Uttaranchal-Trip-Naukuchiatal-Nanital-Kausani-Binsar

(Also See Nainital Corbett Kausani Binsar Itinerary and Costing 2012)


Recently did a trip to Uttaranchal covering Nainital, Naukuchiatal, Binsar and Kausani. We knew it would be a hectic trip as we had limited days in which we wanted to cover a lot of destinations as we had some overseas guests traveling with us who wanted to see it all. Beautiful landscapes, lovely lakes, excellent weather and some very nice resorts, the trip had all this and more(details as below).
We started early morning on Thursday at 6Am and crossed Delhi by 6 AM onto Hapur via Gajiabad. Highway till Hapur bypass (NH 24) is one way with great roads.
The road from Hapur bypass till Moradabad is now fully constructed and it is a breeze to do this stretch.( 17th March 2012)  Stopped at Gajraula(Meriton) for breakfast(8:30AM) it is about 110 k from Delhi. (Route to Nainital) After Moradabad bypass we did not go towards Rampur, Haldwani but went towards Ramnagar
Corbett by taking a U turn. Took a right turn for Naintal(clearly marked)via Bazpur, Tanda and Kaladhungi. The road goes though a forest area near Kaaldhungi with Yamuna flowing on the right, it is a picturesque road with a wonderful drive and road. This route decreases the total distance to Nainital by 40 km. We reached Nainital via Sukhatal and went straight to Hotel Naini Retreat(previously Claridges). The hotel overlooks the lake and is a heritage property. The specialty of Naini Retreat is it's location, ambiance and food. We had a Garden view room which gave us a wonderful view. After a delicious lunch we went to the Nainital lake in the hotel's vehicle which dropped us near the Mosque. The lake is a walking distance from there and so is the Mall Road. After boating and some shopping we returned to the hotel by calling a vehicle form the hotel. In the evening we had some drinks in the lawns around a bon fire and listening to some nice old Hindi songs by a guitarist.
Next day we travelled about 30k to Naukuchiatal Lake Resort via Bhimtal, both lakes in the area. Naukuchiatal is a nine cornered lake and a beautiful one, it is much cleaner and less crowded than Nainital. Lake Resort Naukuchiatal is situated on the opposite side of the lake in the jungle with all lake facing rooms. The place is best to observe nature, go for long leisure walks and some boating on the lake. The serenity of the lake is something to look forward to and it really calms your senses.
Day 3 -Travelled 3 hours to Kausani via Kainchi and Almora. Staying at Sun-n-snow Kausani, a small but nice hotel, and by far the best available in Kausani. Kausani is a quiet place with some breathtaking views of the snow capped
peaks. The hill station is situated at a height of 1900 m and is surrounded by tea plantations and fruit orchards. Kausani is famous for it's Anasakti Ashram where the Mahatama stayed for some time in 1929.
Day 4- Travelled about 90 mins to Binsar, another of those quiet hill stations in the region. Stayed at Kassar Jungle Resort, named after a local Devi and located on Almora-Binsar road away from the main highway in the jungle area. Binsar is famous for the Binsar Wild Life Sactuary and Binsar Mahadev temple and of course the views of the peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Kedarnath. It is difficult to decide which is more beautiful between Binsar and Kausani, but I think the greater height of Binsar gives it the slight edge. Had a visit to the Sanctuary and though we could not much animals, we were told that Leopard and other animals are sighted especially in the evenings. One can also have a Picnic lunch at Kosi river a little away form the resort. The resort also arranges for Adventure activities at a little distance like rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing etc.
Day 5- Started back to Delhi via Bhimtal, Moradabad and it took us about 8 hrs of driving + two breaks.

All in all it was a wonderful Hill Holiday which was quiet close to nature, relaxing and with some wonderful photo opportunity moments.

To arrange your trip to Uttaranchal you can call Around Delhi Holidays at 09891458220/09811193634, choose from Economy, Deluxe or Luxury Hotels- Nainital Itinerary

R.Anand,
Around Delhi