Kumaon is home to the heavenly districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar – each sustaining a plethora of hill stations, some maddeningly popular, the others unspoiled and waiting to be explored. So grab your camera, and your friends, hoard your car with chips and cola, and psych up for a journey through towering hills, pine forests, the bluest of skies and a brisk lingering mountain breeze.

The route

Our journey starts from Delhi. After seven hours and 305 kilometres, we reach Uttarakhand’s village of Pangot. We head to the town of Almora next and after an hour or so, arrive in the pristine valley of Binsar via the NH309A. Through Sheraghat and Berinaag, we reach Munsiyari and then drive towards the Pithoragarh district. Herein, lies Chaukori, two hours away from Kausani, in Kumaon’s Bageshwar district. Next up, is Mukteshwar and then, Ranikhet from where we head back to Delhi.

This is a suggested route for the Kumaon region road trip:

Delhi – Pangot – Almora – Binsar – Sheraghat – Berinaag – Munsiyari – Chaukori – Kausani – Mukteshwar – Ranikhet – Delhi

Almora

A small cantonment town in the scenic Kumaon Valley, a visit here will not leave any history buff disappointed. Its renowned and ancient Katermal Sun Temple and Jageshwar Temples, including the Archaeological Museum, offer an insight into its quaint scriptures. Spots such as Zero Point here are perfect for enjoying a splendid view of the Himalayas. Catering to every adventure seeker’s interests, many resorts and travel companies also organise treks to Pindari and Milam glaciers and also mountain-bike trips around the hills of Almora. Another attraction here is the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, dedicated to military mementos weapons, especially the decorated Indian Infantry regiment, Kumaon Regiment. One can also visit Lal Bazaar, adorned with sophisticatedly-carved traditional wooden shops from where one can shop for a variety of things. Places such as Kasar Rainbow Cafe, Baba Cake, Glory Restaurant and Bansal Cafe are known non-vegetarian, vegetarian and bistro dishes. Don’t forget to try the various kinds of milk sweets here – bal mithai, choklate (not chocolate) with a fudge-like consistency and singauri, a sweet wrapped in a green Malu leaf.

Binsar

A perfect refuge for those who crave for solace away from the humdrum of the cities and crowds, this picturesque and quiet little hamlet lies tucked away in the Kumaon Himalayas. Nestled in a beautiful valley, the village is a trekker’s paradise, where exploring meadows and dense pine flanked pathways is as dreamy as it sounds. Its main attraction is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 300 kms, giving stunning views of renowned Himalayan summits such as Shivling, Kedarnath Peak, Trisul and Nanda Devi. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, where species such as forktail, parakeets, nuthatches, blackbirds, laughing thrush, monal, magpies, eagles, koklas, woodpeckers and Eurasian jays can be observed. Its vast habitation of flora and fauna includes leopards, Himalayan goral, chital, musk deers, Sumatran serows, jungle cats, wild boars, black bears, red foxes, red giant flying squirrels and many more.

Chaukori

It is a small hill station located in the Kumaon region. to the north of which is Tibet and to the south in Terai. It’s 2010m with a picturesque view.

Kausani

In the last couple of years, this quiet hill station has become quite popular with tourists from across the world. Leaving behind crowded hill stations, travellers are now making their way to this retreat. Home to waterfalls, lush green meadows and stunning walking trails, there is not much to see or do besides enjoying nature in Kausani. Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for a brief period and penned down the memorable ‘Gita-Anashakti Yoga’ here. There is a museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life here and is a must visit. So is the lovely Baijnath Temple and the waterfalls next to it. Do visit the Kausani Shawl Factory and take back shawls as souvenirs. Besides this, there is not much to shop here at Kausani. Finding a place to stay here is also a little tricky since most hotels are usually booked and there aren’t too many options. If you are coming from Delhi, it should take you about 15 hours when travelling by bus. Alternatively, you can also take a train till Kathgodam and then take the bus till Kausani. Do remember that it can take about 2 to 3 hours extra depending on the conditions of the road.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a hill station in Uttarakhand that is popular for its wide assortment of adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling. Overlooking the peaks of Nanda Devi, Mukteshwar is also a celebrated scenic spot that is perfect for long walks and some quiet time in the closeness of nature. The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a revered shrine of the region. Located near this temple is the Chauthi Jaali, which is a picturesque precipice of lattice rocks. These rocks present an enchanting view of the green grasslands down below.

Ranikhet

Self-proclaimed Army brats will get a thrill out of this place, for it is home to one of the most badass regiments of the Indian Army, the Kumaon Regiment. The Military Museum is a must visit for an insight into the history of this highly-decorated infantry regiment and and the country’s brave warriors. This town in Almora is tailor made for those who simply wish to unwind in the hills. But still to keep its adventurous visitors busy, Ranikhet is home to many resorts which organise activities such as paragliding, camping, river-crossing and trekking. The forests encircling this cantonment town are home to several wildlife species such as leopards, Red-faced Monkeys, jackals, Red Foxes, Indian Hares and Pine Martens. The monastery in Ram Mandir is a quaint attraction where one can witness students being taught the long obliterated ancient Vedas and Vedic Mathematics. Take a blissful walk in the Chaubatia Gardens, which are abundant with fruit orchards and meadows adorned with flowers all around. Cuisines from Indian, international to simple cafe food are highly recommended from places such as Rainbow Restaurant, Glory Restaurant and Embassy.

                Source: Tripoto