactly as predicted by the Doctor. Though another theory is that the doctor himself killed the patients to prove his prediction and now the ghosts of those patients haunt the place. After the scary visit, we traveled to the Mayawati Ashram which is an Ashram dedicated to the study of Advaita Vedanta. Till date, no idols are worshipped here. Our next stop was the Vivekananda Ashram at Shyamlatal which is situated on the banks of the Shyamlatal lake. So, we also got to see the Shyamlatal Lake which is of dark color due to muddy substances present in the water, thus giving it the name of ‘Shyam’ synonymous with Lord Krishna of Hindu Mythology. Then we went to Tanakpur which is a buzzing town known mainly for its Devi Purnagiri temple. People usually breeze by this place while heading towards Kumaon hills or some other place, but we took our time exploring the region.
Day 7
The next day we crossed the borders. Just kidding, or perhaps not. Our 7th day morning took us to Brahmdev in the western Nepal area. The Brahmdev Temple is quite adored by tourists and one can easily guess why after being there. Then we visited the Nanaksagar reservoir which was a magnificent sight. The lake spread out in front of us in all its magnificence. For further spiritual satisfaction, we headed over to the Nanakmatta Gurudwara which was just nearby. We heard the sound of Gurbani and it relaxed us to the core and then we ate delicious langar (food) there. By this time, we were already feeling the end of the journey and felt nostalgic about all the days spent and the places we had seen.
Day 8
The next day was our return to Delhi and we spent the time scrolling through pictures on our phones, relishing all these memories we had created in just eight days. Uttarakhand is simply beautiful, and we were glad we took our time to see all the places.
There are many other itineraries for exploring Uttarakhand, but this is the most common one and that is for a reason. The reason is that it covers most of the places a tourist would come to Uttarakhand to see. So, make your plans and travel arrangements and go exploring this wonderful place. We did find the KMVN properties to be most comfortable for our stays, certainly had the best views, but you can pick according to your needs and travel packages.
Nakuchiatal is a nine-cornered lake which is located 4 km from Bhimtal and around 26 km from Nainital. KMVM has two rest-houses in Nakuchiyatal and one of them is Parichay. The location is in such a quaint place that it offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. It is located at a high altitude of approximately 4500 ft above sea level. The most amazing thing about this rest-house is that it is a 135-year-old bungalow shaped into a rest-house for tourists and travelers. That is what KMVM does. They restore such places and make them habitable. Parichay is a 3-star rest-house and one of the best places to stay at in Nakuchiatal.
How to reach:
Exact address: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Nainital 263136, India
It is easy to reach Parichay rest house by road, air or railways.
By Air: Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest to Nakuchiatal and is situated at 75 km.
By Rail: The closest railway station is 34 km away.
By Road: The place is heavily connected by roads with major cities. So, traveling by bus and cars is also an option readily available to travelers.
Bookings: The place can be booked online and the best time for it is in the months of October and November.
Rooms:
Parichay rest-house offers many options for super deluxe suites, deluxe rooms, family deluxe suites, standard rooms and even a 12-bed dormitory. We chose to stay in a Deluxe room and it was quite spacious with a nice attached bathroom. The room had a double bed which was comfy, and it also had a cable tv, not like we were there to watch TV anyway. The bathroom had availability of hot water and was clean and sanitized. Though remodeled from an old Bungalow, the rooms were quite modern with modern facilities available. The hotel staff took care of our every need.
The best part was the view of the room which showed the entire lake in its splendor. Since our room was on the first floor, we also had a small balcony attached which was a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
There are plenty of other rooms one can choose from depending on their budget and style of accommodation they want. But we loved our room, especially the balcony which it turns out, is only available to the people with rooms on the first floor. So, while we just got lucky, you can always request a room on the first floor.
Usually while travelling, we don’t spend too much of our time cooped up in the room, but this time was different because the bungalow turned rest-house itself was heritage of Nakuchiatal, moreover it gave such a great and unobstructed view of the lake that we could enjoy from our rooms without having to deal with noise or the crowds of other tourists. That doesn’t mean that we didn’t go to the lakeside, just that staying in this place increased our enjoyment twofold.
Food and Amenities: They had a buffet system for breakfast and dinner which is cost-effective but limits the food options. But the food was delicious and fresh so no complaints there as well. For lunch, they had both veg and non-veg options which weren’t too expensive. There was also a beer bar on the location but we didn’t check it out. We did try their Chinese food menu and were glad to have made that decision because it was delicious. We also ended up trying some of the local dishes on the menu and they were just yummy.
Room service was quick, and the staff was nice and cooperative. They made sure we got our meals on time and were very accommodating. They always had a kind smile on their face and kept the atmosphere friendly and nice.
Highlights: The thing that we liked the most about the rest-house was its built. The Bungalow feels made us feel grand instead of feeling like we were staying at a hotel of some sorts. Moreover, the incredible views, the huge garden with its flowers pleasured the aesthetic in us.
What to do nearby: The major attraction is, of course, the lake with nine corners and it is at a short distance from the rest-house. People also come there for bird-watching which is a pleasurable experience of its own. Water sports activities like Kayaking, zorbing and boat rides are also offered right near the hotel so one doesn’t have to go looking too far. We talked to the hotel manager about places to see nearby and what other things there were to enjoy, and he was quite helpful and nice about it. There is also an option for trekking up the hills nearby or one can just go take a walk around the lake or sit there relaxing. There are several adventure activities available for the thrill-seekers, but for people like us who chose to relax in the serene location with a great weather making us feel even more awesome, it was good that even in crowded mornings, our peace was not disturbed.
Overall Verdict: For a government property, it was quite well-maintained. We had decided to stay there because of great reviews from people who had already enjoyed their stay in Parichay and we have to say we were not disappointed. Our actual experience was much similar, and we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The only small complaint would be mosquitoes and insects so remember to pack your mosquito repellent with you.
Tips:
1. If you pay the staff a little extra, they would arrange a bonfire for you and you can have your food around that.
Talk to them in advance about extra mattress if you are traveling with children or your family.
The usual booking cost does not include tax so keep that in mind.
You can have your evening tea or coffee on the lawn while relaxing and enjoying a complete view of the garden and the lake.
The lake is just a short path away, so if you wake up early, you can go for a morning walk and see the sunrise view.
It is a hidden paradise for bird-watchers so keep your camera and binoculars handy.
With an affordable price, Parichay rest-house offers the best facilities in a preferable location for the travelers. If you are visiting Nakuchiatal, staying at Parichay would be the best decision to make, whether you are traveling solo, with a partner or with family.
Chaukori is an ideal hill station destination in Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Kumaon hills, it gives a panoramic view of the hills. So, when in Chaukori, you need such a place to stay from where you can enjoy the view as well as get the complete holiday feeling. Chaukori is one such place which has Tibet to its north and Terai to its south. Chaukori is the nature lover’s paradise since located above 2,010mts above sea level, the place offers magnificent views of nature’s beauty and splendor. And since Chaukori is one of the lesser explored destinations, one would find it peaceful and free from crowds and tourist exploitation.
KMVN properties are maintained by the state government tourism department as is the case with this hotel. It is located in the perfect spot with scenic views and yet has a low price range for rooms. The beautiful garden, cottages, as well as the watchtower for a mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset, just add to the qualities of the hotel, making it more attractive for tourists.
Address: Bageshwar-Munsyari Road, Chaukori, Sun Set Point, Almora, Uttarakhand
How to reach: Most people prefer traveling to Chaukori via road and KMVN Chaukori even has parking facilities available. But the place can also be accessed via other means of transport like:
By Air: the Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located 205 kms away.
By Rail: Kathgodam which is the nearest railway station is located 180 kms away.
By Road: Chaukori is connected by roads with major cities of North India.
Rooms: The rooms of the hotel were of decent size, but we chose to stay in the cottage for the overall good experience. The only reason for us making that decision was that the cottages were more secluded and on the quiet side while the hotel rooms would have been noisy. And the cottages were better in appearances and provided that personal cozy spot to us. Moreover, we just liked the idea of staying in a cottage better than staying in a room and since we had the budget to make that call, we did. In any case, the rooms are also quite nice.
The view from the window right near our bed showed us the majestic Himalayas. We were in awe of the incredible scenic view and didn’t even have to move from the bed to see it. The room itself was also quite decent with a nice and clean bed. The room was well-furnished and had all the modern facilities available. Though a little washed up after being constantly used for years, we didn’t mind staying there. The best thing about the room was that it was free from the noisiness of the city. Since the hotel is situated in a hamlet, even the view was free from any distractions and instead of car horns, we could hear the birds chirping. The room was also spacious with an attached bathroom. It also had an individual verandah for us to walk around. We could see the garden that was right outside. The garden also had swings for children and just added to the already scenic view of the mountains. It also made for a perfect place to sit and enjoy beverages or click pictures.
Food and Amenities: They had both veg and non-veg options but a limited menu. The food was good like homemade. The staff was quite nice and polite, always at the beck and call, ready to help out in any way they could. The room service was okay.
Facilities: No wi-fi but great parking facilities. The breakfast was complimentary. The room also had a Plasma Tv, room heater and other basic facilities. It was comforting.
Highlights: It is quite good for a budget accommodation. Above average facilities and services at a cheap price. The location is the main plus that the hotel has. It is situated at just the right spot to give the great view to all the people staying here. A great view of the Nanda Devi Peaks can be seen from here and the sunrise and sunset views are especially remarkable. Another highlight is that the hotel is located in the calm and quiet location, so we could relax easily. Stepping right outside the hotel, we went for a walk and there are many unexplored paths that one could choose to walk on while staying here. We did come back during sunset to see it from the watchtower and it was an out of the world experience. We took in the entire view of the mountains, the garden, the scenery and how the clouds and sunrays just added to the already artistic feel of it all.
What to do nearby:
Just 9km from Chaukori is Dharamghar where the disciple of Gandhi, Sarla Behn spent her last days. The other major tourist attractions to visit nearby are Berinag, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Gangolihat and also Hat Kalika temple. All these attractions are at a short distance from the hotel and easily accessible through roads. Out of them all, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is specifically recommended. It is a limestone cave and much popular among pilgrims.
Since it is a hill station, the best thing to do around here is just sit back and relax while reading a book with a cup of coffee. One can also choose it as a destination to test one’s photography skills or escape from a heavy work schedule or the noisy city. This is the kind of place where one comes to be alone to do some soul-searching or just taking a few days off. It can also be chosen as a honeymoon destination or a picnic spot for families.
Best Time to Visit: After the monsoon.
This leaves the weather still nice and cold while adding to the misty beauty of the place without the hassle of ruining your outdoor expeditions with rain. But if you are planning to just sit back and relax and are the sort of person who likes rain, then monsoons work great too.
Coming off-season also has its pros and cons. The pros would be complete seclusion, cheap booking and cons would be lousy service and limited food menu since the staff would not be too keen on getting things from the market. You will have to make do with the options available. But since there isn’t much of a crowd here even during the season, no point in making an off-season travel.
Overall Verdict: Though there are indoor or outdoor activities available, most of the people who travel to Chaukori, do it for the views and the weather, as a relaxing outing and with that context, KMVN Chaukori hotel is the best place to stay. Just don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the memories for lifetime.
Tips:
If the non-veg option is not available, you can always get the chicken from the market and the hotel staff will cook it for you.
Do carry your insect repellant and light woolen clothing.
Do not miss the sunrise and sunset.
We recommend it for travel bloggers who wish to add some mountains to their Instagram feed.
Bring a book, or better yet, bring two.
For bookings drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com. Highly recommended place.
A long drive from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat marked the beginning of our journey towards Valley of flowers. Like its name suggests, this is supposed to be a heavenly trek with marvelous views and since the flowers bloom during monsoon, that is the best time to visit.
After reaching Govind Ghat, we started feeling good about our journey here. Unlike the rest of Rishikesh, Govindghat is scarcely populated and most of the people here are travelers. The weather was perfect and we had the view of the mountains as the real trek began. The trek is done in two parts and as we walked to Ghangaria, 13 long kilometres till we reached, we saw the nearby views and it gave us the strength to keep walking. The trek itself is moderate and not too difficult even for beginners. There are facilities for food and accommodation and a great view waited for us as we walked a little outside the business area. A couple hundred meters away from the market was an open lush green area. That showed a clear path that bifurcated to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. The path to Hemkund Sahib (for those who wish to cover both treks) would take another extra day to cover since it was 6 kilometers away.
We stayed the night before moving on to the Valley of flowers the next day. That trek was about 5 km long. Since there is only one road and no chances of getting lost, we avoided getting a guide. Our trek to Valley of flowers started early in the morning so we reached there by 3:30 pm while also looking at the flowers on the way and clicking pictures. The ascending trek was a bit tiresome and we huffed and puffed till we finally reached the place. We went to a spot that was opposite the Valley of flowers and it had many flowers and a beautiful fall. Surrounded by such natural beauty, it felt incredible. The valley of flowers itself has many rare floral species and it is blessed by nature with such beauty and richness. We saw orchids, poppies, daisies and some other exotic flowers. Those views were better captured in a camera than described using words but one has to experience it first hand to understand the feeling.
The trek to valley of flowers was brimming with rare sights and the simple pleasure of greenery around and fresh air is what every trekker desires. The valley is enchanting and once you are there, you do not want to leave but we had to go back by six since no one is allowed in the valley past that time. The trek back was easy as we descended.
What you need to know before going on a trek to Valley of flowers is to be prepared. Since the valley is located at a high altitude, take medicine with you. This trek isn’t too hard and many families and even kids easily are up to the challenge. Mules are available to reach Ghangaria but we preferred walking. It is a point about preference. But if you are visiting the valley of flowers, be a responsible traveller. Do NOT throw away garbage around and pollute such a beautiful place that is still untouched by the hands of men.
Though Valley of flowers is a UNESCO heritage site and a national reserve, there aren’t many wild species that we came across, just a few bees on the flowers and a rodent here and there. What was special though, was the views and the colorful flowers.
Here’s an itinerary for our day to day trek
Day 1 Drive from Rishikesh to Govind Ghat. Night stay at Govind Ghat
Day 2 Govindghat to Ghangaria, walk those 13km or ride a mule. Stay at Ghangaria for the night and rest before moving on the next day.
Day 3 Ghangaria to Valley of flowers. 5 km long trek. And return before 6pm.
Day 4 Back to Govind Ghat. Unless you wish to go to Hemkund Saheb (we didn’t) in which case, it is a 6 km trek. And you can come back on the same day.
Day 5 Way back home.
Reach out to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com for any trek related queries
The Lakes of Kumaon hills lie in Uttarakhand which is also known as the “Lake District” of India. Amidst the beautiful mountain divisions of Kumaon are these four incredible lakes. Apart from the most popular Nainital lake, there are other big and small lakes too. It is a wonderful experience to walk around these lakes and seeing the tourists enjoying the views and boating while we did the same.
Nainital Lake.
Nainital Lake is the famous lake among tourists since it lies in the district of the same name. This is the spot for your picnic and hill station desires. It is a kidney-shaped lake with hills surrounding it. You can sit at one point and just enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains, the lake and the reflection upon the freshwater surface. The surroundings of the lake were as rich in flora as the lake in Aquafauna.
Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal Lake has its roots in Hindu Mythology as it is named after one of the Pandavas ‘Bhim’ and it is said that Pandavas came here during their exile. There’s a temple called Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple belonging to that Pandava and the Banyan tree in the middle of it shows how old the temple really is. There is also a hill called “Hidimba hill” nearby named after Bhim’s wife.
The best time to visit the lake is during early morning as you can walk around and breathe the fresh air with no one but the birds to keep you company. There are a few platforms where you can see the lake in its full glory. The water was crystal clear and the hills reflected in it looked magnificent. There is also an island in the middle of Bhimtal lake which is, in fact, an aquarium that you can reach via a boat ride.
Nakuchia Tal
Located at the mere distance of 4 km away from Bhimtal, this is a comparatively smaller lake. The lake is irregularly shaped and you have to be there at sunset to fully enjoy the different views at each step. This lake is also known as the “lake with nine corners”, though we were unable to count the exact corners. It is the deepest lake of them all and the valley offers many adventure sports activities like paddling, yatching that you can indulge in. There is also a Lotus pond near Nakuchital filled with lotus flowers of different colours.
Sat Tal lake
The name ‘Sat Tal’ itself indicates that this lake is a group of 7 lakes. These are Hanuman Lake, Ram Lake, Sita Lake, Lakshman Lake, Bharat Lake, Garuda Lake and Nal Damyanti Lake. These are the seven freshwater lakes that are all interconnected to each other and as the name suggests, it is believed that Lord Ram stayed near this lake during his exile.
The lake surrounded by tall oak and Pine trees offers a mesmerizing view. Along with good spots to eat up, there was a zip line where we saw people getting dipped into the lake and joyously cheering. Ram Lake and Hanuman Lake are easily accessible by road but we had to go down a hill to reach Nl Damyanti Lake. When we saw the Garuda Tal Lake, we were stunned by its beauty. It sat like an aquamarine bowl within the trees and since they call the area nearby Dev Bhoomi, we could actually feel the heavenly presence.
A walk around these lakes is just simply therapeutic and you feel one with nature. Since they have become a popular tourist spot, there are all kinds of facilities available.
