[Travelmania]

Uttarakhand is a state in the mountain range of Himalayas divided by Garhwal and Kumaon's administrative regions. It is bordered by two neighbouring states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and internationally demarcated by Nepal and Tibet on the north. The magnificent snow-capped mountain ranges from the Himalayas are significantly visible from the different places of the region. The other attraction of the area is for some most sacred Hindu worship places with ancient historical presence. Garhwal and Kumaon live with a diversity of landscape, culture and language. Kumaon is known for overwhelming warriors saluted by British colonial and Indian Army for their soldiers' courage and Honour. The innocent smiling faces give a warm welcome to the visitors by familiar people of this region.
These facts brought us to a conclusion to visit few highlighted places of Kumaon in 2018 winter. As usual, we started booking our accommodation from Durgapuja onwards to ensure hasslefree travel with family.
Accordingly, we checked our Innova Crysta from Toyota care for any minor issues and got ready for the final day to roll. Our team members were the same as other tours. Me with my wife and my sibling Debjit with his wife and daughter. Planned the trip with a fixed itinerary as follows:
Day 1: Kolkata to Varanasi
Day 2: Varanasi to Lucknow
Day 3: Lucknow to Bhimtal
Day 4: Bhimtal-Nainital-Bhimtal
Day 5: Bhimtal to Jaltola(Misty Mountains)
Day 6: Misty Mountains
Day 7: Misty Mountains to Munsiyari
Day 8: Munsiyari
Day 9: Munsiyari to Kausani via Chaukori
Day 10: Kausani to Mukteswar
Day 11: Mukteswar to Lucknow
Day 12: Lucknow to Kolkata

Day 1: Kolkata to Varanasi.
On 20th December' 2018, we started for our first goal to Varanasi. Ordinarily, when we travel towards north, our morning meal point is Shan-e-Punjab at Parasnath. So we easily cruised through the chilled air to get a munch of spread Aloo parathas and a significant glass of "Chai".Sitting at the Dhaba's backyard looking at the Parasnath slope is a phenomenal inclination to savour winter morning breakfast. Started for our onward journey after an hour of refreshment. The four-lane highway was smooth till Aurangabad with no problem of a traffic jam or bad road surface. After Aurangabad, the condition of the road deteriorated due to diversions and highway widening work. With not many hiccups reached Varanasi at dusk. This was an overnight stopover, so we decided for convenience on the highway to start early morning on the following day. We chose to stay in Hotel Koushik suggested by some Bhpians and other road travellers. Be that as it may, perhaps of my misfortune, I was not happy with the accommodation. The first-floor front side rooms were average with dirty linens. With no other alternatives, we continued our stay. The main thing we enjoyed was their food. The eatery in the basement was active, and they served hot food promptly.

Breakfast Point at Parasnath


Team Members ready to start for Lucknow at 6.30 am

Day 2: Varanasi to Lucknow
As arranged, we woke up ahead of schedule and prepared ourselves to begin by 7 am towards Lucknow. Had our morning breakfast at a clean Dhaba before Handia. Lucknow is consistently lovable to stop while moving towards Uttarakhand(Kumaon area) because of its attractive fascination in food darlings uniquely. Biriyani and Kebabs at Dastar Khwan is a hotspot to all explorers. Also, Chikan art on garments for women can't be overlooked. So in the wake of arriving at Lucknow in time, we checked in at Fab Hotels Nest Inn. Pleasant stay and onward journey to Kathgodam additionally falls in on the way. In the wake of taking some rest, after dusk, we continued to our very much anticipated energy to appreciate Lucknow Awadhi cuisine and some market hopping also. Losing some cash to life partner for marketing, we headed for a lavish feast at Dastar Khwan. The photos will legitimise our bliss.


My Brother in front of Dastar Khwan


Myself with my brother and best friend.


This doesn't require any introduction



Day 3: Lucknow to Bhimtal
Left Lucknow ahead of schedule by 8 am after having some light breakfast towards our next destination Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. Instead of taking the route via Bareilly, we opted on an alternate way through Gola, Pilhibit, Kathgodam to Bhimtal. The road was exceptionally magnificent for fantastic farming lands on the two roadsides and some forest in certain parts. Sailed through the significant beautiful passage to reach Bhimtal by evening. This spot pulls me from my heart, for which that was my third visit. Beforehand we stayed in Nainital, however this time we wanted to put up in Bhimtal. Our accommodation was reserved in Hotel Harshikhar, excellent accommodation just in front of the Bhimtal lake. They allotted a delightful little family suite having two rooms with attached baths, a living room with a balcony facing the lake. Anybody can pass through a day or two without valuing the time sitting in the terrace or Balcony having an espresso and a camera. As though nature was continually pouring its magnificence to us liberally, we were overwhelmed. The photos will aptly succeed my emotions about the lodging and the spot appropriately.


The picturesque road through Pilibhit

Beautiful view from the terrace of Hotel Harshikhar


The Family Suite of Hotel Harshikhar

Sunrise from Bhimtal

Day 4: Bhimtal-Nainital-Bhimtal
The day was for our visit to the Lake District of Kumaon. Situated at the height of 2084 meters, Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. As I have visited this place twice before, so I chose to keep the day visit fixed at Nainital this time. It isn't that you will discover the shine on the structure close to the lake by bright sun rays while strolling by the lakeside. Besides the view of the Naini Lake shining water with huge mountains at the backdrop left us enthralled. We invested the energy untiringly be beside the lake. Some pictures from our feeling with Nainital will resurface our happiness better.


My Niece on Kumaoni dress

Nainital Lake at evening

Day 5: Bhimtal – Misty Mountains, Jhaltola.
The day was significant as we were going to begin the first excursion for Uttarakhand. Our schedule sparkled with some beautiful spots we didn't visit prior aside from Kausani. So was very excited to appreciate the drive through picturesque boulevards via Sheraghat in the light and shades of pine and valley. Bhimtal to Almora highway was a drivers heaven. We booked the Misty Mountains close to Jhaltola.

The excellent road from Bhimtal to Almora


Spectacular View from Sheraghat

https://youtu.be/n9Z5QUEwy6s

This short video will justify my drive-through Sheraghat

On the way to Misty Mountain Retreat after parking the car at Hotel's safe garage

The Misty Mountains, A Foggy Mountain Resort is located in a unique location, near Patal Bhubaneswar and Chaukori.The resort was referred to me by an avid traveller Mr Kaushik Samanta from Burdwan, West Bengal. It is an exceptional resort inside forest and acres of forest land surrounding with nearest population/service available after 5kms from the hotel. It has a Stunning 180° view on Himalayan snow-topped peaks directly before you every minute of every day in winter. One who needs a peaceful spot to explore the Himalayas intimately will, without a doubt discover this spot a paradise. We needed to keep our Innova at their Garage, 6kms in away from the resort. They sent us a rough terrain vehicle to take us to the hotel. We were welcomed by the woman proprietor cum owner on arrival, and they offered a duplex with a linear perspective on snow-topped peaks directly from the deck or room. No language can explain the inclination we felt those two days of our stay. Each time, there was an unspeakable pleasure in looking up the enormous holy pinnacles and pouring in the pure mountain air. You can get some superb views from some spots if reached by walking within 2 to 5 km from the resort. Subsequent after getting ourselves fresh on arrival, we settled on one place by travelling 2kms to see the sun's last rays on the snowcapped gems of Himalaya. As if almighty is pouring gold from the sky on the holy peaks in an elegant manner. The photos can elucidate superior to pen and paper. It was chilling with temperature ranging from - 1°C to 2°C around evening time to morning. We arrived just after two days of full moon day, so fortunate to get the night sparkles on the peaks at midnight.


Sunset on Himalayas


180-degree view from deck
Cottage View

Sunset view from the deck in front of our cottage

Nanda Devi straight in front of the deck of the resort



Day 6: Misty Mountains at Jhaltola
The day was saved for relaxation stay and wandering around the hotel. Got the chance to see some lovely birds and living spaces in the woods. People attached to birding would get an added bit of freedom to show their skills on camera shutter. I attempted not many with my restricted camera source. The earth and mood were pleasant to such an extent that we didn't discover how time passed. As I said before, the evening is the best ideal break to relish on the deck as the nightfalls. One thing must be considered for the chilly climate. The temperature drops suddenly as the nightfalls where you have to depend on your winter gears and room heater/fireplace.
The resort staff arranged the food up under pure supervision of Mrs Ambika Madam(owner of the property). Was tasty and served hot. The variety of pickles were set up by Madam herself and free to taste. Must refer to the name of Mr Raju, always attentive to all visitors. A humble and energetic person who was continually accessible to come in to perform in that chilly temperature. He additionally fills in as a guide when we went for short treks close by. We got some organisation from a gathering from Kolkata and Mumbai. Delighted at night in pure juice of nature blended in with comfortable climate of the retreat and accommodation.

Snow-flakes in the morning in front of the cottage

Nanda Devi

On a short trek to view the Himalayan pinnacles 360 degrees

Cosy homely dining facility at the resort

With Raju, the all in one person of the resort

[Travelmania]

Day 7: Misty Mountains to Munsiyari
The day was for the most thrilling drive of the tour to Munsiyari. As the weather was parting its best offer to us throughout, we were sure of getting a close and bright glimpse of Panchanchulli peaks from near. So being excited, we woke up and took our breakfast in time to start for Munsiyari. Had a home-cooked lovely breakfast at the resort and slowly headed towards our parked car by the resort vehicle. Our car was safely parked at the resort's Garage, and we as expected it was intact without any complaint. We started for Munsiyari via Thal, Birthi to Munsiyari.

Some spectacular views while leaving Misty Mountain Retreat


The road till Birthi was pleasant to drive with sufficiently full for two-way carriageways. Stopped at Birthi to view the majestic waterfall and had some refreshment. This cascading fall surges from 400 feet above sea level and only 35 km from Munsiyari.

Refreshment time in front of Birthi Falls

Birthi Falls
The road after Birthi till Munsiyari was alternate energy to drive as it gets thin in numerous spots where vehicles coming from the other way can barely cross.
The following video can describe the drive better

https://youtu.be/0QWYXlqNbnI

Be that as it may, the scene enveloping the area was excellent in each twist, which my family delighted into fullest. In the wake of passing somewhere in the range of 25 km, we got snow out and about which steadily increased as we came closer to our inn at Munsiyari. We booked Hotel Milam Inn, an all-around situated lodging to see Panchachuli from room and Balcony. We reserved for two nights at Munsiyari. Before dusk, we walked around our accommodation and returned quickly to take some stunning pictures from the inn balcony. The gigantic chill which we were not accustomed to was the fundamental block to our family to defeat the situation. After settling with the atmosphere, we mainly plunged into nature and overlooking all hardships. The dusk Pictures will pass judgment on the satisfaction we felt that night.


My better half utilising the backdrop view

Glimpses of snow just before entering Munsiyari

Our Crysta posing on snow surface

Fire on Panchachuli at Sunset


Side view of Nanda Devi

The last rays on Panchachuli




Panchahuli at night from Hotel Balcony

Day 8: Munsiyari
Even though there were few excellent treks from Munsiyari, we didn't opt for those and went through the day sluggishly wandering around. First promptly toward the beginning of the day took some fantastic snaps of dawn on the snowcapped tops. After breakfast, we set for some more family snaps to advance our memories for post-editing the travelogue.

Overnight light snowflakes on our Crysta




Later left to visit nearby locations and enjoy the drive on the scarce snow on the road.


A secluded hill town, Munsiyari is set away behind the high slopes of Kumaon. Indeed in the lap of the snow-topped Panchchuli tops. It is proper to express that more well known is the Khaliya Top here. It is a unique location away from the main civic centre of Munsiyari, which gives a stunning all-round view from the top. Even though we didn't do the trek, but felt the fantastic view from fellow tourists coming down from the top. In any case, will attempt in our subsequent visit without a doubt. Our Physique and absence of experience hauled us to take the lesson. Had some espresso at the Egloo formed bistro and leisured the day sluggishly. Few snaps from the day spent around Munsiyari.



Our Crysta with Panchachuli

Three Friends together

[Travelmania]

Day 9: Munsiyari to Kausani
We realised the day's drive would be broadened. Our goal was Kausani, which is 178 km from Munsiyari. We targeted to reach before dusk to get the glimpses of Sunset light fall on Trishul from Kausani. So after taking some last moment early morning snaps of the surroundings from Munsiyari hotel, we went for breakfast. Left the hotel nearly in target time around 9.40 am for Kausani. Drove via Chaukori, Bageswar, Baijnath till Kausani.

Our steed posing somewhere on the way to Kausani
Halted at Chaukori Tourist Rest House (TRH) to have some tea and appreciate nature's perspectives on the clear and bright sky. Uttarakhand Himalayas was sparkling all around from Chaukori TRH. The following Snaps can legitimise my voice more.


Begun rapidly without burning through additional time towards Kausani. Arrived at Krishna Mount View, our booked accommodation by 4.30 pm with stoppage time at Chaukori. The lodging is simply alongside Gandhi Ashram at the top. A fantastic area to invest some subtle energy sitting at the Balcony confronting Mt Trishul directly in front.

The accommodation was rich and well-suited. Chill factor was a bit lower than Munsiyari. Warming components were satisfactorily given by the hotel. Without sitting around on tattle, my sibling and I pushed to the gallery to catch the last beams of Sunset over more magnificent Himalayas, exceptionally Mt Trishul.

Sunset on Trishul from Kausani Hotel Balcony




Nanda Devi from Kausani

Last rays on Nanda Devi

Trishul range soaking the last rays of sun for the day
I had a question abounding in my mind from my adolescence, why Mt Trishul is named Trishul. That winter snaps freed my issues with the view from separated light on the three pinnacles.
After Sunset we plunged ourselves to gossip on snacks and mug of cappuccino. Should mention the dining facility of the inn. To me, it was ideal for grasping my family. They were happy with the supper, the ambience and the service of the hotel. Because of cold, it was less crowded, for which we may get some additional consideration from the service team of administration.
Day 10: Kausani to Mukteswar
As the stay was saved for one day, so woke up before dawn to get all the more shining photos of morning lights on the mountains. Appropriately got what expected and moderately attempted to portray in the accompanying pictures.

First Ray of the sun on Trishul

Second Ray of the Sun on Trishul

Complete glow on the three pinnacles



Debjit with Trishul at backdrop from the room balcony


Himalaya from Gandhi Ashram

We were somewhat down as we will head our last goal of Kumaon trip. We took the route via Almora till Mukteswar. Uttarakhand's unexplored paradise, Mukteshwar is situated at the height of around 7500 ft above sea level, at the top of the Kumaon hills in Nainital region. Mukteshwar Temple, located at the top of Chauli ki Jali hill, is 350 years of age and believed to be where the Pandavas approached Lord Shiva for salvation. The tranquillity and breathtaking perspectives on the spot pulled into me more than the place's religious part. It offers an awe-inspiring view on the Kumaon Himalayas tops like the Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Nepal's mighty peaks.
We booked TRH at the head of Mukteswar. The perspective is breathtaking, yet the convenience was underneath normal. They just have two recently fabricated rooms in front, which was acceptable. Different rooms were old and less kept up. Indeed, even the warmers gave on pay basis was not working appropriately in that chilling atmosphere. We booked the spot to appreciate the best view from Mukteswar however didn't expect such helpless result as for the most part, KMVN TRH is acceptable all through in Kumaon region. The accompanying pictures will get the job made my choice to take the TRH.

Layers from Mukteswar View Point


Sunset from Mukteswar




Day 11: Mukteswar to Lucknow.
The last day of a trip is always a story end. We were mentally prepared to return to our roots where we won't get the tranquillity and calmness of the last few days. But that is our original, so no way to run away. Packed our belongings and started for midpoint stopover at Lucknow. While returning, I thought to take the original route via Bareilly. But due to road construction work and congested traffic we took more time to reach Lucknow. Nothing new to explore at Lucknow, we didn't miss the fixed activity of attending dinner at Dastwar Khwan. I hope any traveller from any group will not miss this drill while passing by Lucknow. Without wasting much time, we went to bed. Early to start early next-day. We decided to reach Kolkata at a stretch.


Day 11: Lucknow to Kolkata
Started by 9 am reached Varanasi without any hassle. As it was the last day of 2018, The celebration was visible all throughout the drive. Had a sumptuous new year eve dinner at Shan- E - Punjab at Parasnath. Usually, all road travellers take a break at this junction while moving towards the north. Reached home lazily at 3 pm with all stoppage time. The lesson I learned from this drive is to start and end a trip by a night drive. That will be more fatigue less due to less traffic.

To sum up the tour, I would say we have many fascinating places to visit in our country which blossoms in different colours in different seasons.
Would love to revisit Kumaon in a different season to view a new beauty and warmth.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Travelogues section. Thanks for sharing!

Your travelogue will go to our homepage this week .

[Samba]

Awesome! Rated 5*.
I bookmarked this travelogue for my future reference.

I have been to these places, but never been to Munsyari. Have plans to visit this place in future.
Thanks for sharing this lovely write-up with the awesome pics.

Sharing a couple of pics from Bhimtal & Nainital from my last trip over there.

[Mile_Breaker]

Wow Travelmania ! Only last weekend I was googling Munsiyari and the route. You just handed me a ready made tour plan. Will definitely reach out to you for further tips when I finalize.

[stealthcraft22]

I have had the privilege to do my graduation from Bhimtal, and have made the most of those 4 years with whatever means I had. This place is really, really close to my heart. Just the mention of Bhimtal is enough to give me goosebumps
For any future travelers to Bhimtal, you must definitely do the following:

1. Trek to Karkotak - breathtaking views from the tallest mountain in this region. You can see Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Sattal lakes from the top towards east, Gola river towards the west, Himalayan range towards the north. It's a 1 hour trek from the town.

2. Go to Garud Tal - One of the most beautifully kept secrets of Kumaon region. You will catch glimpses of this lake while on your way to overrated Sattal lake, and will completely miss it when you are next to it. This lake has a soul. It talks to you. You need to find it. Once you do, you don't want to leave. There are no tourists, touts or hawkers here. There's just Garud Tal.

3. Visit the butterfly museum - One of the earliest settlers in this region was Frederik Smetacek Sr. from Germany. He was a butterfly collector who would collect butterflies from virtually every part of the world, including the very depths of Amazon basis, where sunlight couldn't penetrate and therefore butterflies had Photoluminescent wings. He also caught butterflies with wing spans of over 2 feet. I was friends with his son - Freddie Jr. who was an amazing chap. Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago. Now the bungalow has been converted into a home stay.

4. Lee's kitchen - Before you enter the mountains, just after Kathgodam is Lee's kitchen. Breathtaking scenery and good quality food at very cheap prices. This used to be my dating spot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaqBwHAJpVg

In my opinion, after Kerala, Uttarakhand is the only place where you will not have to struggle to enjoy what you came for. The people are really friendly and simple. There are a few touts, but they won't bother you much if you look like you have a plan.
I hope to make a travelogue like yours very soon.

[haisaikat]

Excellent travelogue and guide with stunning pictures, and that too in the vehicle of choice is always close to the heart. Rated 5 stars. I have an upcoming travel plan to Varanasi next month and I noted down Shaan-e-Punjab already. If you could throw some light on the onward and return journey timings that will be great. On your way to Munsiyari did you stop at Ranikhet, I have heard it is also a very beautiful place.

Truly as you said mountains offer different tastes for people visiting in Autumn and Winter and all are equally enjoyable. Although I have seen lived in places abroad that snows heavily yet in India I have never been fortunate towards visiting such a place. Well done in wonderfully documenting this and keep more of these coming.

[sportymonk]

Excellent pictures of the ranges. For those of us living in the plains, the most satisfying Good Morning Moment I guess is snow flakes on your car windscreen and bonnet

[StarBoard]

Excellent travelogue Travelmania!
Reminded me of my travel to Kumaon in Oct-Nov 2016. Apart from the places you visited, we also happened to visit TRH Binsar, which offers an experience of staying inside a forest. The route we took was Delhi-Nainital-Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal-Mukteshwar-Kausani-Munsiyari-Binsar-Delhi. Jhaltola is on my radar now, thanks to your photos.

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by Samba

Awesome! Rated 5*.
I bookmarked this travelogue for my future reference.

I have been to these places but never been to Munsyari. Have plans to visit this place in future.
Thanks for sharing this lovely write-up with the awesome pics.

Samba thanks a lot for sparing some time to go through this long TL. Would love to help if an opportunity arises in future when you travel to Munsiyari

Originally Posted by Mile_Breaker

Wow Travelmania ! Only last weekend I was googling Munsiyari and the route. You just handed me a ready made tour plan. Will definitely reach out to you for further tips when I finalize.

As I see, you are from Kolkata. It will be my pleasure to share my experiences with you.

Originally Posted by stealthcraft22

In my opinion, after Kerala, Uttarakhand is the only place where you will not have to struggle to enjoy what you came for. The people are really friendly and simple. There are a few touts, but they won't bother you much if you look like you have a plan.
I hope to make a travelogue like yours very soon.

Aptly said. You don't have to struggle to enjoy, but you will certainly feel down to leave the place and join the metro city's hustle and bustle.

Originally Posted by haisaikat

Excellent travelogue and guide with stunning pictures, and that too in the vehicle of choice is always close to the heart. Rated 5 stars. I have an upcoming travel plan to Varanasi next month and I noted down Shaan-e-Punjab already. If you could throw some light on the onward and return journey timings that will be great. On your way to Munsiyari did you stop at Ranikhet, I have heard it is also a very beautiful place.

First of all, thanks for noticing my travelogue. Roughly you will take 12hrs in the day time to Varanasi. Night drive will be faster, I think. I didn't go via Ranikhet. Took Almora Sheraghat to Jhaltola.

Originally Posted by sportymonk

Excellent pictures of the ranges. For those of us living in the plains, the most satisfying Good Morning Moment I guess is snowflakes on your car windscreen and bonnet

Thanks for the compliments. Good Morning is always blissful when you see snow in front of your stay early in the morning.

Originally Posted by StarBoard

Excellent travelogue Travelmania!
Reminded me of my travel to Kumaon in Oct-Nov 2016. Apart from the places you visited, we also happened to visit TRH Binsar, which offers an experience of staying inside a forest. The route we took was Delhi-Nainital-Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal-Mukteshwar-Kausani-Munsiyari-Binsar-Delhi. Jhaltola is on my radar now, thanks to your photos.

Thanks for appreciating my travelogue. Yes TRH Binsar is a beautiful place to stay inside forest. However, I skipped that place this time but visited earlier.

[ABHI_1512]

Super pictures of the snow capped mountains Abhijit Da, I am sure you enjoyed seeing them in flesh as much as we enjoyed seeing them in pictures. Thanks for sharing, will be a ready reckoner should I decide to visit those beautiful vistas.

Regards.

[DriveTrain]

This is a piece of exquisite "Crysta"lline beauty - rated a highly deserved 5 stars

The simplicity and ethereal visage conveyed through your lens and words wove a stunning dreamscape. You can keep on visiting these places and continue to be amazed during every visit !

[Vinod_nair]

Originally Posted by stealthcraft22

4. Lee's kitchen - Before you enter the mountains, just after Kathgodam is Lee's kitchen. Breathtaking scenery and good quality food at very cheap prices. This used to be my dating spot
https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=FaqBwHAJpVg

Please avoid Lee's kitchen, it was the best when run by Mr. Lee, he sold it about 5/6 years ago.

It's now run by some locals, and the food is below average.

Note: Lee used to hand make the noodles.

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by ABHI_1512

Super pictures of the snow capped mountains Abhijit Da, I am sure you enjoyed seeing them in flesh as much as we enjoyed seeing them in pictures.

Thanks for loving the pictures. Yes its true enjoying those vistas from front is an amazing experience

Originally Posted by DriveTrain

This is a piece of exquisite "Crysta"lline beauty - rated a highly deserved 5 stars

The simplicity and ethereal visage conveyed through your lens and words wove a stunning dreamscape. You can keep on visiting these places and continue to be amazed during every visit !

Thanks a lot the way your praised the Photos and Travelogue. Yes those places never get phased out of mind which pushes us to visit the places repeatedly.