chaipakoda.in

What to do for a quick getaway weekend?This time around I did not have to really think hard as I had just read an account here about Pangot / Kilbury / Khujakharak. So off we went from Delhi on last weekend and had a wonderful time. I can say with full confidence that the place is a gem.

Situated on a saddle between two hills the village is more of a bus stop but offers very lovely views and friendly people at the chai stall answered endless questions unhesitatingly. While we were there unfortunately the clouds obscured the view of high Himalayan ranges and the Nanda Khot, Kamet and Trishul peaks.

The board at the entrance proudly proclaimed “Jungle Lore” and mentally that put a negative in my mind as I had seen so many hotels/motels around the area trying their best to use the association of Jim Corbett in one way or the other for crass commercial exploitation. In this case however this proved to be untrue and I fell in love with the cottage the moment we went down a few steps and reached the entrance of the cottage.

Inside it was a split accommodation with two beds on the ground floor and two in the attic so that the family could all stay put in one room.Stepping our of the french windows on to a veranda I came across panoramic view of wooded slopes on hills around and  in the far distance one could see the shimmering plains baking in the summer heat. The weather turned with unseasonal rains and temperatures ranged at just that perfect level where we could be comfy with our without a cardigan.

There are five six cottages spread out over the hill side covered with trees and flower beds. In the center there is a common dining hall, where the staff is extremely friendly and courteous in attending to you needs.

Getting there: Pangot is 12 kilometers from Nainital. To get there from Delhi head for Gaziabad, Hapur, Mordabad (take the bye-pass). At the end of Mordabad bye-pass take direction towards Kashipur / Jim Corbett Park and after about ten kilometers take a right turn towards Tanda. Carry on to Tanda, Bazpur, Kaladunghi and Nainital. At the entrance of Nanital and just after the toll barrier take the road going left which will take you to Pangot. Drive time from Delhi to Pangot with usual rest and stretch stops is about seven hours.

Booking: Call Mohit Aggarwal +91-98111-24222 or visit their web site www.pangot.com