In this blog post, I cover the fourth edition of the Blogger's Bus program organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Yours truly was an integral part of this exciting initiative undertaken by the state tourism board to promote the lesser-known destinations in Uttarakhand such as Chakrata, Hanol, Mori, Sankri, Lakhamandal, Kalsi, and Vikasnagar.
Travel can be both rewarding and therapeutic. It is the best life teacher there is. I'm mostly a solo traveler yet pretty open to the idea of traveling with new people.
I signed up for Blogger's Bus 4.0 solely with the intent of exploring the hidden gems of Uttarakhand. I can tell you, hand on my heart, that before this trip I had very lil idea about these places that I was going to visit with five other bloggers/influencers. It was for this reason alone that I agreed to travel into an uncharted territory. And boy, what a trip it turned out to be!
Day 1 - June 4
The Blogger's Bus took off from Delhi on June 4, 2019, and after spending nearly twelve hours on the road that day, we managed to reach our first destination - the Deodar Dream Resort in Koruwa, Uttarakhand - at 10.30 PM. Here, we were welcomed by Mr. Prakash Khatri, District Tourism Development Officer - Uttarkashi.
Deodar Dream Resort
A home away from home, the magnificent Deodar Dream Resort is nestled inside the untouched Jaunsari village of Koruwa, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 1800 meters. The easiest way to reach the resort is via a motorable road, passing through Dehradun.
Deodar Dream Resort
Most travelers coming towards Chakrata for sightseeing or trekking spend at least a night or two here, and I can totally understand why!
Deodar Dream Resort
Deodar Dream Resort
With over 15 cottages available for occupancy, the Deodar Dream Resort offers the best, breathtaking views of sunrise and snow-capped mountains, not to forget the conifers, rhododendrons and oak trees.
Deodar Dream Resort
In my opinion, the resort combines the comfort of home with the beauty of nature. Each cottage is designed to provide complete privacy and safety and includes a queen size bed and a bathroom.
Deodar Dream Resort
Deodar Dream Resort
Although we only got to spend one night here, what I couldn't stop appreciating was the great Himalayan ranges in the front and the pristine alpine forest at the back of the resort. Luckily it was extremely quiet during our stay and the weather god also cooperated!
Yours Truly At The Deodar Dream Resort
Yours Truly At The Deodar Dream Resort
We left the Deodar Dream Resort on Day 2 with beautiful memories of the bonfire night. I would surely love to visit the resort again and explore the picturesque villages of Jaunsari tribes at leisure.
Day 2 - June 5
Anyone coming from the plains can truly understand the lil joys of being surrounded by the vast expanse of the hills and the mountains.
Koruwa
Our first halt on Day 2 of the trip was at the Kimona Fall, which is barely 2 km from the quaint town of Chakrata. The best time to visit Kimona is in summers.
Kimona Fall
Once there, you can enjoy adventure sports activities like water rappelling, under the watchful eyes of certified experts. I can happily pat my back, now that I have done the daredevilry act of climbing down the craggy outcrops of mountains, attached to a harness, making my way through a quirky waterfall.
For the uninitiated, the body harness is attached to a rocky projection. This is done to provide sufficient strength to withhold any weight.
Kanchan And Yours Truly At Kimona Fall
Water Rappelling at Kimona Fall
Water Rappelling at Kimona Fall
Tiger Falls
Our next sojourn took us to the main attraction in Chakrata - the resplendent Tiger Falls, which at an elevation of 312 ft is considered the highest direct waterfall in India.
The Happy Bloggers At Tiger Falls
The immense force of water, the epic power of nature, this is what had stopped me in my tracks, even above the pristine beauty of the place.
Coming here was absolutely the right decision ... The falls were truly magical, totally worth my time. It was comforting to find changing rooms at the entrance of the falls.
Ramtal Resort
Ended the second day on a high by staying at the beautiful Swiss cottage, courtesy Ramtal Resort.
Ramtal Resort
Keeping its promise of promoting ecotourism, the resort - which is nestled inside the Nagau village near Chakrata - offers a relaxing and rejuvenating ambiance to unwind.
Ramtal Resort
Loved the warm hospitality extended by our super host Anupam. The cottages are safe and comfortable and equipped with king size beds and chairs. Room service is available and you'll not face any issue whatsoever.
Ramtal Resort
For me, the highlight of Day 2 was the bonfire night ... when everybody let their hair down, dancing to some catchy Bollywood and Punjabi music, getting to know each other in the process. Camping under the stars was so much fun!
Thanks Jenifer for those kind and encouraging words.
Trust me when I say this, you should plan a trip to these places right now. The weather will be really conducive to visit these lesser known destinations in Uttarakhand.
Aw ... so nice of you to have stopped by! You are right about Uttarakhand; it does offer scenic views of the hills and the mountains. Do plan a visit sometime :)
The pleasure is all mine! By the way, this blog post is to be continued (I am committed to write at least two stories for the Uttarakhand Tourism Board). Watch out for the second blog post about Blogggers Bus 4.0.
Deodar dream resort truely looks like a dream! Also the Kimona falls... Wow! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the appreciation. Uttarakhand has a lot to offer; do plan a visit sometime 😊
DeleteI am a solo traveller too! 😍 and definitely open to more opportunities of travelling! But ramtal resort is on my list for sure
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know that! Did you know that Ramtal is one of my favorites too 🤩
DeleteSuch a serene and beautiful ambience. It looks like a place I wouldn't like to get out from.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely ... Uttarakhand has so much to offer for every kind of traveler 😊
DeleteStunning images & great write-up.
ReplyDeleteSomeone take me there plz 😅😉
Thanks Jenifer for those kind and encouraging words.
DeleteTrust me when I say this, you should plan a trip to these places right now. The weather will be really conducive to visit these lesser known destinations in Uttarakhand.
Beautiful place, very scenic and relaxing. Glad I read about it in your post.
ReplyDeleteAw ... so nice of you to have stopped by! You are right about Uttarakhand; it does offer scenic views of the hills and the mountains. Do plan a visit sometime :)
DeleteStunning pictures & great write-up, Rahul. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure is all mine! By the way, this blog post is to be continued (I am committed to write at least two stories for the Uttarakhand Tourism Board). Watch out for the second blog post about Blogggers Bus 4.0.
Delete