Ramgarh awaits: A perfect weekend escape from Nainital

Ready to ditch the crowds and noise of Nainital for a weekend of blissful relaxation?

Discover Ramgarh, a secret haven nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, just 35 km from Nainital. This charming town is a treasure trove of natural beauty, waiting to be uncovered!

Imagine waking up to breathtaking views, surrounded by serene landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere that will soothe your soul. Ramgarh is the ultimate weekend getaway for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle!

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to unwind in Ramgarh! Plan your trip now and experience the perfect blend of nature, peace, and relaxation!

Nainital | Credits: uttarakhandheaven, Instagram

Why Ramgarh?

Ramgarh is a lesser-known location in Uttarakhand, which makes it an ideal escape from the crowds and chaos of more popular tourist destinations. Here are some reasons why Ramgarh should be on your weekend getaway list:

1. Scenic beauty

Ramgarh is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and majestic mountain ranges. The stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Panchachuli, will leave you mesmerised. The scenic beauty of Ramgarh is a treat for the eyes and a balm for the soul.

The town is situated at an altitude of 1789 metres above sea level, which gives it a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best time to visit Ramgarh is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant.

2. Peaceful atmosphere

One of the main attractions of Ramgarh is its peaceful and serene atmosphere. The town is far from the city crowd and offers a perfect setting for those looking to relax and unwind. The sound of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle breeze create a soothing ambiance that will instantly put you at ease.

Ramgarh is also known for its pollution-free environment. The town is surrounded by dense forests and has no major industries, which means that the air is clean and fresh. The town is also free from noise pollution, making it an ideal spot for meditation and yoga.

3. Adventure activities

If you're an adventure enthusiast, Ramgarh has plenty to offer. The town is a popular base for trekking and hiking expeditions. The nearby hills and forests offer some of the most scenic trekking trails in Uttarakhand. You can also indulge in other adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and camping.

One of the most popular trekking trails in Ramgarh is the Nainital-Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal trek, which takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the region. The trek starts from Nainital and takes you through the dense forests of Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal before ending in Ramgarh. The trek is moderately difficult and takes about 4-5 days to complete.

Another popular trekking trail in Ramgarh is the Tara Kund trek, which takes you to a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 2250 metres above sea level. The trek starts from Ramgarh and takes you through dense forests and alpine meadows before reaching the lake. The trek is moderately difficult and takes about 2-3 days to complete.

Nainital | Credits: travelbug_sj, Instagram

Things to do in Ramgarh

1. Visit the fruit orchards

Ramgarh is known for its fruit orchards, which produce some of the best apples, apricots, and plums in the region. It is around 11.7 km away from The Hosteller Ramgarh at a drive time of approx 26 minutes via Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar Rd. You can visit these orchards and enjoy the fresh, juicy fruits straight from the trees. You can also take a stroll through the orchards and soak in the beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The best time to visit the fruit orchards is from July to September when the fruits are ripe and ready for harvest. Some of the most popular fruit orchards in Ramgarh include the Nandanam Orchard, the Mukteshwar Orchard, and the Ramgarh Orchard.

2. Explore the local markets

Ramgarh has a vibrant local market where you can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and local produce. It is around 4.4 km away from The Hosteller Ramgarh at a drive time of approx 11 minutes via Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar Rd. The market is a great place to interact with the locals and get a glimpse of their daily life. You can also sample some of the delicious local delicacies like bal mithai, a sweet made from roasted khoya and coated with sugar balls.

The market is open every day from morning till evening, but the best time to visit is on Saturdays when the market is at its busiest. You can find a wide range of local handicrafts like wooden carvings, woollen shawls, and handmade jewellery in the market.

3. Visit the Tagore Top

Tagore Top is a popular viewpoint in Ramgarh that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The viewpoint is named after Rabindranath Tagore, who is said to have meditated here during his visits to Ramgarh. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Tagore Top makes it an ideal spot for meditation and self-reflection.

The viewpoint is located at a drive distance of approx 12 minutes (4.6 km via Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar Rd) from The Hosteller, Ramgarh and can be reached by a short trek through the dense forests. The best time to visit Tagore Top is during sunrise or sunset when the views are at their most spectacular.

4. Trek to Nathuakhan

Nathuakhan sitting at an elevation of 1,940 metres, it is a small village located about 8.9 km (via Kaichi - Ramgarh Rd) from Ramgarh. The village is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The trek to Nathuakhan takes you through dense forests, orchards, and terraced fields, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The village itself is a quaint little hamlet with traditional houses and friendly locals.

The trek to Nathuakhan is moderately difficult and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The best time to go on the trek is during the morning when the weather is cool and pleasant. You can also visit the Nathuakhan temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 500 years old.

5. Go birdwatching

Ramgarh has a bird watching area in Bhowali Range with over 200 species of birds found in the surrounding forests and hills. Some of the most commonly spotted birds in Ramgarh include the Himalayan Woodpecker, the Rufous-bellied Niltava, the Black-lored Tit, and the Chestnut-headed Tesia. It is situated at around 3.1 km from The Hosteller Ramgarh which takes around 9 minutes to reach via Ramgarh Rd and Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar Rd.

The best time to go birdwatching in Ramgarh is during the morning or evening when the birds are most active. You can hire a local guide who can take you to the best birdwatching spots in the area and help you identify the different species of birds.

Ramgarh | Credits: tushar_darmwal, Instagram

Where to stay in Ramgarh?

Ramgarh has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. However, if you're looking for a unique and memorable stay, we highly recommend The Hosteller Ramgarh.

The Hosteller Ramgarh is a cosy and charming hostel that offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. The hostel is housed in a classic stone structure that gives it a vintage feel. The interiors are beautifully decorated with wooden panel ceilings, large bay windows, and a charming fireplace that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, including dorms and an exclusive attic suite, making it an ideal getaway for every traveller. The dorms are spacious and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and clean linen. The attic suite is perfect for those looking for a more private and luxurious stay, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Ramgarh | Credits: sensen_designs, Instagram

How to get to Ramgarh from Nainital?

Ramgarh is well connected by road and is easily accessible from Nainital. Here are some options for getting to Ramgarh:

By Road

Ramgarh is located about 36.1 km (1.5 hours drive) from Nainital. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Nainital to reach Ramgarh. The journey takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.

If you're driving from Delhi, the journey to Ramgarh takes about 7-8 hours and covers a distance of about 349 km. The route takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Uttarakhand, with stunning views of the hills and valleys.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Ramgarh is Kathgodam, which is located about 52.3 km away. Kathgodam is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Ramgarh.

The journey from Kathgodam to Ramgarh takes about 2-3 hours and covers a distance of about 52.3 km. The route takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Uttarakhand, with stunning views of the hills and valleys.

By Air

The nearest airport to Ramgarh is Pantnagar Airport, which is located about 86 km away. Pantnagar Airport is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi and Dehradun. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Ramgarh.

The journey from Pantnagar Airport to Ramgarh takes about 2-3 hours. The route takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Uttarakhand, with stunning views of the hills and valleys.

Ramgarh | Credits: tushar_darmwal, Instagram

Best time to visit Ramgarh

The best time to visit Ramgarh is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and birdwatching.

The monsoon season in Ramgarh lasts from July to August, during which the town receives heavy rainfall. While the rains add to the beauty of the surroundings, it can make outdoor activities difficult and dangerous.

The winter season in Ramgarh lasts from December to February, during which the temperature can drop to sub-zero levels. While the town looks beautiful covered in a blanket of snow, the cold weather can make it difficult to explore the outdoors.

What to pack for a weekend Ramgarh trip?

When packing for your trip to Ramgarh, it's important to keep in mind the season and the activities you plan to indulge in. Here are some essential items to pack:

• Warm clothes like sweaters, jackets, and thermals, especially if you're visiting during the winter season
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots if you plan to go trekking or hiking
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
• Insect repellent to keep the bugs away
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your outdoor adventures
• A camera to capture the stunning beauty of the surroundings
• A good book to curl up with during your leisure time

Nathuakhan | Credits: thedoihost, Instagram

Conclusion

Ramgarh is a hidden gem that offers a perfect escape from the crowds and chaos of more popular tourist destinations. With its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, rich history and culture, and adventure activities, Ramgarh has something for everyone.

Book your stay at The Hosteller Ramgarh, a charming and cosy hostel that offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. With its vintage stone structure, wooden panel ceilings, and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, The Hosteller Ramgarh is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Plus, with its range of accommodation options, including dorms and an exclusive attic suite, there's something for every kind of traveller.

For those looking to explore further, The Hosteller Jeolikote offers a vibrant and serene stay experience amidst the breathtaking Kumaoni Himalayas, just a stone's throw from Nainital and Bhimtal Lake.

So why wait? Book your stay now and get ready to experience the best of Ramgarh and Jeolikote!