Solitude, Serenity And Bliss At The Ramgarh Bungalows, Kumaon

A cluster of charming colonial bungalows by the Neemrana ‘non-hotel’ hotels tucked away in a quiet corner of the Kumaon hills, this one makes for a great weekend getaway. Plus, there’s lots {I mean lots} of fresh fruit.

An hour ahead of Bhimtal, Ramgarh is a small hill-town that lies in the folds of the Kumaon hills. A drive from Gurgaon takes approximately seven – eight hours.

While this is a neat road trip in itself {with great roads for most part of the journey}, you could also alternatively take a flight to Pantnagar and take a taxi from there to the hotel {a 2.5 hour drive}. Or take the train to Kathgodam and reach the hotel via the Haldwani-Bhimtal-Bhowali road {1.5 hour drive}.

Ramgarh is also an hour away each from Nainital and Mukteshwar.  

Dating back to the early 1900s, these now-refurbished colonial bungalows once served as Dak bungalows; guesthouses for the British along with a gatehouse and a cowshed. Interestingly, this iconic property also once housed the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore.

Spread over a section of a hill, the estate comprises three individual bungalows; Ashok Vatika, Cliff House, and Writer’s Bungalow, as well as a main compound housing the reception, dining hall, Old Bungalow, Vista Villa, and Rose Cottage. In true Neemrana tradition, each room is differently designed, and has its own charm.

Each bungalow consists of two to four rooms, along with a separate lounge-cum-living-and-dining area. They’re also equipped with charming verandahs, terraces or balconies overlooking blooming fruit trees, as well as, of course, the hills.

While Ashok Vatika {two suites and two rooms}, Cliff House {two suites} and Writers’ Bungalow {two deluxe suites} are close to each other and are at an elevated height {i.e. better views}, this lot is a steep 500m walk away from the main compound. While breakfast can be served to you in your villa, you may have to head down for lunch and dinner. Parking is available near each villa, so you can also drive down to the main compound if you have your own car.

If you’re travelling in a group, it would be advisable to book a whole bungalow in advance {as per your group size}.

#LBBTip: Opt for either the Blue/Green rooms in Ashok Vatika, any room in Cliff House, and any room in Writer’s Bungalow for a great view. The Lemon Suite in Vista Villa is also the only single room on the property with no immediately adjoining rooms, i.e. no neighbours.

Ramgarh is also known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of the Kumaon’, owing to the vast number of fruit trees and orchards here. The gardeners at Neemrana have done a fabulous job with flowers and fruits across the property, and you shouldn’t miss indulging in the fresh and luscious peaches, plums, apricots and pears here.

If that wasn’t enough ‘fruit’ for your punch, Neemrana also makes its own jams and preserves at the bungalows, sans preservatives. Choose from an array of spreads and marmalades at breakfast everyday, and you can even buy some to take back home.

The kiwi, strawberry, peach and plum Jams are especially divine, as is the Malta marmalade and plum chutney.

Pit-Stops: Dhabas in Gajraula, Pots and Stones Garden café in Haldwani, iHeart Himalayan Café just ahead of Bhimtal

Where: Ramgarh Kumaon Hills, District Nainital {look for the ‘Mother Dairy’ in the Ramgarh market on Google Maps; follow the road winding downward to the left to get to the hotel}

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar