This small hill station would have been known as a culture capital rather than a hotbed of horticulture had Rabindranath Tagore stuck to his original plan and set up a centre of learning here. The Nobel Laureate, who spent time here writing – no doubt inspired by Ramgarh’s forested hillsides and babbling brooks – was an early victim of Ramgarh’s charm, but he eventu ally gifted Shantiniketan to Bengal. Ramgarh became ‘the fruit bowl of Kumaon’ and one of the most verdant regions in these hills.
Things To See & Do
Excursions and Picnics
The hills around Ramgarh offer a plethora of picnic spots. Park your car at Gagar, close to Malla Ramgarh bazaar. Hike up through the forests to the old Shiva temple on a hilltop. You can also drive down to Talla Ramgarh or, even better, walk down the shortcut paths the locals take and picnic by the stream that runs through the valley. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram while in Talla Ramgarh. Drive past Bhowali, get onto the Almora Road and stop alongside the river near the Khairna Bridge for a picnic.
Angling
Anglers can get a fishing permit for about₹200 per rod per day from the Forest Department’s Office at Ramgarh. There is mahseer in the Kalirao and Kosi rivers.
Tip: To get a permit on time, you will need to apply for it in advance
Adventure
Go on nature walks and bird-watching trails. Enquire about hiring cycles – it’s the best way to travel. If you own a tent, take that along too. Get in touch with KMVN in Ramgarh to find adventure sports instructors. You can also ask your lodge to organise rock climbing, rappelling and river-crossing.
Where To Stay & Eat
Soulitude in the Himalaya (Cell: 09999330379; Tariff: ₹6,000–12,000) is a beautiful property in Gagar. Meals are made from fresh herbs and organic vegetables. The Neemrana group offers six lovely cottages at The Ramgarh Bungalows (Tel: 05942-281156/ 37, Cell: 09411108156; Tariff: ₹3,750– 8,000). There is good, home-style food here. WelcomHeritage’s Taradale Cottages (Tel: 281189, Cell: 09899970735; Tariff: ₹6,000– 12,000) is set in a secluded spot nestled in a garden. The rooms at Cedar Lodge (Delhi Tel: 011- 29551191/ 6688; Tariff: ₹7,200– 7,500), also set in an apple orchard, offer fabulous Himalayan views. Roop Kumaon Resort (Cell: 09411378379; Tariff: ₹3,000) too is set in a fruit orchard at Gagar. KMVN’s Hill View (Tel: 281155, Cell: 08650002531; Tariff: ₹2,000– 3,500) is on the main road. There are several dhabas in the market. All hotels have restaurants.