Almora- Hike to Jageshwar Temples

Highlights: The emphasis of this trip is on being in close proximity with nature and the local people, and staying in resorts in comfort and style at Corbett, Pangot (near Nainital) and Almora. The jungle experience at Corbett is an enchanting, unforgettable experience. We have ensured that your stay at each place is a wonderful mix of relaxation, sightseeing and splendid walks in the surroundings of the hotels chosen. 

Vehicle will be N/AC Qualis ex-Ramnagar.  You will have to reach Ramnagar on own. From Delhi, you may take the overnight Ranikhet Express to Ramnagar.

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrival at Ramnagar station, and transfer to the hotel-20 min drive. Corbett National Park is  one of  India”s best known wildlife sanctuaries. Covering a large forested area of  520.8 sq kms, the  Park encloses a large section of the foothills of the Shivalik mountains, the Patlidun valley and the swiftly flowing Ramganga river. Named after the  famous hunter, author and conservator Jim Corbett,  the Park was established in 1936. The park has the famous tigers of  Kumaon, panther, wild boar, sloth bear, elephant, deer, crocodile etc.  The river Ramganga is rich in Mahaseer, trout and goonch. More than 585 species of birds have been recorded at Corbett. Relax in the hotel premises in the morning or walk along the Kosi river bank. In the evening at 4pm proceed for a 2hr jeep safari in Bijrani forest range (SIC tour). Lunch and dinner at resort.

Day 02: Corbett: Morning elephant safari and full day Dhikala Jungle safari with packed lunch.
5am: Leave early for an elephant safari (1hr) in the Reserve Forest area and later at 9am proceed for a full day safari to the fabled Dhikala grasslands deep inside Corbett (sic tour) with packed lunch. Dinner at the hotel. Stay overnight at Corbett.

Day 03: Corbett to Almora. 3 hrs approx.
Wake up to a leisurely day. After Breakfast depart for Almora, one of the most beautiful places in the Kumaon Himalayas. Lunch and Dinner at the hotel. Almora has stunning views of the Himalayas and is an ideal place to explore the valleys, forests and ancient temples in the region.

Day 04   & Day 05: At Almora.
Many possibilities to do what you want. Option 1: Drive to Sattal - use the day for either trekking/hiking around the lakes through lush forests teeming with wildlife and birds. Have packed lunch, take a boat ride on the lake. Special place for birdwatchers. Afternoon drive back to resort. 8 hrs. excursion. Option 2: A day at the resort. Birdwatching, reading, relaxing and after lunch lessons in Indian cuisine (Applicable for foreign guests). Alternative for Indian guests - lessons in European cuisine. At dinner enjoy your own cooking. Bon Appetit! This interaction between the guests creates an atmosphere of conviviality and fun. Alternately Indian guests can use the afternoon for shopping in the Almora bazaars, or a day's shopping in Nainital, or trip to Ranikhet visiting the Chaubatia gardens and temple of Herakhan Baba. Option 3: Other day excursions by car to Nainital, Mukteshwar (altitude 2290m), with beautiful colonial buildings), or Devidoora (during the Raksha Bandhan festival) can be arranged.The resort is an excellent place for those interested in birdwatching. 250 species have been sighted in this area. Option 4: At Bageshwar, there is a charming confluence of Sarayu and Gomati rivers. The ancient temple of Baghnath is  located at this confluence. At Baijnath, you can see the exquisite eight-foot image of Goddess Parvati. From Kausani, you may be able to see a vast panorama of Snow Mountains and the Anasakti Ashram where Gandhiji wrote his commentary on the Gita. Packed lunch at Kausani. Return to Almora in the evening. Option 5: Various interesting treks can be arranged for with a guide or you can relax, go for walks, or to the local bazaar for shopping. Eg. From resort walk down towards the ravines, following the river bank of Balta river towards Bintola village. On the way passing lovely gorges and waterfalls. Leave the river and walk up to Dhaulikhan hilltop. The trail will lead you downwards towards Pali and Reeta villages. Discover the famous Kali temples, 34 temples in the complex. Another 300m further Vishnu temple dated 9th to 12th C. Enjoy a packed lunch at the banks of the river. From there carry on upwards through old Kaphal tree forests towards Lakhudiar. (Most important prehistoric rock paintings in Kumaon). Trekking time 5-6 hrs. Drive back to resort. Approx. ½ hr. Option 6: Full day trip to Jageshwar temples, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India alongwith Mukteshwar and Patal Bhuvaneshwar, the underground cave complex not to be missed!

Day 06: Drive to Pangot. 3hrs Near Nainital.
After Breakfast at 9 am leave for Pangot. Pangot:  It is 15 kms from Nainital (via Kilbury). It is located in a green belt that supports an enormous variety of Himalayan bird life. It begins at Corbett National Park and extends right till Binsar covering Pangot and Kilbury areas. More than 580 species of birds have been recorded in this belt. We offer an exciting stay in this forested area in a mountain lodge with valley views that has limited accommodation (6-8 persons only) catering to a few discerning birding enthusiasts, nature lovers and to those seeking a romantic interlude amidst solitude. The bird feeders are kept outside each cottage to attract local birds. Our activities here include bird watching, jungle walks through the surrounding jungle specially the one from Kilbury to Pangot through thick forest teeming with birdlife, a variety of flora and fauna and fresh water streams. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Lodge.

Day 07: At Pangot
Early morning bird watching tour ( optional at an extra cost ) OR Visit to Nainital for a full day. Lunch and Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 08: Pangot to Kathgodam stn-1hr.

Tour ends

PACKAGE PRICE: PER PERSON: INR 32200/-
ADDITIONAL 3.09% GOV. SER TAX

Valid Till 31st March 2009

Cost Includes:
1. Transport with driver as per the itinerary mentioned throughout the trip from Ramnagar using Non Aircon Qualis/similar at disposal.
2. Accommodation with all meals as per hotels mentioned above (Standard room).
3. Excursions, sightseeing as per itinerary.
4. At Corbett: Half day jungle safari in Bijrani, one elephant ride and full day Dhikala tour on Sic.
5. All currently applicable hotel taxes.

Cost excludes:
1. Government Service Tax has to levied on the full invoice amount. 
2. Meals not mentioned above.
3. Guide and Entrance fees
4. Train/ airfare and services other than specified.
5. Any expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone / fax calls.
6. Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
7. Any tips to drivers, hotel staff, any meals apart from the ones mentioned above.
8. Any other tax or service charge that could be enforced during this period will be extra and need to be borne by you.