Valley View Cottage Stay In Bhimtal

Location: Bhimtal

Check-In Time: 02:00 PM

Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

A short uphill drive, along two-kilometers of Kutcha road from Bhimtal Lake, leads to this beautiful spot. The imposing colonial style homestead nestles among cyprus and deodar trees, on a peaceful wooded hillside, overlooking the Bhimtal valley and the mountain slopes beyond. Located in the midst of acres of forest, this is a peaceful haven where only the sounds of nature break the silence with the wake-up song of the resident Whistling Thrush, the sharp call of a Barking Deer & the hoot of a Spotted Owl signaling dusk. This part of the Kumaon Lake Region is the home to a large variety of flora, fauna and aquatic life. The place has always attracted bird-watchers, butterfly-collectors,nature lovers as well as writers in search of solitude and city dwellers seeking to renew their spirits. 

Cool off at the lounge under a two-storey wooden ceiling and experience the 300 year old architecture with a large and airy living room boasting picturesque windows. The best use of this peaceful place is made while interacting with the group and bonding over conversations in the living room in front of a warm glowing fire on a fireplace with a Franklin stove to add ambience and warmth to the experience. An elegant wooden staircase in the centre of the living room leads up to the bedrooms. There is a cozy step-down den to satisfy young travelers with a number of board games. Grab a book from the library which has more than 200 books and enjoy reading while sitting in the laps of nature. 

The vast expanse of the spot gives one an opportunity to explore, have an adventurous yet therapeutic experience with nature. The place offers many activities:

Walk to Nal Damayanti Tal (1-1.5 hours): A beautiful nature walk between the jungle trails to the lake with greetings from birds songs. Climb the rocks & reach the green pond and get the opportunity to take a bath in the natural pond. There are many fishes in the lake, one can feed them food by purchasing it from the local villagers. Be a great observant hiker & discover a lot of varieties of Butterflies.

Bird Watching: A guide with binoculars is provided to catch the rich river habitat that attracts Pallas's Lesser and Grey-headed Fish Eagle, numerous kingfishers, Brown and Tawny Fish Owl. The emblematic Great Horn bills journey daily up and down the valley spotted feeding on the ficus trees on the riverside. Many other long tailed colourful birds can also be spotted. 

Night safari (7PM - 10PM): There is no better way to truly experience the forest than by walking through it. The foot safari is an expertly guided tour where one can learn to identify different species by their sounds, footprints and the evidence left in their walk in the jungles of Sattal. Experience a variety of flora & fauna by digging them deep into the jungle. The probability of spotting leopards and wild boars in addition to smaller animals is quite high. The region around Bhimtal has one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere in the world. 

Butterfly museum visit: Frederick Smetacek Sr. “The butterfly man of India”, a researcher of butterflies who started butterfly collection in the 1950's, which grew to over 10,000 specimens. Visit his collection in the museum & read about the types of butterflies. 

How to Reach?

The location is approx 1 hour drive  from Nainital. Shared & private cabs are easily accessible to the spot. 

By Train: The nearest rail head is Kathgodam (21km) which has regular train services.

By Air: Pantnagar, near Kathgodam, is the closest airport (58 kms). Flight operates between Delhi and Pantnagar, 4 days a week.