When you drive from Almora to Binsar you think that it couldn't get any prettier. Then you continue on towards Munsiyari and happily realise that it does. You will also think that the roads can't get any narrower, but they do. Solace lies in the fact that there is once again very little traffic and the views more than make up for the width of the road.
Yes I want to go, tell me how
Head from Delhi to Rampur (230 km) on NH 24 and then turn left turn onto NH 87 which is the Bilaspur-Rudrapur-Haldwani route. From Haldwani head towards Almora and from Almora head to Binsar. En route, you can also visit Nainital and Mukteshwar. Binsar is 180 km from Rampur and it should take about 6 hours. The distance from Binsar to Munsiyari is 180 km and will take another 6 to 7 hours, but this is an even more stunning drive that passes through little villages and past tranquil lakes.
Binsar has wooded trails to explore, stunning sunrises to photograph and perhaps a chance sighting of a leopard or two. Munsiyari has simply astounding views of snow-capped mountains. It is while standing in Munsiyari, looking out at lofty white peaks that seem close enough to touch, that you realize that you have well and truly beaten the heat and escaped from the clutches of summer. Binsar is meant for walking enthusiasts and the places to stay here are Mountain Resort,
Munsiyari is the place for trekking enthusiasts and if you have tents, carry them along because there are plenty of campsites where you could bed down for a delicious dose of even more adventure, camp at Chandra Tal, which is near the Kunzum La on your way from Kaza to Manali. For the night cradled between towering white peaks. Or, you could stay at the Zara Resort (Tel: 05961 222 524), where the staff are very helpful, but be warned that it is quite basic.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
THE ROAD FROM DEVPRAYAG TO KANATAL
Devprayag is a holy city in the Garhwal region and it is here that the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet to form the Ganga which then rushes down to Rishikesh. You could visit Rishikesh and spend a few days at Devprayag, but these will still be hot because they lie down in the valley. To escape the heat you have to take the road to Kanatal from Devprayag that goes via New Tehri and Chamba. The drive to Kanatal offers lovely mountain vistas and absolutely stunning scenery not to mention very sparse traffic.
Start from Devprayag and head towards Rudraprayag on NH 58. Twenty-five kilometres from Devprayag, much before Rudraprayag turn lei onto the little road that climbs away into the hills towards Dangchunara. Just before Dangchunara there is another very narrow road that heads towards New Tehri. You can take this road for very scenic views or head down the main road and go to New Tehri via Molnari. From New Tehri drive to Chamba and then take the road towards Kanatal, Dhanaulti and Mussourie.Devprayag to Kanatal should take you about 5 hour.You can drive back to Delhi via Mussourie and Dehradun which should take about 7 hours.
You could stay at The Terraces which is a very charming property at Kanatal and has unhindered views of the snow-capped ranges. There are lovely walks within the property itself as well as an in-house spa for massages and other pampering. There are also visits to nearby forest reserves on offer. The rooms are very comfortable with lovely big balconies and multicuisine food is on offer.
Start from Devprayag and head towards Rudraprayag on NH 58. Twenty-five kilometres from Devprayag, much before Rudraprayag turn lei onto the little road that climbs away into the hills towards Dangchunara. Just before Dangchunara there is another very narrow road that heads towards New Tehri. You can take this road for very scenic views or head down the main road and go to New Tehri via Molnari. From New Tehri drive to Chamba and then take the road towards Kanatal, Dhanaulti and Mussourie.Devprayag to Kanatal should take you about 5 hour.You can drive back to Delhi via Mussourie and Dehradun which should take about 7 hours.
You could stay at The Terraces which is a very charming property at Kanatal and has unhindered views of the snow-capped ranges. There are lovely walks within the property itself as well as an in-house spa for massages and other pampering. There are also visits to nearby forest reserves on offer. The rooms are very comfortable with lovely big balconies and multicuisine food is on offer.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
THE ROAD TO MORI
The road to Mori leaves behind the hustle bustle of the Indian plains at Dehradun and then takes the motorist past Mussourie on a lovely -narrow mountain road through pine forests, past waterfalls and down to the Tons River. This is a driving trip to adventure which can be found on raft on the Tons. Or else you could simply stay by the river in a tent and partake in small and interesting treks everyday.
Head to Dehradun and then take the road to Mussourie. From there take NH 123 to Nainbagh and follow it right through to Naugaon. From here take the road to Purola and follow it to Mori. You could do the delhi to mori drive in a long eight-hour driving day.
You could stay at Camp Lunagad the banks of the tons river. Sleeping close to the river and hearing it rush by isan experience in itself. The food is very tasty and -the toilets are very basic.
Head to Dehradun and then take the road to Mussourie. From there take NH 123 to Nainbagh and follow it right through to Naugaon. From here take the road to Purola and follow it to Mori. You could do the delhi to mori drive in a long eight-hour driving day.
You could stay at Camp Lunagad the banks of the tons river. Sleeping close to the river and hearing it rush by isan experience in itself. The food is very tasty and -the toilets are very basic.
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