For the first two days you have a relaxed stay at one of the most scenic hill stations of Kumaon - Mukteshwar. Being at a height of 2200m above sea level it is one of the best places to feel the fresh and crisp Himalayan air, enjoy scenic vistas of the Himalayan range, sunrise and the glorious sunset. Rich in flora and fauna Mukteshwar is home to 250+ species of birds. Then we stay at Ranikhet for a one night - The Army headquarters for the Kumaon regiment and home to the highest nine hole golf course in Asia, sprawling at an altitude of 1800m ASL. It's a typical hill town with great weather, tall coniferous trees, temples and its also has a botanical garden which lots of tourists visit. Interesting to move around.
Mukteshwar, known as the fruit basket of Kumaon, is a sleepy little Himalayan hamlet perched atop a height of approx. 8000 Ft ASL, providing scenic views of deep wooded valleys, the Himalayan range, sunset and sunrise panoramas, dense forests great for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. You enjoy village walks, bon-fire evenings, fun adventure and outdoor activities like rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, forest / nature walks, forest and stream picnics. A centuries old Lord Shiva temple, revered by locals and worshipers from all over sits at the peak of Mukteshwar. Mukteshwar is also home to a veterinary research institute which was established by the British about 150 years ago. It’s called the I.V.R.I (Indian Veterinary Research Institute) and it is the main reason why 20-25 sq. Kms of Mukteshwar has been conserved for all these years and is rich in flora and fauna.
State: Uttarakhand
Weather: The winters (November-March) is very cold and it snows Minimum temperature can go to as low as - 6 DegC.
Summers (April to Mid-June) are very pleasant, offering majestic views. The temperatures during this period are comfortable with maximums settling around 28°C and minimum’s around 12°C, on an average. Monsoon season is from July to September. The place receives good amounts of rain during the period.
Closest airport: Technically Pantnagar (90 Kms / 3 Hrs) but realistically the only option is Delhi airport (390 Kms / 9 Hrs)
Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, Haldwani railway station and Lal Kuan railway station.
Best time to visit: April – June end and October until mid-November. Beyond mid November until March it becomes very cold.
Generally spoken language: Hindi and Kumaoni and basic English is understood and spoken by the hospitality professionals.
Altitude: 2200 Mtrs ASL approx..
Still the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian army - Ranikhet is a typical hill station with a great climatic, temples, coniferous trees, a small market place, fruit orchards and then add to it a nine hole golf course which is Asia’s highest and India’s largest course. Great hill town for an overnighter. You could visit the Kumaon regiment museum to get a glimpse into the history, visit the Chaubatia botanical garden, the Jhula Devi temple and the Bhalu Dam (a small artificial lake).
State: Uttarakhand
Weather: The winters (November-March) is quite cold and Minimum temperature can go to as low as 2 DegC. Summers (April to Mid-June) swings from pleasant to warm. The temperatures during this period are a maximum 32°C and minimum’s around 14°C, on an average. Monsoon season is from July to September. Ranikhet, like other hill stations of Kumaon receives good amounts of rain during the period.
Closest airport: Technically Pantnagar (115 Kms / 3.5 Hrs) but realistically the only option is Delhi airport (360 Kms / 8.5 Hrs)
Railway Station: Kathgodam railway station, Haldwani railway station and Lal Kuan railway station (in order of preference). (3-4 Hrs / 75-105Kms)
Best time to visit: April – June end and October until mid-November.
Generally spoken language: Hindi and Kumaoni.
Altitude: 1870 Mtrs. ASL approx.