Experiences
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The Binsar Forest Trail
Book Now
by
Knowhere Travel Co
Multiple Dates
INR 22499.00
onwards
Sweet Valley Crossing
Inquire Now
by
Knowhere Travel Co
Multiple Dates
INR 60000.00
onwards
Eat / Drink
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Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop
by
Shikha
One of the oldest eateries of Nainital, the erstwhile bakery now serves a full-fledged menu complete with Thai curries and dumplings. Its ‘bigger and better’ New Delhi outlet, The Mountain Café, might serve killer cocktails but this branch serves nostalgia like no other.
I Heart Cafe
by
Shikha
A short drive from the Bhimtal lake, the iHeart café makes for the ideal stopover when driving around the lake district of Kumaon, or breaking your journey when driving up to the hills. Choose from a range of smoothies, snacks and meals served at this friendly and chic joint. Try their thin crust pizza or baked bites with freshly brewed coffee.
Chai Etc.
by
Shikha
Next door to iHeart café near Bhimtal is this small kiosk that serves piping hot chai with a variety of finger food like wraps, rolls and burgers. The compact but neat space is run by a welcoming duo that is part of a local organization’s initiative which supports rural women employment.
The Nest at Naveen's Glen
by
Shikha
Perched high above the Sattal lake and as its name implies, this B&B sits in a wooden glen. The cosy rooms come with small pantries making long stays easy, though the delicious meals at the in-house café make for a great alternative. Each room is named after a bird of the region, for Sattal also happens to be a birder’s paradise.
The Birdcage
by
Shikha
A boutique stay known better for its café, this hidden gem is a surprise in Mukteshwar. The small setup is interspersed with plenty of green spaces including a striking front garden. The rooms are chic and the café cosy, both with thoughtfully done interiors.
Chaandi Maati Café
by
Shikha
Up by the main Mukteshwar road, this tiny joint serves fresh Indian food, including the local Kumaoni fare. The long bench seating outside is a great spot for people-watching as you sip your chai on the misty mountain side.
Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor
by
Shikha
The Grand Oak Manor sits in the heart of the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary, with majestic Himalayan views visible from the comfort of its premises. A historic restored bungalow, it is the erstwhile home of Kumaon commissioner Sir Henry Ramsay and takes you back in time on its rambling 40-acre estate.
Simba Cafe
by
Shikha
The only café in the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary, this café comes with limited options but has an ambient ‘cabin in the woods’ feel. It makes for a great stop to rest and refuel on a nature trek through the sanctuary.
Mohans Cafe Restaurant
by
Shikha
One of the first atmospheric hangouts to have come up on the ridge, this café offers scenic views as you sip your mint lemonade or enjoy your lunch. This is also the best place on the ridge to enjoy machine made coffee in the midst of an outdoor garden setting. The café also has beautifully done rooms one can stay at, and an in-house store that sells organic products and local maps.
Yak and Yeti Inn
by
Shikha
One of the newer eateries in the outskirts of Ranikhet town in Majkhali, this is a good choice for a meal in a town with limited options. Follow a long walk on the mall in the cantonment area or a round of golfing with a relaxed meal here in the midst of beauteous mountains.
Real local
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Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop
by
Shikha
One of the oldest eateries of Nainital, the erstwhile bakery now serves a full-fledged menu complete with Thai curries and dumplings. Its ‘bigger and better’ New Delhi outlet, The Mountain Café, might serve killer cocktails but this branch serves nostalgia like no other.
Chai Etc.
by
Shikha
Next door to iHeart café near Bhimtal is this small kiosk that serves piping hot chai with a variety of finger food like wraps, rolls and burgers. The compact but neat space is run by a welcoming duo that is part of a local organization’s initiative which supports rural women employment.
Chaandi Maati Café
by
Shikha
Up by the main Mukteshwar road, this tiny joint serves fresh Indian food, including the local Kumaoni fare. The long bench seating outside is a great spot for people-watching as you sip your chai on the misty mountain side.
Vanghat Lodge
by
Shikha
For the truly offbeat traveler, there is nothing more fulfilling than the Vanghat experience. This comfortable and magical place can only be reached via a short trek off the main road, and is the brainchild of passionate birder and conservationist Sumantha Ghosh.
Tibetan Market Nainital
by
Shikha
The ultimate shopping destination in Nainital, no trip to the lake town is complete without a visit to the welcome chaos of the Tibetan market. The narrow stretch flanked by shops on either side sells fashionable winter coats and boots, souvenirs and other trinkets, starting from one end with the landmark Naina Devi temple and ending at the main town parking. Make sure you bargain!
Baba cake
by
Shikha
As the name suggests, this elfin corner is the place to go to for a sweet tooth craving. The couple running the hangout bakes fresh cakes and pies, best enjoyed with the filter coffee or mint tea that is served here. You can also grab a sandwich or thali around lunch time. The bakery menu is not fixed and changes daily. Don’t expect any frills it’s a very basic spot.
Kilmora Shop
by
Shikha
The flagship store of local NGO Kilmora, named after a small wild berry from the region, this store makes for a great stop for souvenir purchase. Complete with brightly coloured scarves and stoles, woolen jumpers and shawls, adorable hand-knitted dolls and other bric a brac, it is full of useful and lovely mementos that also make for great gifts.
House of Umang
by
Shikha
Between Ranikhet and Majkhali lies the cooperative ‘Umang’, or hope, which has been giving hope and livelihood to women of the region for years now. It specializes in woollens, and their designs are at par with any urban outlet. Pickled fruit, jams and chutneys are also sold here among other souvenirs.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
by
Shikha
Known as the ‘bell temple’ because of the large number of bells that adorn it, this temple in Chitai is barely a half an hour’s drive from Almora and gives a sneak peek into local beliefs. It is dedicated to the local deity Golu who rides a horse brandishing a sword, and every bell signifies an offering by a devotee whose wish has been granted.
Bir Terraces
by
Urbanaut
Described as “utopia in the hills”, Bir Terraces is a cosy cottage at 5000ft, overlooking the Himalayas. There’s three bedrooms and a handful of tranquil spaces to share — you’ll also find a running track, a yoga space and acres of farmland run using natural and sustainable practices. It’s just the peaceful getaway you need.
Stay
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I Heart Cafe
by
Shikha
A short drive from the Bhimtal lake, the iHeart café makes for the ideal stopover when driving around the lake district of Kumaon, or breaking your journey when driving up to the hills. Choose from a range of smoothies, snacks and meals served at this friendly and chic joint. Try their thin crust pizza or baked bites with freshly brewed coffee.
The Nest at Naveen's Glen
by
Shikha
Perched high above the Sattal lake and as its name implies, this B&B sits in a wooden glen. The cosy rooms come with small pantries making long stays easy, though the delicious meals at the in-house café make for a great alternative. Each room is named after a bird of the region, for Sattal also happens to be a birder’s paradise.
The Birdcage
by
Shikha
A boutique stay known better for its café, this hidden gem is a surprise in Mukteshwar. The small setup is interspersed with plenty of green spaces including a striking front garden. The rooms are chic and the café cosy, both with thoughtfully done interiors.
Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor
by
Shikha
The Grand Oak Manor sits in the heart of the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary, with majestic Himalayan views visible from the comfort of its premises. A historic restored bungalow, it is the erstwhile home of Kumaon commissioner Sir Henry Ramsay and takes you back in time on its rambling 40-acre estate.
Mohans Cafe Restaurant
by
Shikha
One of the first atmospheric hangouts to have come up on the ridge, this café offers scenic views as you sip your mint lemonade or enjoy your lunch. This is also the best place on the ridge to enjoy machine made coffee in the midst of an outdoor garden setting. The café also has beautifully done rooms one can stay at, and an in-house store that sells organic products and local maps.
The Homestead
by
Shikha
A beautiful oasis of luxury in the midst of a 170-acre estate, this stay makes for the perfect weekend getaway from New Delhi and serves as a terrific place to break your journey on your way back after a holiday in the Kumaon hills. Complete with a pool, spa and mini golf course, this can also double as your gateway to the Corbett National Park.
Vanghat Lodge
by
Shikha
For the truly offbeat traveler, there is nothing more fulfilling than the Vanghat experience. This comfortable and magical place can only be reached via a short trek off the main road, and is the brainchild of passionate birder and conservationist Sumantha Ghosh.
Avocados B&B
by
Shikha
This beautifully designed cottage is a cosy duplex, perfect as a nature getaway. With the Naukuchiatal lake in the distance, this glass and wood studio villa comes with a lovely garden with avocado trees.
Holm Farm Heritage
by
Shikha
Built over 150 years ago by Norman Troupe, the British officer believed to have established Ranikhet, this heritage hotel has massive old rooms, a grand staircase, stellar Himalayan views and oodles of colonial and post-independence history. The owner Himanshu Upadhayay is full of stories, and is happy to narrate the history of the bungalow and region to guests.
The Kumaon
by
Urbanaut
This might just be the most beautifully designed hotel in India - built by award-winning Sri Lankan firm Zowa Architects, a partner of which trained under renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa With each of the ten suites offering dramatic Himalayan vistas, The Kumaon offers an immersive nature experience within a luxurious yet tasteful and understated environment. This won’t come cheap, but if you are in the mood to indulge yourself, this hotel deserves a stay.
Bir Terraces
by
Urbanaut
Described as “utopia in the hills”, Bir Terraces is a cosy cottage at 5000ft, overlooking the Himalayas. There’s three bedrooms and a handful of tranquil spaces to share — you’ll also find a running track, a yoga space and acres of farmland run using natural and sustainable practices. It’s just the peaceful getaway you need.
Buy
explore all >>
Mohans Cafe Restaurant
by
Shikha
One of the first atmospheric hangouts to have come up on the ridge, this café offers scenic views as you sip your mint lemonade or enjoy your lunch. This is also the best place on the ridge to enjoy machine made coffee in the midst of an outdoor garden setting. The café also has beautifully done rooms one can stay at, and an in-house store that sells organic products and local maps.
Tibetan Market Nainital
by
Shikha
The ultimate shopping destination in Nainital, no trip to the lake town is complete without a visit to the welcome chaos of the Tibetan market. The narrow stretch flanked by shops on either side sells fashionable winter coats and boots, souvenirs and other trinkets, starting from one end with the landmark Naina Devi temple and ending at the main town parking. Make sure you bargain!
Kilmora Shop
by
Shikha
The flagship store of local NGO Kilmora, named after a small wild berry from the region, this store makes for a great stop for souvenir purchase. Complete with brightly coloured scarves and stoles, woolen jumpers and shawls, adorable hand-knitted dolls and other bric a brac, it is full of useful and lovely mementos that also make for great gifts.
House of Umang
by
Shikha
Between Ranikhet and Majkhali lies the cooperative ‘Umang’, or hope, which has been giving hope and livelihood to women of the region for years now. It specializes in woollens, and their designs are at par with any urban outlet. Pickled fruit, jams and chutneys are also sold here among other souvenirs.
Himadri Hans Handloom
by
Shikha
Formerly home to Panchachuli, an award-winning women weavers’ association in Kumaon, this centre still retains all the works (and the women!). Walk through the centre and watch women create magic on handlooms, and pick from a range of stoles and scarves, or a rare pashmina for a special occasion.
SOS Organics Foundation
by
Urbanaut
A short distance from the bell temple is the SOS organics setup in Chitai. The organization has been making handcrafted soaps and organic cosmetics, and selling local honey, herbal infusions, and flavoursome food ingredients. The beautifully packaged products make for great gifts.
Old Hill Foods
by
Urbanaut
Old Hill is a group of artisanal gourmet cheese makers that work their magic 6,500 feet above sea level in Uttarakhand. They work with teams of Himalayan women and villages to produce their fair trade, preservative-free cheese that’s well-loved across the country.
Avani
by
Urbanaut
Avani is a community-centric programme that helps rural families find their footing and generate their livelihood sustainably. Their talented farmers and artisans product one-of-a-kind textiles, art supplies and lifestyle products made using 100% natural materials. Hit them up if you’re looking for yarn, toys, knitwear and more and want to support local businesses at the same time!
Darima Farms
by
Urbanaut
Darima Farms is well-known country-wide for its artisanal cheese, made by makers trained in Italy and local helpers trained in the art for years. They specialise in Gouda, Gruyere, Zarai, Romano and other Italian and Swiss varieties, all of which are made using pure milk and flavoured with homegrown herbs.
Do
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The Homestead
by
Shikha
A beautiful oasis of luxury in the midst of a 170-acre estate, this stay makes for the perfect weekend getaway from New Delhi and serves as a terrific place to break your journey on your way back after a holiday in the Kumaon hills. Complete with a pool, spa and mini golf course, this can also double as your gateway to the Corbett National Park.
Cheena Peak
by
Shikha
To get away from the hustle of the Mall road, hit the trail to Cheena Peak (locally referred to as ‘China Peak’). Drive up towards Bara Patthar and get off near the trailhead to start this 3km hike that takes you through lovely deodar and oak forests to the highest viewpoint of Nainital, which gives you a stunning birds’ eye view of the lake valley.
Tibetan Market Nainital
by
Shikha
The ultimate shopping destination in Nainital, no trip to the lake town is complete without a visit to the welcome chaos of the Tibetan market. The narrow stretch flanked by shops on either side sells fashionable winter coats and boots, souvenirs and other trinkets, starting from one end with the landmark Naina Devi temple and ending at the main town parking. Make sure you bargain!
Binsar zero point hike
by
Shikha
The most popular hike in Binsar, this trail leads you to the sanctuary’s highest point from where the expanse of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya can be seen on a clear day. The end of the lone tarmac road of Binsar is the starting point of this 2-km (one way), relatively flat trail on the ridge. The beautiful trail is flanked by breathtaking oak and rhododendron forest and imposing valley views, dotted with Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and other peaks.
Chauli Ki Jali
by
Shikha
Visited not just by locals, the Chauli Ki Jaali temple is known among newly married couples as a place to seek blessings for a good life ahead. And if religious sites are not up your alley, the stunning Himalayan vista is reason enough to visit this spot. The winding walk up here showcases the famous Mukteshwar views and gorgeous forests.
Jim Corbett National Park
by
Shikha
India’s first national park named after the legendary hunder turned conservationist Jim Corbett, this 512 square kilometre park is home to the country’s best wildlife. Other than tigers, elephants, and other land mammals, it is known for its exceptional avifauna with close to 600 odd species. Go for a tryst with the wild here on jeep safaris across its multiple zones.
Kaladhungi Jim Corbett Museum
by
Shikha
Legendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett spent many winters at his Kaladhungi home, which has now been converted into a museum. The old building in the midst of a neat garden is on the fringes of the Corbett National Park, near the village of Chotti Haldwani. The building houses old photographs and artefacts from the life and times of Corbett and his sister and companion, Maggie.
Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimtal
by
Urbanaut
Peter Smetacek’s labour of love, the butterfly museum, is India’s largest private collection of butterflies. As one of the leading butterfly experts in India, Peter is an authority on the species and a great storyteller of the same. A visit to his unassuming home turns into an educational and enjoyable visit.
Mathpal's Museum And Art Gallery
by
Urbanaut
A private museum built by Padma Shri awardee Dr Yashodhar Mathpal, this collection is his effort to preserve the local culture and folklore tradition of the region. Various rare artefacts and objects showcase Dr Mathpal’s labour over the years.
Jageshwar Dham
by
Shikha
About 50km from Almora lies this ancient cluster of temples that pilgrims come to visit from far and wide. Dating back to the 9th century and believed to be built by the Katyuri kings, one of the region’s last ruling dynasties, the Jageshwar temples are an architectural and spiritual milestone in the history of Kumaon. A museum opposite the temple premises showcases the main idols (closed on Mondays).
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
by
Shikha
Known as the ‘bell temple’ because of the large number of bells that adorn it, this temple in Chitai is barely a half an hour’s drive from Almora and gives a sneak peek into local beliefs. It is dedicated to the local deity Golu who rides a horse brandishing a sword, and every bell signifies an offering by a devotee whose wish has been granted.