1 Binsar UTTARAKHAND
If leisurely strolls and spirited hikes in Kumaon Himalayas are what your mountain dreams are made of, Binsar will easily find its way to your heart. A scenic four-hour drive from Nainital, northwest of Almora in Uttarakhand, this dreamy hamlet is slowly gaining popularity for its eponymous wildlife sanctuary that boasts over 200 species of birds in a dense forest of oaks, rhododendrons, and pines. Gorgeous sunsets, 60 kilometres of hiking trails, leopard sightings, ancient temples, panoramic mountain views, and the sky putting up a celestial odyssey every night make it the perfect relaxing getaway.
GETTING THERE: Binsar is 125 km from Kathgodam, the nearest railway station. The closest airport is in Pantnagar which is a half-hour drive from Kathgodam but the connectivity can be erratic at times. It is a nine-hour drive from Delhi.
STAY: The Kumaon is a 40-minute drive from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and offers different trails that stretch through oak and rhododendron forests. Doubles from ₹28,000; thekumaon.com
2 Chatpal KASHMIR
Tucked far down south of Kashmir’s bustling valleys, this quaint little village has no electricity, but unknown treks through its thick pine forests, gushing streams, and the majestic sun-kissed Himalayas in the backdrop make up for it. There are no touristy spots or gimmicks to lure you into spending a night or two, but you will stay back in Chatpal anyway. The unending stretches of dense woods, beds of wildflowers, and open meadows are enough to cast a spell. When here, strike up conversations with the GujjarBakerwal locals over hot cups of kahwa, go on ski trips or forest hikes, and stroll through apple and walnut orchards.
GETTING THERE: From Srinagar Airport, Chatpal is 90 km away. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, 222 km away.
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