Book A Soul-Satisfying Yoga Retreat In Uttarakhand

It is rightly said that one must ‘meditate’ because some questions cannot be answered by Google. The mighty Himalayas of India are not just satiating to the eyes but they are also mentally therapeutic. Booking a Yoga retreat in the divine land of Uttarakhand is a great way to rejuvenate your mind and soul and let go off all your tensions and all past anger that you have been carrying for so long.    

Yoga is an art of mastering every breath and experiencing this supreme quiet within where everything is divine. Experiences like these can only be lived, such is the magic and power of yoga and meditation, an art of letting the light of the heart engulf your soul. You can either stay at a Yoga center or book a Homestay cottage in Uttarakhand while you do the program. 

Our ancient scriptures present many paths for doing meditation and Yoga and every Yoga retreat is unique in its own way. You can choose what suits your interest the best. Rest, relax and rejuvenate in the peaceful and beautiful natural setting of the Himalayas. Have a full yoga experience and get guidance on implementing positive changes in your life. During the Yoga program, you will be indulging yourself in deep meditation and deepen your knowledge of the benefits of asana, vegetarian diet, stress management and meditation. For the past many years, yoga remains a testimony to the fact that one who surrenders his soul into this magical journey, attains an utmost state of salvation (MOKSHA) in all walks of life with by-products being harmony and health. 

It is believed that every yoga enthusiast in his/her lifetime, dreams of practicing yoga in the Himalayas, the birthplace and eternal spiritual home of Yoga! This season plan your vacation and master the art of every breath in your body through this enchanting journey of self-discovery by way of Yoga.   

Exploring The Beauty Of Kumaon Region

Whenever we imagine lush green valleys with picturesque snow-capped mountains and breathtaking roads, we always think about Uttarakhand. The state has been the vacationing spot for a lot of people, both in India and for international tourists, with spots like Nainital, Dehradun, and Mussoorie ranking high in popularity. 

Quaint villages with small hotels and cottages in Kumaon region are a rising trend and with so many unexplored and hidden towns in the state, the number can only grow higher in the near future. Here are a few offbeat locations in Uttarakhand you can explore the next time you are on vacation.

Chaukori

Nestled between the high peaks of the western ranges in the Himalayas, Chaukori is a small hill station in the district of Pithoragarh and is part of the Kumaon region. It is flanked by both Tibet and Terai to its north and south respectively and it offers stunning views of the mythical mountain range. The mountains that can be seen clearly from Chaukori are Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot. It also reaffirms Uttarakhand’s reputation as a religious state with famous temples like Kedar Temple, Ulka Devi Temple, Kamakshi Temple, Mostamanu Temple, Patal Bhubaneshwar Temple and Jayanti Temple Dhwaj.

Munsiyari

The small town of Munsiyari might not be a popular haunt for tourists but it is a famed name among adventurers and trekkers. Because of the trekking opportunities this place provides, people from all over the country come here to stretch their legs and enjoy the views that accompany the trek! It also offers a lot of small guest houses and hotels for individuals looking for a little bit of solitude and calm.

Pangot

Want to go to Nainital but do not want the accompanying rush that you generally along with it? The answer to that question lies in Pangot. Just a few kilometers away from the popular tourist destination, Pangot is surprisingly quieter and calmer than its more popular sister towns. The town is known for the variety of birds it hosts, including the Lammergeier, Minta with blue wings, Himalayan Griffon, Forktail with slate backs, woodpeckers with Rufus' bellies, Khaaji peasants and a variety of thrushes. The yellow throat Himalayan Marten, leopard, sambhar and barking deer are other animals which can be found in this area. It is a pleasure for people who love the wildlife and want an exciting adventure amidst the woods!

How To Enjoy Kumaon Hills Visit While In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, also known as the “Land of Gods” is a breathtaking destination in India with numerous picturesque views, natural beauty and delicacies to die for. From amazing trek and camping sites to wildlife sanctuaries, the place is truly a paradise for nature lovers. The Kumaon Hills is an endless panorama of scenic wonders. The place also boasts of some beautiful lakes such as The Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Naukuchiatal lake, Sat Tal lake etc.  Here are the top places you must visit to make your Uttrakhand trip all the more exciting- 

Kausani – Away from the regular hustle bustle, Kausani serves as an ultimate escape to enjoy some peace amidst lush beauty. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan region and serene beauty of the snow-clad peaks. The Kausani Tea Estate is another attraction which can let you have an experience of a lifetime. Also, enthrall your soul by the rustic charm of Rudradhari caves and falls.

Lake District of Nainital –  Nainital is a well-developed hill district with rare to find lakes. The greenery of the place is an absolute treat to the eyes. The place is also famous for Jim Corbett National park, where one can view live wildlife while on a safari. Sheetlakhet, Ramgarh and Mukhteshwar are yet other attractions you will savor for the rest of your life. Stay at one of the Nainital Cottage and Resort for an ultimate experience.

Pithoragarh- This less visited place is a heavenly destination for peace lovers. The best part of the place is adventurous trekking tours. Do some bird watching and enjoy the wildlife at the Askot Sanctuary. The glimpse of pristine Ralam Glacier is something you would enjoy at the place.

Munsiyari- If you love biking, then there can be nothing as better as Munsiyari to experience your next adrenaline expedition. The place looks so romantic and out of the world with numerous trekking routes. The natural views of the Himalayan peaks lend the place a magnificent charm.

Ranikhet- Camping is a beautiful experience in itself. Head to Ranikhet for making your camping trip, all the more exciting. Perfect for adventure lovers, the place is an adventure hub with activities such as rock climbing, trekking, rappelling and white water rafting.

Almora- Almora is a beautiful landscape surrounded by old oaks and pine trees. The city has a divine aura with amazing views.

Unveil The Solitary Kumaon

With the Legend of a man-eating hunter, lofty snow-capped mountains, shimmering rivers, a plethora of scenic beauty, tranquil blue sky and a nippy weather, Kumaon makes the perfect holiday destination for every adventure enthusiast. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is replete with pristine nature and picturesque destinations. The wilderness of the place is what makes the destination more enthralling and fascinating. Amidst of majestic mountains and surreal lakes, surrounded by Tibet on the north, Nepal on the east, Uttar Pradesh on the south and Garhwal region on the west, Kumaon is an indispensable experience of rich flora and fauna.

Things to do when you are on Kumaon:-

Jim Corbett National Park: How can you possibly not visit the Jim Corbett National Park when you are in Kumaon? After all, it gave birth to the legendary ‘Man-eaters of Kumaon’, a story about hunting the man-eater Bengal tiger. If you love wild nature, this is one destination that should get added to your list. Repleted with bears, jackals, elephants, leopards and the Royal Bengal tigers, the place is a goldmine for any wildlife photographer. The uneasy calmness of the place just enhances the wilderness.

The city of Lakes: Of all things, Nainital is considered as the jewel of Kumaon. A beautiful and nostalgic destination for families. It boasts its incredible landscapes and surreal lakes. A boat ride in the placid lake, during the sunset, can be one of the most satisfying experiences you can ever come across. Spend a day or two with your family, and explore the beautiful nature.

Binsar: Binsar is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Kumaon district. Over 200 different types of species live here. The wild forest supports the habitat of the rare and stealth leopards. Birdwatchers frequently haunt this place because of the wild swarm of birds that can be seen. Stay inside the Binsar wildlife sanctuary and spend the night among the wild animals. The cottages available inside, may not be the finest cottages in Kumaon but compared to the experience you get, it’s worth it. Always carry a camera along if you to want to capture the wilderness.

Experience the solace in local villages: Walking down the lonely roads in Kumaon, during the sunset, is truly an awe-inspiring experience. You can actually feel the silence of the mountains echoing in your ears. The intriguing beauty of the landscape is too compelling to miss out. Surrounded by panoramic views of snow-clad mountains and lush green forest, these destinations are a perfect place to spend a few days in solitude.            

Great Places In India For Long Weekend Getaways

Long weekends are the perfect excuse to spend lots of time with your close friends and family. Sometimes it’s healthy to just relax and take a break from all the hustle-bustle. Taking time out from our hectic lifestyles can be a really good way to reconnect with ourselves 

India has a great deal to offer in terms its history, culture, wildlife, and aesthetics. With another long weekend approaching, all we can think about is getting away from our daily routines and traveling somewhere close by. Here is a list of few places to do so.  

Mukteshwar: Offbeat Hill Station

Mukteshwar is a pleasing destination, situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It has a grand view of the Himalayan range, its beauty is unpolluted and unaffected till date. From waking up to the sound of chirping birds to sleeping amidst majestic mountains, this rather gorgeous town has a lot to offer. Apart from its drop-dead beauty, rock climbing at ‘Chauli-Ki-Jali’ and visiting ancient temples is mainly the reason why people come here. 

Jim Corbett: Wildlife

The Corbett National Park offers numerous staying options, these are one of the best resorts in Uttarakhand. Some luxury places are The Ramganga resort and The Manu Maharani resort.

There is an extraordinary variety of animals and reptiles present here. Jim Corbett is most famous for its tigers and people from all around the world come to see our majestic national animal.  

Bishnupur: History and Culture

Bishnupur is the ‘temple town’ of West Bengal. It has many famous temples such as The Lalji temple, The Madan Mohan temple, The Jorebangla temple, The Radha Shyam temple and many more. Apart from its temples, Bishnupur is also famous for Rasmancha, a stunning architectural structure built in ancient times. This small city has a lot to offer in terms of its extensive history and culture.

Gokarna: Serene Beaches

If you’re just looking to renew, reflect and rejuvenate, Gokarna is the best place to visit. Its picturesque scenery, attractive beaches, sprawling green landscapes and peaceful long roads, are the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend.  You could just sit on and enjoy the sunset or go for romantic long drives with your significant other. 

Agra: Monuments

While most people from around the world visit Agra to see the grand ‘Taj Mahal’, that isn’t the only monument is famous for. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the other spots you could go view as well. Agra is one of the most visited cities in India and this amazing place has numerous great sites.    

What To Pack For Your Next Vacation In The Hills

Summers are here and so is the sun and heat. In no time will the city turn into a kiln and we wouldn't want to get out of the comfort of our air-conditioned confines. That's exactly the time when we should escape to the hills and stay till we can. But going to the hills requires a lot of things to be packed in your suitcase. Read on to know the must haves and don't forget to take them along.

Leather jacket 

Instead of piling multiple layers of woolen clothes, it's better that you carry a leather jacket for you. A single leather jacket will protect you from low temperatures and will also make you look extremely stylish and chic. 

Windcheaters 

When you go up the high mountains, it can get severely cold. The best way to enjoy high altitudes is to carry windcheaters with you. Ensure that it has a hoodie so that it protects from any downpour. 

Mufflers 

A muffler has the quality to not just keep your neck area warm but also glam up otherwise boring sweaters and cardigans. They are available in multiple colors and cloth material adding the much-required pop to your dull woolens. 

Woolen socks 

The more you have them the better it is. Pack at least 2 for each day. It'll help to keep you cost and warm. 

Umbrella 

Nothing's more unpredictable than the weather in the hills. This is mainly due to the proximity of the clouds to the hills. It suddenly starts raining at any moment. But rains should not spoil your fun. An umbrella will not only make sure that your enjoyment doesn't experience a rainy hiccup but also will keep you from getting drenched and consequently falling sick. 

Camera and extra batteries 

Mountains provide for the most beautiful landscapes. It would be a shame to go this far and not click wonderful pictures. So make sure you carry your camera extra batteries and keep charging them at your Nainital Homestay Cottage. 

Also, many times the scenic locations are more than your memory card can hold. So, carry extra storage cards so that there's nothing left uncaptured.

Discover the Land of Beauty: Kumaon

Let’s stop for a while and ponder over the rich and glorious time of the past. When living life within the warmth of nature and enjoying the sweet music of flora & fauna was much easier!

How many times do we curse ourselves for choosing a life that makes us slaves of technology and keeps us away to cherish what we have received from Mother Nature? Well, to match the living standards it is somewhere or the other important for us to keep following the rat race. However, stealing some time with your loved ones to escape away to an abode that greets you with a rejuvenating feel is not a task. Uttarakhand, the land of Gods, is a place that is away from the cacophony of the concrete world that we are living in. It gifts us the utmost sense of peacefulness and soul-soothing experience. Kumaon however, in particular, is a place that is a must visit. Look out for the reasons below to know why:

1. Jim Corbett National Park

If you have an adventurous spirit or interest to explore the wildlife, there is no way you should stop yourself to visit the place. With a historical background referring to the famous, Jim Corbett, this national park is dedicated to his spirit of killing man-eaters and love for them. There is a museum dedicated to Jim Corbett, shedding light on his life in India. Apart from this, cozy and beautiful guesthouses, machans, and bonfire settings will leave you awestruck.

2. Abbotsford House

Built in 1876, this Raj-era perfection once served as the summer home for a British official. Abbotsford House is classic Nainital: A genuine Raj-era home, on the edge of town, with a wide, well-manicured lawn and a commanding view of the valley, mountains, and forests. The main house is decorated and furnished in a traditional style, with wooden furniture, large portraits and antiquarian books and artifacts. The best part if that they offer accommodation too.

3. Rural life of Kumaon

Walking down a mountain at twilight in Kumaon, gives you a different kind of chills. Snow peaks in the distance; an owl sitting on a branch above, a small forest temple is just simply an expression of simple sanctity in a natural setting. Through those up and down lanes of the villages, you’ll see various cottages in Kumaon. People are extremely friendly and will entertain you over a bonfire with their stories to only take you into a sweet nostalgia of how their life is.

These are few things that can make you fall in love with the place, people and the whole picture of Kumaon. There are lots of places to visit in this region and a lot of places yet to be explored. To add more to your trip, choose Himalaica Resorts, which will provide you with finest amenities.

3 Must Visiting Places In Uttarakhand

Famously known as Devbhoomi (abode of Gods), Uttarakhand attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Covered with wide spread green farmlands, hilly terrain, gushing river water, and a pollution free environment, the charm of this state is sure to leave anyone spell-bounded. 

Uttarakhand is a must visit tourist destination for those who are looking to take break from the monotony of daily routine and take a little rest in lap of mother nature. All you have to do is book a nice and cozy cottage in Uttarakhand and get your journey started to these three most alluring places. 

Cottages In Uttarakhand

Riveting Rishikesh: Touted as the “Gateway of Garhwal Himalayas”, this place has a spiritual charm to it. The famous Ram Jhula and Laksham Jhula are main highlights of this place but besides that it has a lot many things to offer. The gushing waters of river Ganga, and various Yoga Asharamas will take you to a journey inside.  Other highlights also include adventure sports like bungee jumping, river rafting, and trekking.
   
Nainital: Located at the foothills of Kumaon region, Nainital showcases some splendid panoramic views of mountains covered with snow. The pear shaped Naini lake and local Tibet market are another tourist attraction of the place. If you are with family and friends, we suggest you book a luxurious Nainital Homestay cottage.

Mussorie: Mussorie is the most popular holiday destination in India. Apart from being a famous tourist spot, this place is also famous for some of the best and well-built educational institutes in the country. This city is practically built by Britishers, which is why it exudes a colonial charm in its architecture. Also known as the “Hometown of Ruskin Bond”, it has some amazing coffee shops and book stores that one can visit. 
    
So if you are all set to embark your journey to Uttarakhand, make sure you visit these three alluring places.  

Travel 7 Offbeat Uttarakhand Trek Trails This Summer

Touted as the most beautiful mountain range in north India, Uttarakhand’s majestic natural beauty is simply unparalleled. A perfect place for travel enthusiasts, this state is helmed with snow clad-mountains, vast green farmlands, and gushing waters of river Ganga.

Uttarakhand has a lot of things to offer to people who are high on wanderlust and offers varied options for camping, water sports, and difficult trekking routes. The beauty and charm of this place may be rugged but alluring enough to attract many tourists every year. 

Homestay In Uttarakhand

If you think that you have explored almost everything in this region then we suggest you to book a Homestay in Uttarakhand and explore these offbeat adventurous trekking trails.
  
The Dhumdharkandi Pass trek: Covered with lovely woodlands, alpine blossoms, and several river crossings, this trek is perhaps the most taxing trek in the Gadwal region. One should prefer to go with professional trekkers on this trail as it has a highly complicated path and has an unpredictable weather.
   
The Panpatia Col range: You better book a comfortable cottage in Uttarakhand before embarking your trek on this difficult trail. This trekking path forms an important trail between important Hindu pilgrimages sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Surrounded by major peaks of Garwal region, trekking on this path can be a liberating experience.

Dayara Bugyal Trek: Showcasing India’s most stunning alpine meadows, Dayara Bugyal trail is breathtakingly enchanting. Since it is situated at a high altitude of 3048 m, one can enjoy enthralling panoramic views of the Gadwal region which also includes the Gangotri and Banderpunch range. 
  
Hanuman Chatti Diditall: This stunning trekking trail starts from the north of Uttarkashi. One may come across varied wildlife species while trailing on this path because it is covered with dense forests of oak, pine, and deodar. Besides this running river waters and snow clad mountains are also one of the major attractions.

Why Must Youth Travel Alone?

This is the time for small paychecks and big memories. This is the time for travel. We are about as attached to one location as we are to our favorite Chinese take-out place. We know what we like about it, and we take comfort in the familiarity, but that’s about it.

 
- Jessy Tapper

Travelling in an addiction that can help you explore places and the inner self. Remember the character “Alex Stromtooper” from the celebrated travel movie “Into the wild”. The movie narrates the story of a young boy who leaves everything behind to fulfil his wanderlust and travels almost the entire country to explore the meaning of life. This is what travelling is all about, it helps you know certain things about the world that you are completely unaware of. 

Homestay In Nainital

Fortunately, India is blessed with ample of beautiful tourist places that one can explore. As an Indian youth one should embark on a travel journey as soon as possible. Book a Homestay in Nanital or a beach house in Goa, start a travel journey as soon as possible. Each place in this vast country has something unique to offer. You meet a lot of new people and get acquainted with the local culture, which eventually widens your perspective towards life. 

There is one peculiar thing about people who travel extensively—they are extremely interesting. After all who won’t change after staying for a week at some cottage at Uttarakhand interacting with local people all this while? People who are travel enthusiasts do not carry unnecessary opinion about anyone. They are like a blank canvas who likes to make opinions according to their own experiences.
 
Adventure, a knack for exploration, and enthusiasm are what a youth is made up of. Travelling provides all these three things that a youngster essentially craves for. So don’t think much and pack your bag to embark on a new journey.