Category Archives: Uttarakhand

Mukteshwar Town: The cocktail of calmness & serenity

Mukteshwar town, once known as Muktesar (as mentioned in the temple Tiger Book) is a hilltop town and research center developed by Britishers in 1983. It is known for its temples, shrines, IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), and the newly discovered Bhalu Gaad waterfall. Indeed, the town has its imprints in the books like Man-eater of Kumaon written by Jim Corbett.

Mukteshwar Town: The cocktail of calmness & Serenity

The Hill station Mukteshwar got its name from the 350 years old Lord Shiva, Mukteshwar Temple and it lies at 7500 feet in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. The place is calm, serene, green, and bountiful just like Binsar but after the visit, we can say it won’t be saved longer from the lures of advancements and commercialization. There are camping sites, homestays, and fancy overprized resorts. Some of these resorts have and will take away the innocence of this quaint settlement. Just hope we are proved wrong here and it remains a hill station instead of becoming hill city!

Himalayan Ranges - Mukteshwar Town

The valley is completely bounded by fruit orchards and coniferous trees. It gets pregnant in the months of May – July and makes the place look extra colouricious, with a green backdrop.

Also Read: Day Treks worth adding to Nainital Trip

How to Reach Mukteshwar Town

Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand lies 334 kilometers from Delhi and 50 Kms from Nainital. The only way to reach the town is by car or bus. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam which is about 65 kilometers from Mukteshwar.

We started our journey around 6 am from Delhi and reached by 3. So, one can reach in 8 to 9 hrs via car from Delhi.

Route from Delhi to Mukteshwar

Delhi – Moradabad- Nainital – Muktesshwar 

Route from Nainital to Mukteshwar

Nainital – Bhowali – Ramgarh – Mukteshwar

Condition of Roads

Roads are graveled and in excellent condition except for the few bad patches between Rampur and Rudrapur.

Mukteshwar Weather

Despite lying at low altitude, the hill station Mukteshwar escapes from the harsh heat waves as compared to other low lying towns and cities. The weather is pleasant in summers whereas winters are pretty cold and some years the valley too get snow-covered in months of December and January. Heavy Rainfalls occur between June – September.

Expected Mukteshwar Temperature

The expected temperature from December to February is between 1- 12 degrees Celsius, from March to April temperature lies between 5- 20 degrees Celsius. May is the warmest month with temperature varying from 12 – 25 degrees Celsius. June to September temperature lies between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. September onwards temperature starts dripping and minimum go up to 5 degrees Celsius.

About Mukteshwar 

The colonial town perched on the lush hilltop offers unobstructed, 180-degree views of the majestic Himalayan ranges from Nanda Ghunti to Trishul and from sacred Nanda Devi to Panchachuli range. These ranges adorn the quiet town just as the Rhododendron trees adorn the forest trails in Uttarakhand. They are not only majestic but too changes it hues from sunrise to sunset.

Things to do in Mukteshwar Town

Mukteshwar Temple

The centuries-old Mukteshwar Temple perches on the hilltop and offers 360-degree spectacular views of Mukteshwar town. The temple houses white marble Lord Shiva deity in the main sanctum, and wooden pillars with intricate carving circumference the main sanctum. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva killed the demon and helped him in attaining salvation.

Mukteshwar Temple in Mukteshwar town

Mukteshwar Dham was an abode of Saint Mukteshwar and today his disciples reside here. It is an ideal place to meditate and soak in the calmness and beauty of nature.

Chauli Ki Jali /Chauthi Jali

Just opposite to the Mukteshwar Temple, lays an overhanging cliff known as Chauli Ki Jali or Chauthi Jali. In the Kumaoni language, Chauli means rock and Jali mean hole. So, it is a rock with a hole in it. There is an interesting mythological story behind it – The Goddess and demon had a fight at this place. So, the trunk of an elephant, indefinite outlines of swords and shields on the rocks serves as a testimony of the battle.

Early morning view of Chauli Ki Jali /Chauthi Jali: Mukteshwar Town

Apart from this story, there is a Charlatan too linked to Chauthi Jali. Locals believe that if childless women pass through this hole on Maha Shivratri, she is blessed with a child afterward. And women actually attempt this, risking their lives. That is why it is Incredible India.

Hole in Chauli Ki Jali: Mukteshwar Town
Hole in Chauli Ki Jali
Close up view of hole at Chauli ki Jali

One can climb on the edge of the cliff to have a feel of being on the top of the world but it’s equally risky and we advise not to do. The tourism department had put boards everywhere to avoid falls. If adventure is up to your alley and you want to have an adrenaline rush with adventurous activities like rock climbing, then attempt it only under trained supervisors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDBXU2H6b0/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Bhalu Gaad Waterfall

The Bhalu Gaad waterfall is a newly discovered 60 feet high fall, in the Mukteshwar town province. The word Bhalu Gaad comes from two words where Bhalu means Bear and Gaad means stream in the local language. So, the trail is considered to be a good location for Bear sightseeing too.  At the bottom of the fall, a rainbow can be seen, so locals have named it a Rainbow waterfall.

Crossing Stream on the way to Bhalu Gaad Waterfall in Mukteshwar Town

The Bhalu Gaad fall lies 10 kilometers from Mukteshwar. Drive from Mukteshwar town to village Dhari, and from here the further trek of 2 kilometers to Bhalu Gaad waterfall starts. The trek is a beautiful walk through dense jungle taking ascents, descents, and crossing streams in between. On the way, one can see beautiful birds chirping and singing. So, it is a bird watchers paradise. At the end of the fall, there are huge rocks that need to be climbed down and up to reach the natural clear water pool.

Bhalu Gaad Waterfall near Mukteshwar Town

Overall, the total time for the trek can be done in 45 minutes to an hour. It is a complete adventure package for 3 -4 hrs. Rest you can pack your food, spend the whole day in the dense jungle exploring the trails.

Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise and Sunset both lit up the sky in different hues and catching the first and last sun rays falling on the Himalayan ranges will be every traveler’s delight. So, it was on our list to watch both sunrise and sunset while being in Mukteshwar.

Himalayan peaks glowing at Sunrise in Mukteshwar Town

The ideal spot to catch both is Chauli ki Jali and PWD guesthouse in Mukteshwar. We left our hotel, Club ten Pine lodge Mukteshwar at 4:30 in the morning to reach Chauthi Jali. The first light spread at 6:00 am and it colored the sky in the shade of orange. The sky was misty but who could stop it from glowing. With time the clouds kept departing and the Himalayan ranges lifted their veil. The views were just breathtaking and our picture surely cannot do justice to what the actual beauty was.

Similarly, watching the sunset here is like a dream. Slowly the show began, again turning the sky into different shades and sun setting down, giving way to the moon.

Sunset in Mukteshwar Town

Seeing all this at the end of the cliff made me feel how small we are is in front of these mountains. These cliffs only separate us from the horizons and the beauty of nature is beyond all the beauties of the world.

Fruit Orchards

Mukteshwar – Ramgarh belt has earned the title of the Food Bowl of the Kumaon region. Here you can get to enjoy shiny yellow-green pears to bright red apples, delectable peaches, local edible berries, and pomegranates.

Local traditional food

The Mukteshwar town is a heaven for the culinary experience too. Do try smoked mutton, raw mutton snack, Madua chapatti for delightful taste with locals.

Smoked mutton Snack: Mukteshwar Town
Smoked mutton Snack

Also visit the original Choco House, for handcrafted European chocolates, but they are really expensive and variety is available only during the season.

Choco House in Mukteshwar town

Some Important tips

  1. Start from Delhi early morning to avoid traffic jams on the way.
  2. There are limited restaurants and Dhabas on the way, so do keep some snacks handy.
  3. Mornings and evenings are a bit cold in Mukteshwar, so always carry a sweater or shawl along. And in winter temperature can dip below negative also.
  4. Medical facilities are available in Mukteshwar town but for advanced care, one will have to visit Nainital only (55 kilometers).
  5. Respect local traditions and do try the local traditional food.
  6. Don’t litter around and bring your waste back from the treks and trails.
  7. All network operators run well in Mukteshwar.

So, if you are the one who wants peace and solitude, loves nature and listening to the air gushing through deodar trees, bird watching, and unlimited fresh fruits, then Mukteshwar town in Uttarakhand is the perfect getaway.

Mukteshwar Town

P.S: We did this road trip with club ten pine lodge, Mukteshwar. Thanks, Mr. Dheeraj & Mr. Praveen for organizing and showing the beautiful colonial town to AllGudThings.

Do, travel to these places of Uttarakhand too.

Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand

The Beautiful Binsar

Day Treks in Nainital

Harsil- The virgin village of Uttarakhand

Mana Village

Badrinath Dham

Tehri Dam

Auli 

Why we love monsoon road trips to the Hills

Finally, nature is at its best in North India and the first downpour has brought a big relief from the scorching summer heat. The moving clouds, thunderstorm, lightning; the changing skyline from orange, gray to dark makes the whole sky look so mystic. In fact, it seems that nature has finally used its magic wand to bless everyone. The fragrance of wet earth, the rain drops on leaves, cleansing of trees & shrubs, hazy misty weather, a breeze with rain drops caressing your face is what defines the perfect monsoon for us. And if there is a chance for the road trip during the rainy season, then it is exactly like frosting on the cake. Yes! We are talking about the monsoon road trips.

Monsoon road trips

As the June end’s or first week of July starts, we start thinking when and where to head for the monsoon road trips. Where never gets answered but we start chasing rains in North India, especially toward Hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. The roads, trails, and nature start smiling with the showers and get a new life.

Here are few of the reasons why we say monsoon road trips are the best ones.

  1. Umbrella Love

The rain is nature’s art and umbrella is my art. When I walk with it in the rains, I walk with a super art. I feel free to jump in the puddles and have some Chapak! Chapak moments!

With Umbrella - The Monsoon road trips to the hillsIt was raining and the car was sailing on the curvy roads to Kasauli from Chandigarh. But who could stop me and my smile from getting clicked with the colorful umbrella?

 

I never wanted this storm to pass like that, I wanted to get wet, feel the droplets and breeze. The way to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand was becoming so sensational.
  1. Roads and Trails During Monsoon Road trips

The roads get washed and get a make over whereas the trails smell wonderful in the rainy days.

Roads in Uttarakhand- Monsoon road trips to HillsWe would love to walk and drive endlessly on the clean roads in the rains.
Misty Weather - Monsoon Road trip to the hillsThere were light mist & cool air, I opened up my arms for both to fondle.
Trails of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: monsoon road trips to the HillsHe said follow me as we walked up this trail and I did because he is worthy and the trail looks awesome – take me to the wonderland. This image was taken at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  1. The valleys and Himalayan Villages look exceptional

The Village Kalpa: Monsoon Road trip to the HillsThe Himalayan Village, Kalpa is a heavenly abode and I think my words can’t do any justice to this image.
On the way to Ranikhet: monsoon road trips to the hillsOver every mountain, there is a path and it passes silently without disturbing the mountains.  The image was clicked on the way back from Valley View Homestay Ranikhet.
  1. Trees get refreshed, flowers bloom and the Fragrance of pine and woods open up your senses.

Flowers: monsoon road trips to the hillsRains only let the flowers bloom.
Lush Green Meadows after rains: monsoon road trips to the hillsThe lush green meadows turn greener and they act as real tranquilizers. The picture is taken near the Mahadev Temple in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  1. Spot a rainbow
    Rainbow along with rains: monsoon road trips to the hillsRainbow is always special but if you see a double rainbow along with the rains, it is astounding. See how it turns adults into kids. The very special moment captured by a fellow blogger Jitaditya Narzary; of  The Travellingslacker at Manali.
  2.  Raindrops and Photography.

    Monsoon Road trips to the HillsThe colors and raindrops make your pictures look different and perfect. Isn’t it?
  3. The rivers start gurgling and sometimes you can spot an amazing sun peaking through the clouds on the banks of rivers, giving sky it’s own shading.

River Paravti in Kasol: monsoon road trips to the HillsRiver Parvati flowing at its best during monsoons in Kasol.
  1. The seasonal waterfalls are equally charming as the all time waterfalls.

.waterfall: monsoon road trips to the hillsDuring rainy days, water is the real boss and landscapes, mountainscapes just have to obey. The picture was taken on the way to Kheerganga

We are sure these wonderful reasons and pictures might have lured you for the monsoon road trips but always remember the monsoon road trips are equally dangerous and need to be done with special cautions. You can also check the related posts  5 offbeat monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi and  5 places not to miss for monsoon road trip.

Do read the monsoon destinations in India, which should top your list.

Some precautions before taking Monsoon Road Trips

  1. The driving person needs to be fully attentive. His focus should be just on the road with both hands on the steering. Clicking photographs while driving should be a real No!
  2. Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting the roads. If your tires have gone bald, get them replaced. Check for wipers too and get them changed if they have become brittle.
  3. Use headlights and taillights to get a clear view as well as to make your car visible to others.
  4. There are more chances of skidding on wet roads. So, drive slowly and maintain distance from the vehicles in front.
  5. Drive along the center of the road and preferably follow the vehicle going ahead.
  6. Park your vehicle away from trees as there is a chance of electrocution of trees during lightning which in turn can damage your own vehicle.
  7. If the weather condition and storm worsens, don’t try to push yourself and your vehicle. Stop your car on the side.
  8. Flooding can occur on the highways and other streets within minutes of downpour. Don’t try to drive through the flooded areas.
  9. Rainwater moistens the brake drums so the braking efficiency gets lowered. It is advisable to use the brake on and often. Also, keep the brakes well moistened.
  10. Avoid driving at night during rains.

If you like it please share it and let us know where are you heading next.

Monsoon road trips to the hills

Tourist or Traveler – Don’t know who we are?

Are we confused who we are – Tourist or traveler?

Tourist or traveler; the two debatable words had put us in deep thoughts and left us wondering who exactly are we?

Let’s see if these pointers can really help us decide:

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  1. During the beginning of our each journey and trip, we wander endlessly on the roads without knowing where we are heading. Which place will be our final destination being completely unaware of the pleasant and unpleasant events on the way? But in the same trip, at the end of the day when we are tired, the heart & mind juggle among themselves and says it would have been better if you had some fixed itinerary, at least a room booking. So isn’t that self-contradictory?

The saying goes that a tourist has a fixed scheduled plan and a traveler has none. He just follows his heart and the trails. So, who are we? A traveler in the beginning and throughout the trip? but tourist at the end of the trip or when we are tired?

On the way to Gangotri - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Gangotri

  1. We love traveling and want to be full-time travelers. We too never want to return back from the offbeat (like Tehri Dam, Mana Village, Kinnaur) and conventional places (like Shimla) but our work commitments, time, finances, and family pull us back.  If not after 7 but surely after 10 days. So, what it is?

And the saying goes travelers like to travel slow, stick to places for exploring more. Whereas tourist comes back exploring the fixed trails in a fixed time. So, what are we– Tourist or traveler or a combination of both? 

On the way to Badrinath - Tourist or Traveler
On the way to Badrinath

  1. While traveling we taste traditional cuisines, stay at homestays and camps, mingle with locals, explore their culture and make new friends. But at the same time, we start craving for our staple food after few meals and days. We start missing people back home.

And some say, tourist always look for McDonald, Subway, Pizza Hut whereas traveler loves to munch on local delicacies. So, we are again confused nuts and where should we put ourselves into a tourist or traveler?

Views from Ranikhet Homestay : Tourist or Traveler
Views from Ranikhet Homestay

  1. Before hopping to any of the places, we read the blogs and enquire from locals about the dos & don’ts at the destination. Whereas after reaching and seeing the suggested places, we try to roam around to find the hidden and mysterious gems of the place.

The saying goes that tourists follow the travel guide and fixed trails whereas travelers explore the offbeat place. So, what are we here –  a Tourist or Traveler?

Trails near Kasol: Tourist or Traveler
Trails near Kasol

  1. We always prefer traveling as a couple, with friends, family and also solo when it is the need of an hour.

In 2015 Holidify once illustrated in their post that tourist’s travel in a group whereas traveler travels alone. So in which category do we fall– tourist or traveler? 

Tourist or Traveler

  1. We trek, walk, hitchhike, travel by local transport and take road trips in our own vehicle as well as rented and shared cars/cabs.

The saying goes that tourist prefers taking cars or cabs instead of walking tours and treks. So where should we fit ourselves- a tourist or traveler?

Roadtrips: Tourist or Traveler

  1. We always carry our laptops, tablets, cameras, tripods, and phones on our trips. They are not only an essential component of our work but we use them to capture photographs too.

The saying is tourist carry selfie sticks, laptops, phones & tabs for luxury whereas travelers just carry cameras & tripods. So, where do we stand- A tourist or traveler or both. 

  1. We take pictures of landscapes, mountainscapes, and lakes with people, without people and our own selfies too.

For this many of my fellow friends quote, that tourists take selfies with monuments and landscapes behind whereas travelers just photo shoot landscapes and other people’s portraits. So who are we – a tourist or traveler?

Landscapes: Tourist or traveler

The term tourist and traveler might have different dictionary meanings, but for us, these two terms overlap in every trip. One might be a traveler in his own eyes but the locals always take him/her as a tourist only. We too feel that the one who is a traveler is also a tourist and vice versa. Actually, both of them follows each other’s trail – but then does it really matter and do you care?

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I guess, it is just one’s own mindset and reflection of how he/she wants to be called and what they want to be seen as. For us – Travel is all about experiences and it’s an endless fairy land. So, simply wear your shoes, pack your bags and search for the next trail. It doesn’t matter anywhere whether you are a tourist, traveler or both, but more important is to enjoy the journey, destination as well as whole trip.

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Tourist or Traveler: Don't know who we are?

 

 

Review: Auli Resort – The Royal Village

Rising up to the sun rays hitting snow clad peaks of  barren mountain, sipping hot lemon ginger tea admiring the mother nature; eating delicious breakfast under deep blue sky, the scenic stroll around lush green meadows,non-stop family talks and chairlift journey to the meadows are some of the golden moments which I can recall from my recent trip to Auli and stay at the Auli Resort – The Royal Village.

Views of Auli from the Auli resort- The royal Village
Panoramic View of Auli from Auli Resort

Auli Resort- The Royal Village is a cool environment-friendly holiday resort and is located at one of the most picturesque locations. It lies within the complex of GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), giving the panoramic view of majestic Himalayan ranges.

After a long drive and trip to Badrinath Dham and the Mythical Mana Village, we thought of rejuvenating our body and soul with the fresh air and serene beauty of Auli.

At Auli Resort

As soon as you reach Auli base, GMVN resort welcomed us. But somehow it didn’t attract us and far away the rowed yellow log huts with the green background were too enticing. That was the Auli resort – the royal village. It’s hardly a 100 meters drive or walk from GMVN.

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Reception

The reception is simply done with a seating and few Himalayas and trekking books are around, in the shelves. The staffs behind the desk are super friendly and they helpful you while checking in and assist you to your rooms. They too guide you about local sightseeing and how weather changes in Auli. Read here for the different shades of Auli in summers.

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Auli Resort

There are 12 luxurious huts in two rows lined one behind another on the mountain slope, each having its own patio facing towards the snow covered mountain peaks. The Auli resort is a perfect place to soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Auli Resort - The Royal Village

Rooms/ Huts

The rooms are designed keeping in mind the extreme winters at Auli and they are comfortable for summers too. The maximum temperature in Auli goes around 16 degree Celsius in summers and in winters the lowest can be up to -8-degree celsius.

The Auli resort huts are colorful, clean and cozy. The hut in which we had put up was painted in purple and white and there was a separate space for bedroom, dressing room, and washroom.

Huts at Auli Resort

The room has all basic amenities like television, chairs, room heater and tea-coffee maker. And yes! The views from the window of the hut were just not Wow but spectacular –Almost half of the Auli was visible.

View from Hut of Auli Resort

Restaurant and Food at Auli Resorts

One cannot stroll or enjoy without food and there is no worry when you are at Auli Resorts – The Royal Village. They have a variety of Indian, Chinese, continental and some local dishes in their menu. We tried Indian, Chinese and Uttarakhand’s local food. Everything was just scrumptious.

Restaurant at Auli resort - the Royal Village

The dining area behind the reception is clean. It has wooden roofs, giving the typical feel of a place in mountains.

Dining Area at Auli resort
Dining Area at Auli Resort

Sightseeing at Auli

  1. The Hanuman Temple: It lies just after a refreshing trek of 15-20 minutes from the royal village Auli Resort.
  2. The Panoramic View of Snow clad Mountain Peaks: From the resort itself complete panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks is visible and the prominent are Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Panch Chuli.The view of Himalayan Ranges from Auli Resort
  3. Gurso Bugyal Meadows: The Meadows lies 3kms from Auli resorts and are spread amidst forests of oak and conifers. They turn lush green in summers and are snow covered in winters. So, if you love winters sports you surely cannot miss visiting Auli as a winter destination in Uttarakhand. One can try skiing, ATV rides, and others sports here.
  4. Ride by Chairlift till meadows and highest artificial lake:

Parking at Auli Resort

There are enough parking spaces available around Auli Resorts.

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Conclusion

I will say the Auli resort lives up to the name of Auli and is a complete value for money. We paid Rs. 3000/- per night. The colorful huts, delicious food, impeccable services, and beautiful views – everything is perfect here. The place not only relaxes your mind and body but make you feel in the abode of heaven.Review: Auli Resort - The Royal Village

Rating of Auli Resort

I rate it 4.5 out of 5

Some Additional Info 

  1. One can get the huts booked at Auli resort from MakeMyTrip, Tripadvisor or Booking.com.
  2. The Gondola Chairlift is only 100 meters away from the Auli resorts.
  3. The resort arranges day treks, only on prior information.
  4. Auli resort is a good place for families, friends, and couples.

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