Ranikhet is never out of season

The tag-line of Uttarakhand Tourism claimed that it is "Never Out of Season". And we couldn't agree with it more! In spite of many people warning us that December may not be the best time (read "tourist season") to visit Kumaon due to the cold weather, we had the trip of a lifetime!

After spending a couple of days in Delhi, we took the overnight Ranikhet Express to Kathgodam, which is the gateway to the hill stations in Kumaon. The chill in the air at Kathgodam Station was a sign of things to come! But things soon started heating up as a swarm of taxi drivers rushed towards us shouting the names of all possible destinations the region had on offer. Finally, getting a taxi to the charming military town of Ranikhet at half the rate (as compared to the tourist season) was a pleasent surprise.

It's a lovely drive of about three hours on winding but comfortable roads. We got a glimpse of the snow-capped range just before we entered the town, before the clouds took over... We stayed at the Chevron Rosemount, which a lovely heritage property... In spite of the cold weather, the staff was ever-smiling and efficient. In fact we spent a lot of time in the hotel lawn from where Trishul and Nandadevi peaks could be seen. Having hot tea with chirping birds in the background and a view to die for was sheer luxury for us city dwellers.

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