Page 33 - Seniors Today June2020
P. 33
Hotels here are small but comfortable and as told that earlier one could stay a night by
they are open for about 6 months of the year pitching a tent in the meadow (Bugyal in
only, they cannot be termed luxurious at all. local language) but is now not allowed any
They guarantee one thing which makes up longer. What a pity, as I am sure that the
for everything - and that is awesome views! sunrise and sunset would be nothing less
than stunning.
The last day was kept open but on
recommendation of the locals, we went to
the Darkot village. This is a short drive away
(just 5-6 kms) and one gets to see the old
Kumaoni architecture and culture in the
houses. We saw some local shops selling
hand-woven shawls too – which some
claimed to be made with Pashmina wool,
Spectacular sunrise though I am not so sure about that.
The next morning we set out to see the Finally we could not leave without paying
famous Birthi falls. The falls are spectacular respects to the Nanda Devi Temple – a 3-km
and an ideal place for a hike around in the walk from the main town. Needless to say
forests. Refreshed and exhilarated from our the views of the mountain and temple of
walk, on the return we stopped at the famous Nanda Devi together are awe-inspiring.
and highly revered Kalamuni temple. The After a hearty breakfast we left for
Godess Kali, Lord Shiva and Ganesha idols Ranikhet on our way back. The drive
here are said to be centuries old. is about 7 hours with a lunch stop at
As per our plan we had reserved this day to Bageshwar. Ranikhet is an old cantonment
visit Khaliya top – this high ground is nearly from the British times and an important city.
3500 mts and is a good day hike. Everyone Thankfully, the city has been able to control
told us that one should go only if the weather unplanned growth as most of the town is
is absolutely clear so as to get good views. under the cantonment board. Some of the
As luck would have it, it was clear and true old hotels here are the legacy of the British
to what everyone had said, the views of the era also, and have excellent food on offer
many peaks were astonishing. We were – one such place is the West View Hotel.
Even though Ranikhet is quite beautiful it
seemed suffocating, especially after visiting
the beautiful places in Kumaon – Ramgarh,
Binsar and Munsiyari.
Our final stop was a place which had been
recommended very highly to us. Located
just a few kilometres from Bhowali, the
small 8-room guest house was stunning,
to say the least. Run by a family, the place,
built in several acres, is known not so much
for the beautiful accommodation, but for its
Nothing less than a stunning sunset gourmet food.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 33
