“Always in search of excuses to escape to the heights, feel the cold wind on my face, walk between the clouds, sleep under the stars.”

I have something for cold pleasant weather and mountains. Always in search of excuses to escape to the heights, feel the cold wind on my face, stuff my face with ‘pahad wali Maggi’ (instant noodles on the mountains), walk between the clouds, sleep under the stars. It had been a while since I slept under the stars so it was about time I packed my bags and headed for Delhi.

We spent our weekend in Ramgarh and Nainital both located in Uttarakhand. It was a good 6-7 hour drive from Delhi so you must leave early. The main attraction for Ramgarh was the property and the history behind it. Our stay was in the Writers Cottage at Ramgarh Bunglows a property of the Neemrana Group. Situated about 35 km from Nainital on the Kumaon belt, these cottages are perfect for a quiet getaway if you don’t wish to be very far from Nainital where you can enjoy all the tourist activities and shopping. These are the 19th century colonial bungalows which was also home to Rabindranath Tagore at one point.

The place is so well maintained with impeccable service and food. The weather was cold enough for a light sweater during the day and an overcoat later in the evening. The highest temperature we got was an 18°C and the lowest was a 2°C if I am not mistaken. Not only this, the orchards adjacent to these bungalows hang with apricots, plums, peaches, pears and apples through the summer which are used for making fresh jams, juices and spreads. We did not get to witness the orchard since the fruits had already been picked and converted in to jams.

“The 19th century colonial bungalows which was also home to Rabindranath Tagore at one point.”

Nainital has been on my to visit list for a few years now. Being so close to it, we couldn’t give-up on this chance and spent half a day there boating, enjoying the food and walking down the mall road. The weather was perfect. The fog set perfectly on the lake with sun peaking from here and there and light breeze blowing by. That one hour of boating was surreal. On our way back, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset with clouds just below us. Later in the night, the staff was kind enough to set up a dinner under the stars for us which was the perfect end to the getaway.

Hope this inspired you to travel!

Yours Truly, Whimsy.