In the lap of nature – The Ramgarh Bungalows

No one wants to remember a bad dream. And likewise it’s prudent to forget the unpleasant events soonest, if not instantly. Though at times, such untoward happenings turn into a blessing in disguise and the end result becomes heavenly.

That’s what happened on June 5. After having a horrific night stay at one of the rank bad resorts of Mukteshwar, my daughter, Shaguna called Shailendra Singh, the manager of Neemrana’s property at Ramgarh, which is around 25 kms from Mukteshwar. The large smile on her face suggested that there were rooms available at Ramgarh Bungalows and we were on road to Ramgarh at around 11.00 in the morning.


Ramgarh Bungalows

Let me first introduce the co-travellers, my wife Madhu, Aditya – our son-in-law, Shaguna, our seven months old grand- daughter, Kuhu, Adiitya’s friend, Amit and his wife Shefali.


On the way to Ramgarh

It was a bright sunny day that enabled us to take a good look of the hills and valleys enroute. Travelling through the thickly forested hillsides and babbling brooks, we reached Malla Ramgarh (the lower portion of Ramgarh is called “Talla Ramgarh”, while the one at higher altitude is called “Malla Ramgarh”), where most of the better properties are located, at around 12.00 and met Shailendra at his office housed at the Old Bungalow. The hospitality started immediately after our entry to his room. Water was served and we were asked if we preferred tea or coffee. We requested him to show the rooms first.

We were taken to a heritage bungalow called “Ashok Vatika”, which was about a couple of furlongs away from the Old Bungalow (no rooms were available there at the time of our visit). At the gate a placard stated “Ashok Vatika – a Non Hotel of Neemrana Group of Hotels”. We parked our Scorpio at the parking lot and started walking towards the bungalow, passing through the fruit laden trees, with numerous plums, apricots, peaches, apples greeting the guests. Basant and Rajdeep, in charge of the hospitality showed us the three bedded suites called “ Green Room” and “ Blue Room” and a couple of two bedded rooms.


The Renaissance paintings on the walls of “Blue Room”

Needless to say that we almost fell in love with the Vatika at first sight and told Basant to arrange for our check-in at the “Blue Room” and the two bedded room called “Yellow Room”, as both these rooms gave the best view.


The fruit laden trees attracted the girls.

While our luggage was being placed in the rooms, we comforted ourselves in the luxurious sitting room. Shagun and Shefali had other plans though. They quietly sneaked out and started having mouthfuls of Himalayan fruits plucked straight from the trees in the lawns.

Our first and foremost priority, which had been bugging us since last evening, was to fill the belly of the almost starving Scorpio. The only petrol pump in the entire Mukateshwar- Ramgarh belt was located at Bhowali, which was around 18 Kms from the Vatika. We had a quick tea and proceeded for the gas station.


On the way to Bhowali

Bhowali is a small town that has an average elevation of 1,654 metres (5,426 feet) and is around 11 Km from Nainital. It is a gateway to many places in the Kumaon Hills like Almora and Bageshwar for persons coming from Haldwani route. Bhowali is in the close vicinity of Bhimtal, Sat tal, Naukuchiyatal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukha Tal, and Khurpa Tal. This is also a road junction serving all the nearby hill stations from Nainital. Bhowali is famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit mart. Bhowali is also known for its T.B. sanatorium established in 1912, where Smt. Kamla Nehru, wife of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru stayed for a while for recuperation.

The hill people, by and large are very friendly and the petrol pump attendants gave a good bit of cleaning to the Scorpio and Honda City, while the diesel was being filled in. I would like to remind the readers that in the hills it is always prudent to keep the petrol tank in a healthy condition and not to wait for the next filling station, which could be 50 kms away, with no guarantee of the availability of fuel. And if you are not carrying any hard liquor, that too need to be picked up either from Haldwani or Bhowali (and there is only one “thekka” – wine shop), as Foreign Made India Liquor is not available at Mukteshwar or Ramgarh.

Bhowali is a highly congested town and parking is a big problem. After leaving the petrol station, we were feeling fairly hungry and looked for a good place where we could have a good lunch. There were a few small time dhabas along the way, but with no parking space, we headed for a restaurant called “Tarang”, which we had spotted on way to the gas station.

The restaurant is a part of the Hotel Sarthak Inn, which not only has ample parking space, but also very clean wash rooms. The food both vegetarian and non-veg was excellent. Tarang is a very reasonably priced restaurant – the bill for six of us with a fairly good appetite was just around Rs. 700-, which included the cost of mineral water bottles and fresh lime sodas.


Terrace farming

Coming back to Ramgarh Bungalows, we reached Ashok Vatika at around 3.00 P.M., a good time for my wife to have a small siesta (she loves such relaxations – she is a teacher by profession and her school assignments always finish before 1.00 P.M.). Not used to such luxuries, I picked up the only book I was carrying – The history of science by George Sarton and decided to sit in the verandah, where two hammock chairs along with side tables were placed. Sun was playing hide and seek with clouds and with the sun deciding whether or not to put an appearance, you can yourself imagine the tranquility of the surroundings.


The verandah at Ashok Vatika

Smart guy as he was, seeing me absorbed in the book, Rajdeep placed two bowls of freshly picked fruits from the Vatika’s lawns on the side tables. Believe me I have never tasted such juicy and sweet apricots and plums in my life (the fruits we get in Delhi are either from the cold storage or a few days old). Amit joined me for a couple of minutes and then started shooting the fruit laden trees with his Canon camera. Suddenly from a short distance I saw Shefali climbing a tree like a trained village belle. Unaware of my presence she was quietly picking up some of the ripe plums. Amit also noticed the act and captured the moments in the camera.


The Ramgarh Bungalows – just to show you the locations of the six bungalows

Passing through the verandah, Shailendra who was on his usual supervisory round, waived at me and enquired about our stay and upon my request he told me that there were six 19th century bungalows, which were once a home to the British officers and their families. These were acquired and restored by the group over a period. Shailendra told us that the Neemrana Group established their presence in Ramgarh by launching the Old Bungalow and the Writers’ Bungalow in 1989. This was followed by Vista Villa (1994), Rose Cottage (1996), Ashok Vatika (2008) and Cliff House (2009).


The picturesque Ramgarh

I think before I tell you about our rendezvous at Ramgarh, it would be better to say a few words about the place itself.

Ramgarh is a serene hill station perched at an altitude of 1789 m above the sea level on Bhowali-Mukteshwar Road. It is located at a distance of 26 km from Nainital in Kumaon Division of Uttaranchal. It has an average elevation of 1,518 metres (4,980 feet). The altitude ranges from 1,400 metres in the Talla (Lower) Ramgarh valley to 1,900 metres in Malla (Upper) Ramgarh. The East-West ridge above Malla Ramgarh has an elevation of 2000-2350 metres. This place is rich in orchards and is called the “fruit bowl of Kumaon”, owing to its verdant orchards of peach, apricots, pears, plums and apples.


Writer’s Bungalow

Putting Kuhu to sleep and leaving her in care of Madhu, Shaguna joined us and suggested a walk leading to the Writer’s Bungalow, which was at a distance of 500m.

Walking through the thick chir pine forests, which suffuse the air with a heady, resiny aroma, we reached the bungalow, which once housed the Noble laureate, Rabindra Nath Tagore, where he composed some of his best works. He found this hilltop village a perfect haven for solitude and tranquility. As a matter of fact, he even thought of setting up a learning centre here, which would have probably turned Ramgarh into cultural capital rather than a hotbed of horticulture, had he stuck to his original plan. But this honour was destined for West Bengal and the learning centre was established at Shantiniketan. However, during his stay at Ramgarh he built a cottage on the hilltop, which is now known as “Tagore Top”.


Writer’s Bungalow – side view

The Old Bungalow – 1830 and the Writer’s Bungalow – 1860 have a history of their own. These heritage structures once housed the British and Indian officers as well as their wives who travelled on horseback and palanquins. These bungalows were probably used as “Inspection Bungalows”. I believe Ramgarh used to be a small army cantonment.


Ramgarh

On a casual visit to Ramgarh, Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, the promoters of Neemrana Group, came across these bungalows, which were in a state of despair – the window panes were broken, the doors jarred, plaster on the walls almost shattered and there was an air of forlornness all around. They decided to restore the bungalows and approached the Uttar Pradesh Government for requisite permissions, which though hard to come, were granted subsequently.

Restoration of these properties was not an easy job. But as an urdu poet said:” Kahiye to aasman ko jameen par uttar laayen, Mushkil nahin hai kuch bhi agar thaan lijiye”.

They had the easier option of redoing the structure to the last detail. But keenly interested in preserving the past, they decided to show the inherent charm of the place by restoring these bungalows, even if it meant spending their considerable creative energies and incurring a higher cost.

The restoration work first started on the Writer’s Bungalow, as it was in a better condition than the Old Bungalow.


The Butterfly Room at the Writer’s Bungalow

The Writer’s Bungalow has two suites called the Bird Room and the Butterfly room and both these rooms have some exquisite pictures of birds, butterflies and flowers on the walls. Being situated on a raised site, these rooms provide an excellent view.


The Old Bungalow

On the way back, we took a detour and came via the Old Bungalow, which presents the colonial character of the building, with furniture and accessories keeping completely in tune with the era it belonged to.


The terrace, which afforded an unobstructed view of the mountains

By the time we reached the Vatika, Basant had set up a table on the terrace and served piping hot tea and home-made biscuits. The view from our terrace of the surrounding hills and steeply terraced slopes, with a rainbow in its full bloom, had a magical effect. Sunset in the hills is always very romantic and with the mountains surrounded by a heavy mist, we enjoyed the sunset in this sleepy village among the hills and the pace and quiet we wanted on a vacation.


The sunset at Ramgarh

There is a popular saying in Uttarakhand – “Surya Ast aur Uttarakhand Mast”. So how could we be an exception. It was slowly becoming cold and breezy and at around half past seven out came the bottles and the tinkling glasses and the real fun started. The snacks and tid-bids, we had bought on way back from Bhowali, came in handy.

While I was contemplating the bubbles in my beer, Rajdeep reminded us that the dinner would be served at the Old Bungalow at 8.00 P.M. onwards. While the youngsters decided to go down to the dining hall, we requested him to serve the dinner for me and Madhu at the Vatika only.


The youngest ghumakkar- Kuhu

We came out in the verandah and decided to take a walk in the moonlit lawn. Feeling the twigs crackling underfoot, the sensuous scents of the flowers, the sparkling stars giving a company and with the lovely cool breeze and silence, unless you speak, there was nothing except peace and solitude all around. I had half a mind to tell my wife that it was almost like being on our honeymoon. But then considering that we have two grand daughters, one of whom was quietly sleeping in the room close by, I promptly withheld myself and rushed back to the sitting room to pick my unfinished beer and asked Rajdeep to serve the dinner.

The sumptuous dinner brought from the Old Bungalow, though re-heated, smelled good and tasted like home cooked food- less spicy and suitably oiled. My favourite dish, baked vegetables, which normally is not a part of menus at such resorts, was a treat to savour. The dessert too was superb.

Before going to bed, I normally read a book along with a cup of tea, which Rajdeep provided without any hesitation. It appeared that the staff at Ramgarh Bungalows has been trained not to say a “no”,


Note the care for the birds – even the water pot carries petals

The sweet chirping of the birds and seeing Amit and Shefali taking a walk in the lawn, I realized that it was time to get up. Seeing me sitting in the verandah, Madhu, Shaguna and Aditya also joined. Basant promptly placed tea by our side.


The rich breakfast spread. Note the Neemrana labelled jams

As decided, we were at the dining hall by half past eight. The continental breakfast associated with Aloo –Puri, was one of the best morning meals I had for a long time. The fresh juice, perhaps coming straight from the orchards around the bungalows would be remembered for long.

The heavy breakfast made me sleepy and I asked Basant to serve another helping of tea at the terrace, which gave me another opportunity of the unobstructed view of the magical ranges of the Himalayas. In fact on a clear day, one can have a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains too. During a casual talk, Basant told me that life in the hills moves at a slow and leisurely pace and people are unemployed for most of the year. By hiring the young boys from the close by areas and training them, Ramgharh Bungalows have generated employment for a few. Another flavorsome project run by the group is the production of jams and preserves marketed under the Neemrana label, perhaps to make a good use of the fresh fruits from the orchards, also provides some job opportunities.

Now, some of you might ask me – what to do at Ramgarh?

My simple answer would be -nothing. Doing nothing is also something. Walking through the Pagdandis (pathways, connecting the villages), unburdening yourself from the day to day pressures and being away from the chaotic and polluted metros, is in itself a great feeling.


Far from the madding crowds

Amidst the tranquility of Ramgarh you can gaze at the star-lit sky, marvel at the sunrise and sunset, admire the beauty of the mighty Himalayas and taste the Himalayan fruits. The motor-able road can take you to close of the Tagore top, where you can enliven the memories of the great Rabindra Nath Tagore.

Mahadevi Verma, one of the greatest exponents of the Chhayavaadi school of the Hindi literature and a Jnanpith awardee, spent a few years at Ramgarh. Her cottage has now been converted into a museum. Unfortunately, being closed on Sundays for the visitors, we couldn’t see the museum. I was told that she did a lot of social work for the down trodden villagers.

Aurobindo Ashram and the Mother Dairy Plant are also places well worth a visit. There is a small market close to the Dairy Plant where a few dhabas serve good vegetarian food.

You could also visit Nathuakhan, situated near the village Bhallard and have a 180 degrees view of Nanda Devi and enjoy a gourmet meals at “Aah Himalaya”, a guest house run by Murad Ali Baig, the motor columnist.

If you feel like having some adventure, ask the hotel staff to organise rock-climbing, rappelling and river-crossing.


Map of easily accessible areas around Ramgarh

Making Ramgarh as base, it is very convenient to have excursions to Mukteshwar, the Taals, Kainchi Ashram Dham, Jilling and Nainital, which are in the vicinity of 20-30 km. If you start little early in the morning, you can have a day return trip to Ranikhet / Almora.

Sticking to the policy of not driving through the lesser known roads in the night, immediately after the prolonged breakfast, we requested for a check out. We didn’t have to go the reception at the Old Bungalow to settle the hotel bill, Shailendra himself came to the Vatika along with the credit card authorization machine. Incidentally, the tariff for the ” Blue Room” – the three bedded suite (the extra bed given was complimentary) inclusive of breakfast, morning, evening tea and one dinner was Rs. 6250 only. You can well imagine the feedback we had given on the Visitors’ Register.


Good bye Ramgarh.


My favourite – The Naini Lake, which I have been visiting since my school days.

Bidding farewell to Ramgarh, passing through Bhowali, Nainital, Khurpatal, Corbett’s Museum, Corbett falls, we reached NOIDA at around eight, had a quick break at our elder daughter’s house at Indirapuram and reached home by nine.

Thank you for visiting and of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if we bump into each other at the snow laden paths of Ramgarh, may be in the coming winter itself.

P.S. For bookings you may contact the Delhi office of Neemrana Group at – 91-11-461 6145, 461 8962 or email at sales@neemranahotels.com.

34 Comments

  • What can be better than to start your day with an article from Ram.

    The only complain is that you relaxed at Ramgarh and kept the readers hooked to this beautful writing without allowing them to take their eyes off. :-)

    Rs 6250/-, its not a cheap option. May be compared to other Neemrana properties its cheaper, but a budget ghumakkar like me will always find it at the higher end.

  • Mahesh Semwal says:

    Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I also want to say same lines What can be better than to start your day with an article from you.

    Once again your post & pictures proves that why Uttrakhand is known as “Dev Bhoomi”.

    I never have been to Ramgarh, just crossed it while coming to Bhawali from Ranikhet.

    You are absolutely right that in most of the unexplored Hill station there is nothing to do but one can enjoy the nature , walk down to the local village & last but not the least the peace.

  • sudhir sharma says:

    superb wrting as usual !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I was waiting since long for any post from Ram sir,
    Ram Sir, any comments on the road condition from Delhi to that place?
    sudhir

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Dear Manish,

    Getting such heartwarming remarks from a person like you early in the morning, has given me a feeling of happiness and great satisfaction.

    Considering the fact that the large three bedded suite, which had a small side room too and the complimentary bed for the fourth person, breakfast for all and dinner for one person, along with the quality of service, the cost involved appeared fairly reasonable. I forgot to mention that the tariff for two bedded room along with the aforesaid benefits was Rs. 4250-. There are of course, packages for three days – two nights stay available. The basic idea was to share the beauty of Ramgarh and its close vicinity to other destinations.

    Thanks once again for liking the post.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Mahesh ji,

    Your very kind and sweet words have made my day.

    Warm regards and God’s blessings.

  • Ram says:

    Sudhir,

    Thanks for liking the post.

    Being an architect, you can very well understand the intricacies and efforts involved in restoration of dilapidated structures, bringing them back to the era they belonged to and make it re-usable.

    As they say, the moment you leave UP and enter Uttarakhand, you feel a burden off your shoulders (apologies to my friends from UP). The roads despite the difficult hilly terrain are all well maintained.

    Roads from Delhi to Hapur are very good, but owing to the construction work in progress at around half a dozen flyovers between Hapur and Brij Ghat, the traffic movements become slow. Once the work at these flyovers is complete, this patch would also be a driving pleasure. Roads from Gajraula onward are very good.

  • sanjay gupta says:

    Dear Ram Sir ,

    As always , your write – up is again a marvel and re-affirms your writing prowess. I have always been wanting to go to Ramgarh ( at one stage wanted to buy some property there , as it was touted as the main tourist spot of future ) . But somehow could never make it, even while being as close to it as could be , having been to Bhimtal and Nainital umpteen times ( being my favourite hill stations too , since childhood ) .

    Your post and pictures are definitely very inspirational and will goad me to visit that area very soon . The thought of plucking and eating fruits directly from the fruit laden trees directly transports one to the the fun-filled childhood days . It was fun reading your in-depth and informative post . Looking forward to many more such posts.

    Sanjay Gupta

  • SUBASH KAPOOR says:

    WAH RAM WAH !
    YOUR POST AND PICTURES HAVE PIERCED IN MY HEART AS WHY I MISSED SUCH BEAUTIFUL PLACES WHEN VISITED NANITAL SEVEN TIMES DURING MY LIFE SPAN AS ON DATE. ANY HOW NO REGRETTS AS FEELING GREATLY SATISFIED BY VIEWING PHOTOS AND CONTENTS OF YOUR SOJOURN.
    REGARDS!
    SUBASH

  • testerrahul says:

    Ram Sir,
    Thanks for taking us to Ramgarh..
    Bhowali to Ramgarh and Mukteshwer is one of the best hill roads not only because of the scenic beauty around but also for the surface quality of the road.
    I drove to Mukteshwer during Holi this year and got fantastic view of Kumaon Himalayas(NandaDevi, Trishul, Hathi etc).
    After reading your post I would like to stay once at Ramgarh.
    Regards,
    Rahul

  • Pawan Anand says:

    Awesome!!!! Inspiring!!! Not only Ramgarh, but your writing also. I had become a huge fan of your writings- but after seeing the picture of the ‘youngest Ghumakkar – Kuhu’, I’m afraid, I am now a bigger fan of hers.

    Its been a long time since I covered that area (recently, restricted self to Nainital and Bhawali only). Now my appetite for the area is whipped. Thinking about fresh fruits itself cheers you up. What a site it must be to pluck fruits directly from the trees.
    Awesome.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Sanjay ji,

    I am glad that the post was to your liking and thank you very much for your very sweet words.

    Perhaps you are aware that Haji Islamuddin and Vivek Anand bought properties close to the outskirts of Bhowali (on the way to Ramgarh) and they seem to be happy. Actually it’s not a bad idea considering investment in a property in that area. After all it is just eight hours drive to Ramgarh.

    Warm regards and God’s blessings.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Subash ji,

    Thank you very much for liking the post and for your kind remarks.

    Rahul,

    Surprisingly, despite the difficult hill terrains, the roads all over Uttarakhand are well maintained. As you have said the road between Bhowali and Mukteshwar passes through some the most beautiful scenic beauties and owing to lesser traffic on this route, it is simply a driving pleasure.

    Thanks for liking the post.

  • Jerry Jaleel says:

    Dear Ram:

    Once again I enjoyed your post thoroughly. Your pictures brought back sweet memories, only wish I could make another trip to Naini Tal and surrounding areas sooner, anything to get away from ‘the maddening crowd’, and relax inside a hill cottage with an interesting book – preferably Corbett’s ‘The Temple Tiger & More Man eaters’.

    About the image of the fruit tree: If I may, is it an apple tree (much like the one I have in my backyard here) or is it a nectarine tree? These are the only two fruit trees that bears red fruits of that size I am familiar with. The Naini Lake looks serene and calm with all that luscious dark green foliage in the background.

    Beautiful writing with brilliant pictures. Thanks again for sharing and look forward to read more from you.

    Jerry

  • travellers says:

    Hi Mr Ram Dhall,

    It is a great piece on Ramgarh, very absorbing and aptly described. I was in Kumaon last year-end and reading your write-up is like being there, once again.

    Similar to the writers’ bungalow, I came across a Rabindra Bhawan in Almora – it is a functional office in the cantt area but they have preserved a part of it where Rabindranath stayed for some duration and created some famous writings.

    Maitaining the original stuff – Neemrana guys seem to be doing a great job.

    Thanks again for a gripping travelogue.

    Auro

  • jaishree says:

    I wish I would be as young as you are when I get old!

    and

    write just as beautifully!!

  • Bindiya says:

    Reading your articles always leaves me speechless!!!!
    I love the detail, it’s like having the past and the present of a place covered in a single write-up.
    Soo much to learn from you………

  • Bindiya says:

    Reading your articles always leaves me speechless Ram Sir !!!!
    I love the detail, it’s like having the past and the present of a place covered in a single write-up.
    Soo much to learn from you………

    Have a lovely day!!!!

    Bindiya

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Jaishree,

    Your single liner double compliment has put me on cloud 9.

    Thanks and God’s blessings.

    Bindiya,

    It has always been a pleasure talking to a book lover like you.

    Encouraging words from persons like you, keep me going.

    Warm regards.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Aurojit Babu,

    Your inspirational words mean a lot to me. I am glad that the post was to your satisfaction.

    I have been to Almora several times but was not aware of the Rabindra Bhawan. During my next trip to the Kumaon Hills, I would love to visit Rabindra Bhawan and see the preserved portion where this Noble Laureate spent some time. Thanks for this important information.

    Incidentally, Mahesh Semwal very aptly refers to Uttarakhand as “Dev Bhoomi”. Well what else could it be where Devtaas like Rabindra Nath and Mahadevi Verma ji lived !!

  • nandanjha says:

    What a brilliant expression.

    Neemrana is gonna get a lot of new business, for sure. And as with your accounts, this one is another thorough piece. Thank you.

    Thanks for sharing

  • Lakshmi says:

    Ram ji,

    What a post! You literally took us to Ramghar through your descriptive writing and stunning photographs. Thanks for sharing.
    Really a commendable travelogue!

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Pawan ji,

    Thank you for your sweet words, which mean a lot to me.

    I am happy to note that you are a bigger fan of Kuhu. May God bless her, she is a favourite of many of us.

    Kumaon Hills are my first love and I am always looking forward to an opportunity of visiting these magical hills.

    Please do plan a long weekend visit to Ramgarh, Mukteshwar and the other adjoining areas and enjoy the tranquility and solitude.

    Warm regards and God’s blessings.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Dear Jerry,

    Your kind words always make me speechless and I am unable to find adequate words to express my gratitude.

    You have talked about Jim Corbett and sent me reeling back to the times when Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh had a stopover at Treetops, a hotel in the Aberdane National Park, Kenya on their way to Australia. Jim Corbett was invited to meet her. It was sometimes in 1952.

    Please allow me to say a few words about this.

    Treetops was a sort of cluster of cedarwood log cabins suspended between heaven and earth in the branches of a giant tree, with a large observation deck. About thirty feet below was a waterhole on the banks of River Sagana and at night the tourists could see the movements of wild animals like elephants, deers, rhinoceros, etc, who came to the waterhole for drinking water and cooling off.

    Upon their visit, the visitors saw a white flag, which was a warning that there was some danger at the watering hole and they were requested to stay back in the cars. A cow elephant with two calves was standing close to the ladder leading to the observation deck. Cow elephant at times become annoyed and charge when disturbed with the young ones.

    The party decided on a cautious advance across the fifty yards of open ground, covered by rifles. Elizabeth led the group, walked steadily towards the elephant, swung onto the ladder and climbed to the observation deck.
    Corbett who was eighty, stood guard throughout the night to fend off any danger from the animals as well as the Mau Mau followers.

    Next morning, the princess had a great time with her camera and did some wildlife footage. In the afternoon the group left for Sagana Lodge, the riverside house. While leaving she said ” It’s been my most thrilling experience yet”, to which Corbett’s gallant reply was “Ma’am if you have the same courage in facing whatever the future sends you as you have in facing an elephant at eight paces, we are going to be very fortunate”.

    (These are excerpts from Roland Flaming’s famous book – Sovereign)

    So Jerry, Corbett was not only a household name in Kumaon, but also a highly respected person in the royal circles too.

    Now coming back to my humble post, the fruits shown in the picture are plums.

    Thank you once again for liking the post.

  • Tarun Talwar says:

    Ram Sir,

    As always, excellent write-up. Thanks for sharing your Ramgarh experience with us.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Lakshmi,

    Hearing from you is always great. Your kind words stimulate me to write better.

    May God bless you.

  • Ram Dhall says:

    Nandan,

    Thanks for liking the post.

    I do not know about the business prospects, but one thing is sure that I would love to visit Ramgarh again.

    Tarun,

    It gives me satisfaction to know that the post was to your liking.

    When do we see your next post !!

  • Madhavi Srivastava says:

    Dear Mr. Dhall
    Just reading your desciption of Ramgarh makes me want to take a trip to the place & be part of the peace & tranquility.The photographs are just beautiful. Hope to see some more refreshing articles in the near future.

  • Rajan says:

    Ram Boss,

    Mast Likhte ho, i dont have that much of interest in reading but know i am thinking to be start it so soon.

    So nice afforts please keep rocking dear

    Thanks
    Rajan

  • anilmisra says:

    Dear Ram,
    A brilliant write-up.
    I am a frequent visitor to Ramgarh even though I have never stayed at the Cottages. I stay with a dear friend who has his bungalow at Ramgarh a little below Malla.
    I haven’t been to Ramgarh for a while and your article has brought back memories in a rush.
    I find that the best time to be in Ramgarh is from September to November: it gets too cold thereafter. While there are no fruits on the trees, the view of the Peaks is brilliant.
    There are lovely walks from Malla towards Bhowali and Mukteshwar. About 5 kilometres from Malla towards Bhowali and about 12 kms towards Mukteshwar, there are lovely viewing points. I am told the view at dawn is unforgettable, even though I couldn’t persuade myself to get up so early.
    Thank you once again for the lovely write-up.
    My love to Kuhu – what a beautifully evocative name.

  • Ram says:

    Anil ji: Thanks for your very kind words. Ramgarh is one of my favourite destinations too. It is altogether a different place. As you have said the walks between Ramgarh/ Mukteshwar/Bhowali are truly amazing.

    Yes of course the best time to visit Ramgarh is September to November, though I don’t mind walking through the snow laden paths around Ramgarh.

    Thanks for your blessings to Kuhu.

    Warm regards and best wishes.

  • Mukesh Bhalse says:

    Dear Ram Sir,]

    Gone through the post and found it very interesting and i read it in a single breath. Really your writing skill is impressing. I want to know something about you….. if you please.

    Thanks.

  • Ram says:

    Dear Mukesh,

    Thanks for your very sweet words.

    I am a very simple person, which you might have noticed while reading my posts. Barring what I wrote in my profile on the author’s page, there is nothing much to add. Literature, travel and music are the three things nearest to me.

    Warm regards and God’s blessings.

  • Dinesh Sharma says:

    Dear Sir,

    Thanks for the great information for the ramgarh, we being to Mukteshwar 2 years back but we not even acknowledge Ramgarh on the way. Every place in Uttranchal is beautiful but Sir Ji “Nazar Na lage Tusi Great Ho” yours words make it more beautiful. This year I assure we will go to Ramgarh and enjoy the heritage and comfort of Ramgarh Banglows.

  • Hi Everybody,

    for more info on Aah Himlaya, please check out the website i.e. http://www.aahhimalaya.com

    cheeers !!

    Man Mohan

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