Surrounding Destinations

Nainital

Bhim Tal

Naukuchia Tal

Sat Tal

Almora

Ranikhet

Kausani

Binsar

Corbett National Park

Ranikhet (1830 m / 6004 ft)--- 80 KMS.
Ranikhet' means literally 'Queen's Field' and was named after the wife of the 12th century Raja, Sudhar Deve. It is the home of the Kumaon Regiment which dates back to 1780, and was built up in the late nineteenth century by the British for whom it was a popular retreat from the scorching heat of the plains. A few kilometers from here one can visit the government Fruit and Garden Research Station at Chaubatia, where you can not only wander through the well-tended orchards and flower groves, but - if you pick your time right (August - Sept) - also sample the fruits fresh from the trees. Along the road to Almora is one of the highest golf courses in the world, at Uphat. It is open to the public for a small charge, but closed during the monsoons (July - Sept).
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Kausani (1890 m / 6201 ft)--- 95 KMS
The 50 km drive from Almora to Kausani takes you alongside one of the most beautiful, rich and fertile valleys in the region as the road winds beside the Kosi river. The town itself could almost be an Alpine village with sweet, clear air, sharpened by the scent of the pine forests. Mahatma Gandhi stayed here in 1929 and here wrote his commentary on the Bhagvad Gita. The Anashakti Yoga Ashram, where he stayed, is dedicated to continuing the Mahatma's philosophy of life and has several guest houses. It is also the birthplace of the famous Hindi poet, Sumitra Nandan Pant.
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Binsar(2412 m/ 7887 ft)--- 80 KMS
The forest of Binsar is a place of outstanding natural beauty, and served as a summer retreat for the Chand rulers, and the British who came after. A scenic spot from which one can see fine views of the Himalayas.





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Corbett National Park--- 120 KMS
The first governor of Uttar Pradesh, Sir John Hewett, opened Hailey National Park in 1935 at the suggestion of Jim Corbett, a living legend at the time for his exploits as a tiger-hunter, tracker, and writer. After his death in 1957, the park was renamed Corbett National Park in his honour. The Park covers 525 square kilometres of mixed deciduous forests and chaur grasslands, and is home to some 50 mammal species, 25 species of reptiles and over 580 species of birds - as well as, of course, the King of the Jungle: the tiger. There are antelopes such as the nilgai and ghoral, monkeys (langur and rhesus), hog deer, sambhar, chital and spotted and barking deer. If you're lucky you might even spot a porcupine or a pangolin (scaly ant-eater). There are 8 watch towers and the best time for spotting wildlife is March - June. Elephant or jeep safaris are available, and fishing in the magnificent Ramganga river is allowed with a permit. The Park itself is closed from mid-June to mid-November, though the Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi is open throughout the year. Entry fees and permits for using video and stills cameras vary whether you are an Indian national or a foreigner.
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