If you feel like spending some time on weekends amid the cool air, greenery and peaceful environment of the mountains, but want to avoid the crowd of popular places like Mussoorie and Nainital, then there are many such hill stations in Uttarakhand where you can spend your holidays peacefully. Chaukodi, Munsiyari, Abbott Mount and Binsar present in the Kumaon region are known for their natural views and relatively peaceful atmosphere. Here you can get a chance to enjoy mountains, forests, Himalayan views and spend time close to nature. However, before traveling in hilly areas, one must be informed about the weather and road conditions.
You will find peace among the tea gardens in Chaukodi.
Located in Pithoragarh district, Chaukodi can be an attractive option for travelers who seek peace and natural beauty in the mountains. Here greenery, hill slopes and tea plantations can be seen all around.
Beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks can also be seen from Chaukodi. If you want to go to a place where you can spend time comfortably amidst nature and there is not much crowd, then you can include Chaukodi in your list.
According to Uttarakhand Tourism information, its nearest railhead is Kathgodam. By road, Chaukodi can be reached from Delhi by going towards Almora via Kathgodam-Haldwani.
See the beautiful peaks of Panchachuli in Munsiyari
If you like mountain trekking and Himalayan views, then Munsiyari can be a special destination for you. Located in the Johar Valley of Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari is known for the beautiful views of the snowy peaks of Panchachuli.
Here there is an opportunity to roam amidst nature, do trekking and explore the surrounding hilly areas. However, it may take longer to reach Munsiyari compared to other options, so keep the travel time in mind before going on a short holiday.
Munsiyari can be reached by road from Delhi and further travel by road can be done after bus service till Pithoragarh.
Old cottages and pine forests at Abbott Mount
Abbott Mount, located in Champawat district, can be a serene option for those who like to spend time amidst nature, away from the hustle and bustle.
Here the old British era cottages, pine forests and hilly environment give a different experience to this place. While roaming around you can enjoy dense forests and mountain views.
After reaching Lohaghat by road, it is easy to reach Abbott Mount. According to Uttarakhand Tourism, the distance from Lohaghat to Abbott Mount is about 7 kilometers. Taxi options are also available for further journeys from Kathgodam and Tanakpur.
Spectacular view of forest and Himalayas in Binsar
Binsar, located near Almora, is also a beautiful option for nature lovers. Nestled amidst dense oak and deodar forests, this area is known for its peaceful environment.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary can also be visited here, where one gets the experience of spending time among the forest and wildlife. In clear weather, the views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks are also a part of the attraction.
To reach Binsar from Delhi, road route can be taken via Haldwani, Bhimtal and Almora. Its distance from Delhi is said to be around 400 kilometers, hence it is important to keep in mind the travel time while making weekend plans.
Keep these things in mind before going to the mountains
The beauty of these serene hill destinations may definitely attract you, but the weather and road conditions can change rapidly in hilly areas. Therefore, before starting the journey, check the weather forecast, road conditions and hotel/homestay availability.
If you are driving yourself, be extra careful on hilly roads and it would be best to avoid long drives at night. At the same time, for a relatively distant destination like Munsiyari, it may be more convenient to plan the trip with sufficient time. So if you plan to spend some time this weekend amidst peace, cool breeze and nature in the mountains, then apart from Mussoorie and Nainital, options like Chaukodi, Munsiyari, Abbott Mount and Binsar can also be considered.