Trip to Naukuchyatal, Nainital , Almora and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary from Haridwar ( November 2020 )

 Trip Itinerary of Haridwar – Nainital- Binsar trip  ( November  2020 )

Day 1:   

We started from Haridwar early morning in a Cab. The weather was fine and sunny.  We took the Rudrapur road as our taxi had to take CNG on its way to Naukuchiyatal.

As we reached Kathgodam to found that the road via Bhimtal is closed for repair works. So, we took the longer route via Nainital to reach Naukuchiyatal by early evening.  At the KMVN Tourist rest house , we booked  a Semi Deluxe room overlooking the beautiful lake and garden. There was ample space for parking the car and due to pandemic only a few rooms were occupied.  

A winding road takes one all around the lake where several residential houses and Hotels are there. Even the Club Mahindra and many boutique hotels have open in Binsar which speaks of itself the prominence of the Naukuchiyatal for travel lovers.

The Sunset from the balcony of the room and the reflection of the setting sun on the lake was unforgettable. Snacks and Tea by the lake was enjoyed by all.  That night we took and early dinner and slept well.

Day 2

The next day we woke up early in the morning with a Paratha Breakfast and Coffee. In the mean time, the lake side activities had already started. There was Zorbing, then there was boating ride,  rope crossing and kayaking too.  Our son had a good time playing in the lake inside the floating Zorbing.  A zorbing is a inflatable cylindrical or speherical ball filled with Air bubbles which floats on water. A person has to walk on its inner surface and it make the Zorbing float and move in water.

After that we started for Nainital town trip by taking a short trip of 1 hour. Nainital without boating is imcomplete. So we took one from the Boat Club Deck  for a half  hour trip. The roads were still busy considering the travel restrictions. Wanting to get a birds eye view of this Mango shaped lake  we wanted to ride the Rope way. Much to our dismay it was closed for repairing. So, quickly we booked an Alto car to see the sights from the Hills atop Nainital.  Once on top of the hill, we could have a clear majestic view of the snow capped Himalayas. The clean weather due to the pandemic served as a boon for us as this sighting at that time of the year was impossible some years back. Then we also went to Mango lake view, Rock point and back to Tallital.

Out next stop was Saat Tal where we also did a brief boat ride in the mesmerizing lake.

The evening was spent in the Naukuchiya tal  banks enjoying the sights and doing a few acvities.

 

Day 3 - 

Next morning, after taking breakfast, we started for our next destination which was to become our most cherished visit to the Kumaon- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

On way to Binsar one had to move through Almora or use the bypass road. On both sides of the road to Almora  stood tall Pine trees and  the  splendid Himalyan peaks  sneaking a view in between on the bends of the road. 

The Kasardevi temple is one must visit spot on the way to Binsar.  It is believed that there are some supernatural powers in the location where the temple is situated and many enlightened persons like Swamy Vivekananda came here for meditation. A small hike of steps from the Kasardevi temple takes one to the Shiva Temple which provides a panoramic view of the slopes of both sides.

After 1 hour from Kasardevi temple, we reached the Sanctuary Gate where one has to pay the Entry fees. The drive through the narrow trail was both exhilarating and enchanting as we moved past tall trees, waterfalls and small bridges. A driver has to be very careful driving through the jungle road as it is steep as well as broken at many places.

At last we reached our cherished locationa, the KMVN one of the few places in a wildlife sanctuary providing most of the luxuries man desires on a forest. We took a Ground Floor room and rushed out to see the panaromic view of the Himalayas on display like a  painting before us.

Having Tea and Snacks, we then went to visit the Dak Bungalow , a 3 km walk from the property.  This place is a Forest department property where new loghuts were being constructed for guests. However, the main attraction of this Dak Bungalow is the View from the Verandah of the Old Building- It is the sunset point for tourists . Our son did a quick video tour of the place for his friends in mobile. Swami Vivekananda had stayed here for a few days during his visit to Almora in  1897.  There is also another trail which leads to the Zero point for Himalaya views.   

The best view is from the KMVN terrace giving a panoramic 300 km view. Chai and Pakora adds to the charm of the place. Being at a remote location, the electricity remains for limited time.  Dinner and Breakfast is included in the Room charges and we were overjoyed when we enjoyed the sumptuous meal at night.

Day 4

The sunrise from KMVN is the most beautiful sight to see.  It makes one stand there as long as one can stay and stare at the mighty peaks. After breakfast, we started our  400 + km return journey to  Haridwar.  Taking a few stops in between for snacks, photo opportunities and tea breaks we reached Haridwar before sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

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