AROUND GETHIYA
The lovely aspect of The Manora is that it can be a peaceful base camp for you to explore the more touristy areas of the Kumaon region. There are numerous day trips that can be planned and catered for.
The alternate capital option of the newly formed state of Uttrakhand (till it lost out to Dehradun)at a height of 1938 mtrs a easy 25 minute drive of 11 km, or a spectacular 2 hour (3 km) trek from The Manora. It Is a town burgeoning out of shape but held together by the beautiful emerald Naini Lake. One could view it as a chaotic happy fair ground or as a miserable example of a hill station gone wrong.
Founded in 1841 by Mr. P. Barron, a European merchant and an enthusiastic hunter from near Shahjahanpur while on a trek. It went on to become the summer capital of then United Provinces. Two most popular legends attached to the formation of the lake go thus –
• In ancient times, it is said the area had as many as 60 lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes. These lakes find mention in the Puranas as the Tririshi Sarovar, – the lake of the three sages. The myth goes that three sages arrived here but there was no water available so meditating on the sacred Manasarovar Lake, they began to dig a hole and soon their prayers were answered as water filled the area.
• Another legend has it that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell here (hence the name Naini Tal – Eye lake) and it became one of the 51 Shakti Peeths It is said that the shimmering green waters of the Naini Lake is a reflection of the emerald green eye of Sati. Sati was the divine consort of lord Shiva. Sati’s father, King Daksha failed to invite Sati’s husband, Lord Shiva to the yagya at his palace. The enraged Sati immolated herself in the very fire of the yagna. A furious Shiva, held her charred body in his arms and began to perform a cosmic dance of destruction. Lord Vishnu stepped in to save the universe by scattering the remains of Sati across the Earth. The Naina Devi Temple, at the northern end of the lake, is said to be located at spot where Sati’s eyes fell.
The Lake is the nerve centre of Nainital, it’s a 2 mile long walk around the lake that sits in the lap of seven mountains dotted with quaint villas and cottages and alas, numerous modern constructions too. Over crowded in the summer months, it’s a dream destination during the off-season. Like in all hill stations in India the Mall road is stuffed tight with curio shops, restaurants, hotels and shops. Apart from boating, horse riding and walking, a visit to the Observatory is recommended. It has one of the most advance telescopes in India. The entry in the observatory is by permission and timings are fixed.
A mere 10 km away at a height of 1706 m above sea level, it’s the closest hill town to The Manora. It is the focal point from where roads branch out all across the higher mountains.
It is famous for its scenic grandeur and is known as the fruit mart of the area. Cases of fruits can be bought here in season. Bhowali is also known for its T.B. sanatorium established in 1912, this was where Kamla Nehru was admitted in the late 30’s. As legends go, Mahatma Gandhi visited the Manora estate and had tea on the way to meet Kamla Nehru.
Three km further from Bhowali is the famous temple of Lord Golu, the Kumaoni lord of justice at Ghora khal. Legend goes that if someone wants justice, a letter to Goljyu (as he is lovingly called) has to be written, and when the lord delivers justice, a bell has to be donated to the temple. Thats why its called the temple of a million bells.
At a distance of about 23 Kms. from the lodge at an altitude of 1370 mts, Sattal is a cluster of lakes set amidst an oak forest. Sat tal literally means 7 lakes, though only 5 exist now as two have dried up.
The first is the Nal Damyanti Lake, up a dirt track off the main road, full of colourful fishes. Carry some bread along and you can entice them to put up a show for you as they jostle and heckle each other to grab the bread from under each others noses. Fishing is banned here. Then there is the Panna and further on the Ram, Laxman and Sita lakes, each of them come with Hindu myths and associations attached to them.
Activities such as camping, fishing, rock climbing , mountain biking and kayaking are available in the area, the lakes are fairly clean. Sattal also attracts birdwatching ehtusiasts from around the globe. Oak, pine and poplar trees abound in the area.
The lake town of Bhimtal is 22 Kms from the Manora and 11 kms from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370 mts. Bhimtal, is named after Bhim one of the Pandavs of the Mahabharat, the lake here offers picture book perfect sceneries for tourists.
According to local legend the exiled Pandavas could not find water in this area to quench their thirst. So the strong Bhima, hit the ground with his “gada” or club, made a crater that was eventually filled by an underwater spring. Locals claim that the Bhimeshwar temple was made by the Pandavas, who installed a Shivling there.
The lake is larger than the Naini lake and boating is a much preferred activity. A gaggle of ducks often company visitors to the lake. On a tiny island within the lake is a restaurant. Paragliding is available too in Bhimtal and can be arranged from The Manora.
The local bus stand and taxi stand is situated near it and it often gets a bit messy and crowded. One road from Bhimtal leads to Naukuchiatal while the other goes to Kathgodam 21 kms downhill.
Yet another lake town, is 26 kms from The Manora and 4 kms further up from Bhimtal at 1220 mts above sea level. Naukuchiya Tal is a beautiful serene, deep, clean lake with nine corners, as the name suggests. It is fed by an underwater spring. Almost a kilometer long and half a kilometer wide, at a depth 40.3 mts, it’s a great place not only to boat, bird watch, fish (make sure you have a license) but also to go for long walks around the lake enclosed by mountains on all sides.
Boats to row, paddle or yacht in are available. Parasailing facilities are available too. Make sure to check the credentials of the companies before embarking on adventure sports!
On the Nainital – Almora Road , 9 km onward from Bhowali and 19 km from The Manora is the famous Kainchi (scissor) temple and the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used for the two sharp hairpin bends along the road hence the name.
Neem Karoli baba is revered across Kumaon and a large mela is held on his Birthday every year. Mark Zuckerberg came here and stayed for a month before going on and scaling Facebook! You could ask for a mannat (blessing) tie a religious charm and pray till it comes true then come back here and undo the thread or it’s going to go wrong!
At a comfortable height of 2286 mts and 46 km. from The Manora is this little hill town surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forests.
An old research and education institute (IVRI) set up by the British in 1893 is still a land mark of the place. Watching the snow peaks of the Himalayas on clear days is what the town is known for. An old temple of Lord Shiva, the Mukteshwar Temple atop a rock is another attraction. Beside the temple is the famous Vantage point called “Chowki ki jaali”, it offers stunning panoramic views during sunsets.
Exactly 60 km from The Manora is Ranikhet – literally meaning the Queen of Fields, it is an idyllic hill town and a much visited tourist destination. Myth has it that Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev, chose this place to be her abode. The gentle, cool mountain breeze, open spaces, every conceivable facility around and the wide vistas of the Himalayas in front make it a popular hill station all year around. Ranikhet is also the headquarter base of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army.
Around Ranikhet is the famous Kalika temple and also a stunning golf course one of the best mountain golf links (9 Holes) in the country surrounded by dense forests and mountains all around. Kalika with its famous temple is a few km away from the town centre. The Chaubatiya Fruit Gardens (the Government Fruit Reserch Centre). are 10km. from Ranikhet town, three km up from these gardens is a dam, Bhalu Dam popular as a fishing destination.
Is a small temple town about 98 km from The Manora, counted among the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, it lies in a narrow valley with a stream running past and an overwhelming number of ancient deodar trees.
Over a hundred small and large shrines dot the valley and there are different priests in each of these temples. The presiding deity of this area is Lord Shiva though the carvings and the architecture have a strong Nepalese Buddhist influence. A small museum with some really precious antique statues is worth a visit. There isn’t much by way of food available here so do carry a hamper.
For stunning, panoramic views of the Himalays, a drive of 95 kms from The Manora is recommended.
Binsar hasn’t got it’s due as a hill resort, at an elevation of 2412 mt, it has on offer some of the best views of the greater Himalayas – an undisturbed three hundred km. stretch of snow clad peaks like Kedranath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nandadevi, Nandakot and Pachachuli.. Binsar Zero point, Gairar Golu Devta are must visits.
The natural verdant growth of ferns, moss and wild flowers all over and the oak and rhododendron clusters of forests make trekking in this area a delight.
Some 65 km away from The Manora is the Jim Corbett Tiger reserve. Spread across 1288sq. km’s, it is the oldest national park in India and is named after the world famous hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. Dense forest and thigh high grass mingled with Cannibis bushes is the natural foliage. Drive down and Park peacefully near a water point in the early mornings and late afternoons, to get rare sightings of the wild tuskers, big cats or even a sloth bear. The jackals, deer of all genus – cheetal, sambar, spotted deer, hog deer- and wild boar, langoors, and jungle cats are all more easily spotted. Gharhials and the Marsh crocodiles can often be seen basking in winters. Poisonous snakes like the Indian python, viper, king cobra and krait inhabit these forests. Some six hundred recorded species of birds have made this jungle their home.
The most convenient way to explore the park is on a jeep safari. Licensed jeeps seating 6 take you deep into the jungles. Elephant safaris can be booked twice a day each elephant accommodates 4 people. Park timings are between 8.00a.m to 4.30p.m mid November to mid. Permits to enter the park have to be colleted from the from the Ramnagar reception centre.
Peaceful home away from home. Delicious home cooked food, favourite book and the sun streaming in. Look at Nainital from our eyes. Take a short break or stay with us long-term and visit all the tourist hot spots around.