Trip Duration - 3 Nights 4 Days
Trip Cost - INR 8000 per head
The "August" hasn't been so noble this year with inundations reported at most of the happening hill stations across North India. But what else you can expect from the tripoholics. Our trip was planned, we didn't want to spoil it and couldn't resist our temptations to experience the nature.
We were told that nainital is not precarious at all when it comes to floods.
The rains had already made the weather pleasant and somehow ameliorated the scorching heat conditions in Delhi.
Nainital is no doubt one of the most frequented places in North India but most of us are unaware of the gems that it is hiding in it's proximity - Pangot,Kilbury,Jeolikote, Sattal.
So, it was time to engage the gears and we started off our journey early in the morning.
It was 5 am and with full vigor we kicked off towards our destination. We took a halt at around 7:30 in the morning at MOGA punjabi Dhaba in Gajraula. It was a perfect place to take a short break and relish some Desi parathas along with kadak Chai.
We were charged up and switching the gears higher to match up our excitement levels for our destination.
There are two routes to Nainital from Delhi - via Haldwani and via Kaladhungi. We had chosen the latter. The Kaladhungi road is an ideal catalyst to savor the nature while you drive.
Our first day was planned for Ayar Jungle Camp which is approximately 2 kms above nainital. We hit our destination at around 11:30 AM. The location is amidst the mighty jungles of the region and a perfect getaway from city crowds.
Ayar jungle camp offers a variety of options to stay right from the tents to cottages which is though priced on a higher side but it is worth the location.
After taking a short nap at our cottage we went on leisure walk towards the Naini Lake. The cave garden, hight court and mall road fell enroute.
We had some local pahari soup, momos and noodles to satiate our taste buds.
We took the blessings of diety Naina devi which is right there by the side of Naini Lake.
The picturesque Lake in the lap of mammoth Hills of the region was mind blowing.
We headed back to our cottage after that. It started raining like cats and dogs forcing us to get inside our cottage.
We got up early in the morning with the euphonic chirping of birds which was reinvigorating.
We had sumptuous breakfast at the camp and headed towards Kilbury bird sanctuary.
The route was a bit serpentine but the fresh air flowing inside the car windows was continuously filling us with energy.
We were told that the birds are not visible enough due to the heavy rains in the region.
While passing through the sanctuary we reached Pangot which is roughly 18 kms from Nainital.
The view of the Pangot Valley was mesmerizing. We were informed about a small trek down the Pangot Valley. Without giving a second thought to it we hit the rocks. The difficulty level of this trek was easy. The trek was amazing with small water bodies throughout. The place wasn't frequented by travelers and it was actually the best part about it.
You can explore your own routes here to experience the beauty of the nature.
We ascended back and went for our next destination Jeolikote. It is 16 kms from nainital. We had a booking at HOTs, Heart of the Travellers hostel. The name truly justifies the location.
It's a 150 year old British property turned into a hostel. An approximate 700m trek from Jeolikot leads you to this beautiful property. The trek was short yet adventurous as we had to pass through the dense jungle.
Small water ponds and Meadows appeared soothing to the eyes.
We were welcomed to HOTs by the caretaker who took us through a short walk through the property.
The place was isolated from the crowds and perfect place for travelers in search of serenity.
The hostel spread in few acres had both indoor and outdoor games and activities.
We tried our hands on volleyball, Zenga and strummed the strings there.
Let me introduce you to the inhabitants of this place, the treacherous leeches. Yes you heard it right. This place is invaded by leeches due to the marshy area and you have to be very careful if you do not want to donate your blood. :D
We finished our day playing melodies, strumming the strings and striking light conversations with our fellow hostel mates.
Day 3 was completely unplanned. We had to get back to Delhi but the place was not letting us go. We had to choose some place nearby. Sattal was unanimously selected. The place is around 40 kms from Nainital.
We got a booking at KMVN guest house whose facade gives the enthralling view of the Sattal Lake. The guest house was a cozy and affordable place to stay managed by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. The Sattal lake is segregated into two parts by a bridge with boating and kayaking.
We tried our skills at kayaking and it was indeed a wonderful experience.
It was a calm evening. We had to call it a day. The three day long stay was truly one of its kind.
I will sum up the trip with this-
"The nature has a lot to offer you, you just need to offer yourself to the nature" -
:)
Itinerary:
Delhi to Nainital : 300 Kms
Nainital to Pangot : 18 Kms
Pangot to Jeolikot : 35 Kms
Jeolikote to Sattal : 45 Kms
#nainital #sattal #pangot #jeolikote #uttrakhand