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Exploring Kumaon Himalaya through Forest Rest Houses
There are at least a hundred such rest houses scattered
all over Kumaon and Garhwal- most were built during the
time of the Raj though only a few retain the old grandeur
and still have memories of days gone by. Selection of rest
houses is based on the forests around it and the colonial
architecture of the rest house. Most of the rest houses do
not have electricity, but rest assured you would begin to
like it very soon- we also take enough lanterns and
candles to provide lighting where necessary.
On many occasions, beautifully located and built, private
homes that people rent out can be alternated with the rest
houses depending on your preference and the route taken.
Such stone, glass and wood homes are commonly seen strewn
about the Kumaon Himalayas in the most picture perfect
locations.
Sample Tour Plan - Eight nights and nine days
Day 1:Arrive at Corbett Wilds :
Arrive at Corbett Wilds by lunch. After wash and change
and a sumptuous lunch, we would take you on an escorted
nature and bird walk into the river near Camp . It is an
excellent opportunity to walk in the cool of the forest,
to be so close to nature and to appreciate the varied
plants, insects, birds, mammals and reptiles that inhabit
this part of the country. THE QUIETER YOU ARE, THE MORE
YOU WILL SEE.
Back to camp by sundown for campfire and dinner, which is
leisurely and personal. Along with the excellent cuisine,
your guide and hosts will amuse and amaze you with their
stories of exciting experiences. Then it is time to relax
once again and enjoy carefree chatter by the fireside
whilst feasting on the unique sounds and smells that your
exclusive location offers, before retiring to bed with
only canvas separating you from the Indian jungles.
Day 2: Corbett Wilds to Pines Bird Lodge near Ranikhet
: After a lavish breakfast, pack for the journey ahead and
our route would take us past Mohan onto the road leading
to Ranikhet- as we go higher the Sal forests would give
way to tall Pine trees. Packed lunch, specially prepared
by our chef, would be served in a pine forest by a stream.
Once in Ranikhet, a drive of three hours, we would explore
the quiet and charming hill station, offering
breathtaking, panoramic views of the snow laden Himalayan
peaks.
A visit to the Kumaon Regiment Museum, the tweed factory,
the old church and a drive past the old colonial bungalows
(most of them restored and in use by the Kumaon regiment
and thus in immaculate condition) are a must. We would
visit the unusual bazaar of Ranikhet; located on the slope
of a mountain and referred to as "khadi bazaar" (khadi
meaning steep in the local lingo).
Then we drive for an hour and a half, past Majkhali (with
awe-inspiring and very prominent views of the Trishul &
Nanda Devi peaks) to reach the old forest bungalow. The
drive to get here is awesome; partly on metalled roads
which then gives way to a jeep track past thick
rhododendron & oak forests.
At the Lodge our staff, who would have arrived there
earlier in a pilot jeep would have hot chai ready and
waiting for our arrival. After a quick wash and change,
admire the breathtaking sundown and then settle down near
the fireplace with your guide and hosts for an easy and
relaxed evening over drinks, snacks and dinner.
Overnight in the Pines Bird Lodge / safari tents.
Day 3: At the Pines Bird Lodge near Ranikhet:
Apart from the great location of the bungalow -overlooking
the majestic Himalayan ranges it is a fine place for walks
in the thick oak and rhododendron forest. This can be
clubbed with a visit to a famous Ashram nearby.
For those interested in bird watching, this is a great
opportunity- our naturalist would lead a walk into the
forests early in the morning and have you back in time for
breakfast.
Post that you could explore the bungalow ( under
renovation)- read its old guest register with entries
dating back to 1906, flip thru the old, moth-eaten Brit
magazines and other publications, admire its old
furniture, crockery, cutlery and the great stone
architecture.
Post a hot lunch and a short siesta, we explore the
environs of the rest house. After breathtaking views from
sun-set point (we discovered this vantage point in our
last trip!) we head back to the FRH for our last night
here. Being on top of a hill with thick forests all
around, whistling winds visit each evening, sometimes
bringing with them low lying clouds and mists, turning the
whole place into an abode of clouds- a heavenly feel!
It is time to relax once again and enjoy carefree banter
by the fireplace over drinks and dinner, before retiring
to bed in the forest rest house / safari tents.
Day 4: FRH near Ranikhet to FRH near Baijnath
: Drive, post an easy breakfast towards the FRH past
Baijnath. Today we would drive past Someshwar, Kausani &
Baijnath. Stops, to explore each place would be made.
Kausani is noted for its close Himalyan views and Baijnath
for the famous old temple complex by the shallow Gomti
river.
The last few kms of the drive offer breathtaking close
views of Trishul & Nanda Devi. The drive is on a forest
track in a very Pine forest past small Kumaoni hamlets.
The FRH is one of the earlier built ones and surprisingly
better maintained. Admirable stone architecture with
carved pillars and large bay windows complete the serene
picture.
Hot chai and a ready rest house would be awaiting our
arrival. After a wash and change, we can all settle down
by the fireplace and discuss the events of the day and the
plans for the next day.
Overnight in the forest rest house / safari tents.
Day 5: At the FRH near Baijnath :
Day spent in exploring the areas around. This rest house
is located in the middle of a dense pine forest. For those
who want, we would drive a short distance away for
spectacular close and colossal views of the Himalayan
peaks, at sunrise and then walk back to the rest house
past small two-house traditional Kumaoni hamlets.
This old bungalow was built in 1921 and still has remnants
of the old grandeur. More than half a day can be spent
discovering them. The old outhouse located within the same
compound, but at a lower level, is a great area to
explore.
Day 6: FRH near Baijanth to FRH near Someshwar
: Wake up at leisure and have breakfast laid out in the
spacious lawns of the bungalow. After that we pack and
leave for out next rest house, towards Binsar. We don't
actually drive all the way to Binsar, but cut of many kms
ahead for our next FRH. The drive today will take us past
Bageshwar and then smaller hamlets. The last exciting 15
kms are in a virgin forest of oak and rhododendron, which
then gives way to Pine as we go deeper and deeper into the
forest.
This FRH was also built in 1906 and amazingly has
electricity! The bungalow is well maintained and seems
like paradise in the middle of nowhere. Its wild gardens
are dotted with patches of lilies, multi-coloured
wildflowers and many other seasonal flowers. The staff
here, proudly tend to a rather large scale medicinal plant
nursery. Just exploring the area within the rest house
compound gives sheer pleasure to those weary city minds!
Overnight in the forest rest house / safari tents.
Day 7: FRH near Someshwar to Corbett Wilds
: Early breakfast, pack and depart for Corbett Wilds. Part
of the drive today would be similar to our first day of
traveling as we hit Ranikhet and then get to Camp. We
would have packed lunch on the way and be back in Camp
just in time for some evening tea.
After the much needed scrub, we gather by the campfire and
discuss our trip. This time it would be you telling the
stories and adding to our experiences!
After a relaxed round of drinks and dinner, retire to the
tents for your last night at Camp.
* If you have more time (say two more days), instead of
driving back to Camp we could drive on towards a rest
house near Nainital/ Ramgarh/ Bhowali/ Naukuchital and end
your trip there. You could then depart for your onward
destination from there itself. It would be the same
distance from Delhi as Camp is.
Day 8: At the FRH near Someshwar
: After a late breakfast and lounging about the FRH, we walk
to a nearby temple. There are actually two in the area.
The more well-known and famous Gannath temple is a mere 15
minutes walk amidst tall pine trees and is intriguing
enough for the not so religious minded too.
This second, a one and a half hour uphill hike through
dense forests, is also reachable by road, so those who
wish to drive and walk back (or vice versa), could also do
so.
The area also makes for great walks for bird watching and
sighting the elusive mountain goat.
Overnight in the forest rest house / safari tents.
Day 9: Depart for onward destination
Wake up at leisure. After breakfast bid goodbye to the
wildlife team and depart for onward destination.
Other Budget
Tour Packages with Jim Corbett National Park:
Delhi- Corbett National Park
- Delhi tour package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Nainital- Delhi tour
package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Ranikhet-Nainital- Delhi
tour Package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Nainital- Delhi tour
Package
Delhi- Jim Corbett Park - Ranikhet-Nainital-
Kausani-Almora- Delhi tour Package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Delhi tour package (2 night
& 3 Days) -
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Nainital- Delhi tour
package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Ranikhet-Nainital- Delhi
tour Package
Delhi- Corbett National Park - Nainital- Delhi tour
Package
Delhi- Jim Corbett Park - Ranikhet-Nainital-
Kausani-Almora- Delhi tour Package
Suggested Wildlife Tours
Bird Tour in Corbett National Park
Places Covered : Delhi-Corbett National
Park-Ranikhet-Delhi/Agra
Fishing & Angling Tour in Corbett National Park
Places Covered : Delhi-Corbett National Park-Pancheswar-Delhi/Agra
Tiger Hotspots
Places Covered : Kanha National Park-Bandhavgrah National Park-Corbett Park
Elephant Back Safari Tour in Corbett National Park
Places Covered : Delhi-Corbett National Park-Delhi/Agra.
Exploring Kumaon Himalaya through Forest
Rest Houses.
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