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Get Aways

Travel around, trek to the nearby villages, savour the simple lifestyles and traditions. If your timing is right you can witness the numerous “melas” (fairs) scheduled throughout the year in Kumaon where you can explore the myths and re live the legends of Celestial Kumaon.

Jeep rides or drives to places like Jageshwar (40 kms), which has ancient Shiva temples from the 10 century A.D. a true architectural marvel set in between dense deodar forests. According to the legend it was here that the famous ‘yogi’ “Rishi Markand” chanted the ‘Mahamritunjaya’ incantations. Amongst the Hindus this place is particularly sacred as it houses one of the twelve ‘jyotir lingams’ (a depiction of the Hindu God Shiva) of this universe.

Patal Bhuwaneshwar (80 kms), near the town of Gangolihãt has natural caves carved out of limestone due to water erosion. Inside are beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations of all shapes and sizes each one of which depicts either a God or a Goddess seen only by someone who is inclined with a religious eye. Nevertheless these formations are an amazing work of Nature’s art. Please make a note that photography is not permitted inside.

Kasardevi, (18 kms) en route to Binsar from Almora, offers brilliant views of the Himalayas, it has a ridge known as the ‘Cranks Ridge’, as it was a popular hangout for the hippies during the 60’s and 70’s. Some of the more famous faces who spent time at the Crank’s Ridge are D.H. Lawrence, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and so on and so forth.

Almora, (25 kms) the district head quarters and an ancient town since the time of the Chand Kings as it played host as their headquarters. There are many famous temples in and around Almora, the most famous being the Nanda – Devi temple, dedicated to the Goddess Nanda Devi. Traditionally copperware from here was famous you still can see the artisans at work. Take walks through the historical ‘bazaar’ and witness a number of houses with traditional Kumaoni architecture showing artistically carved wooden doors and windows. During the British rule Almora too was one of their important seats of power and administration, as found in many Jim Corbett books.

Nainital, (88 kms), established by the Europeans in the 1800’s, and it’s adjoining areas are full of lakes, you can visit places like Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sat - Tal (a group of seven lakes), which will surely enchant you with their calm lakes and serenity.

Fairs

There are a number of “melas” or fairs held throughout Kumaon during the year, some of the more famous ones are The Nanda Devi Mela, this annual festival is celebrated during August or September after the legend of Goddess Nanda. Annually a “yatra” is organized in Almora to commemorate this occasion which starts at the centuries old ‘Nanda Devi’ temple.

Dusherra, is by and large celebrated all over the country but the Dusherra celebrations at Almora are a bit unique. There is a mood of festival for ten days and on the last days, various effigies of demons inspired by the mythological Ramayana of Ravana’s army are made which can range from 15 – 20 in number!

Apart from this there are numerous other fairs and festivals held throughout the year in Kumaon. Please visit our web site every season for the latest on cultural happenings.

Treks

There are numerous treks that can be taken from Kumaon. Here are a few listings of the most interesting ones. We would be very pleased to arrange not only these but other treks as desired by our guests.

Pindari Glacier (3960 meters) - One week.

Route starts from the town of Bageshwar. A drive to the village of Song (37 kms), then the trekking starts. Reach Loharkhet, Dhakuri, Khati, Dwali, Phurkia, and then the Pindari Glacier. Witness the glory of nature as you would pass through thick forests of oak, rhododendron, papyrus and finally gaze at the majestic Nanda – Devi peak along with Nanda – Khat, Pwali Dwar and Changuch.

Milam Glacier (3695 meters) - Ten days.

Drive to the town of Munsyari (212 kms). Then start trekking to the villages of Lilam, Bughdiyar, Rilkot, Burphu, Martoli, Milam and then the Milam Glacier. Enjoy nature as you walk on the ancient trade route to Tibet and witness some of the best architecture of this culture at all the villages en route.