After visiting Corbett's Bungalow, we were on our way to Nainitaal. There are two approach roads to Nainitaal. One is the oft taken and very popular road via Haldwani-Kathgodaam and the other is more scenic via Ramnagar & Kaladhungi. Since we first visited Corbett, we had to take this scenic route via Kaladhungi.
The heart of Nainitaal is the Mall road that runs on the banks of Naini lake. This road is closed for vehicular traffic in the evenings when hordes of tourist descend here and enjoy the scenic walk. Two of the very famous hotels - Mannu Maharani & Sherwani lie at the end of Mall Road (if one comes from Haldwani side) near the Naina Devi Temple. This Road from Kaladhungi to Nainitaal ends here and connects to Mall road. We came in from here after having driven through one of the most scenic views.
I had no intention of stopping at Nainitaal, but women will be women. My daughter had damaged the strap of her chappals near the Kosi River in Corbett. My wife spotted a cobbler on the Mall Road, remembered the damaged slippers and I had to stop. Parked on the extreme left on that narrow road and sat in the car as it was a No Parking Zone. While the cobbler was mending the slippers, wife managed to do some shopping as well. The multi-tasking ability of the female species never ceases to amaze me.
After all this was over, we bid goodbye to Nainitaal and headed towards Ranikhet. I had by know completely managed to convince wife against going to Almora. Smiling inward drove along. Afew kilometers before Ranikhet stopped on the side to take some pictures of some very interesting scenes.
The Bull Parked A slabbed pathway into the hills Step Farming on the hills Golden wheat Women working in the fields Localised transport - used for carrying provisions too
Reached Ranikhet and after passing right through the Cantt, reached our
Hotel nestled in the back & beyond amidst woods. Although Ranikhet is quite small, it certainly wasn't a walking distance to popular spots from the Hotel. Amidst lush greenery bereft of any city sounds, and ideal place to stay. All around one could hear myriad sounds of various insects, birds and an occassional bark.
Hotel parking The Bull in the parking
I was allotted a double room cottage meaning two different rooms in one complex with single entry door. Daughter occupied the biggest room and left the smaller for us and also dumped all the luggage in our room only..
Our Cottage
Each room had a TV and my daughter immediately snuggled into her bed and switched on the idiot box. We drove to the market, wifey bought some army fatigue fabric for my son, looked around, didn't find any thing interesting and returned.
Chevron Rosemount is a heritage building about 135 years old. Not even a brick can be removed or added or relocated. Even the electrical wiring and fittings are that old.
Brass electrical fittings
We went to the stately dining room for dinner. I marveled at the luxury the owners enjoyed a century ago.
Went back to our rooms, watched some TV and went off to sleep. Tomorrow would be the sighseeing day...
To be continued.....!!