Scenic Escapes Around Niglat Malla: Bhowali, Gagar & The Quiet Kumaon Lakes

For most visitors, the spiritual radiance of Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham is the primary anchor that draws them into Uttarakhand's lower Kumaon hills. Yet once the morning aarti concludes and the temple bells fall still, a breathtaking geographic tapestry unfolds across the ridges surrounding Malla Niglat.

Unlike overcrowded commercial hubs, the pocket between Bhowali, Niglat Malla, and the quiet lake basins of Bhimtal and Sattal retains the timeless, pine-scented charm that first enchanted colonial travellers, naturalists, and saints over a century ago. Here is our resident guide to the most rewarding scenic escapes located within a 15 to 45-minute drive from Anurra Restaurant & Hotel.

1. Bhowali: The Crossroads of Kumaon & Mountain Fruit Bazaars (6.5 km)

Perched at an elevation of 1,706 meters, just 6.5 km uphill from Anurra Hotel, Bhowali has long been celebrated for its crisp, curative mountain atmosphere. In the early 20th century, British administrators established the renowned T.B. Sanatorium here due to its exceptionally dry, pine-filtered air—where literary and political figures, including Kamala Nehru, spent months recuperating.

Today, Bhowali is the agricultural soul of Nainital district. Its bustling roadside market is famed across North India for fresh Himalayan seasonal fruits: juicy apricots, plums, and peaches in summer, followed by crisp golden delicious apples and sweet kafal berries in June. Strolling through the market stalls is a sensory treat of vibrant mountain colors and fragrant pine breezes.

2. Ghorakhal Golu Devta: The Temple of Ten Thousand Bells (11 km)

A short detour from Bhowali brings you to the sacred heights of Ghorakhal, home to the revered shrine of Golu Devta, considered by Kumaoni folk tradition to be the supreme incarnation of Lord Shiva and the dispenser of divine justice.

What strikes every visitor upon entering the temple grounds is the extraordinary visual spectacle: thousands upon thousands of brass bells of every size, tied across brass rails and tree branches by devotees whose heartfelt petitions have been fulfilled. Pilgrims frequently write handwritten letters and legal affidavits to Golu Devta seeking resolution to family disputes or health struggles. Below the temple lie the lush green terraces of the Shyamkhet Tea Gardens, producing delicate organic Himalayan orthodox black tea.

3. The Seven Lakes of Sattal: Untouched Himalayan Bird Sanctuary (19 km)

While Nainital's bustling lake draws massive tourist crowds, Sattal (literally "Seven Lakes") remains an unblemished natural paradise for birdwatchers, writers, and solitude lovers. Nestled within an ancient dense forest of Himalayan oak (Banj) and chir pine at 1,370 meters, Sattal is an interconnected cluster of freshwater lakes: Panna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukha Tal, and Garud Tal.

• Avian Wonderland: Home to over 500 resident and migratory bird species, including the Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Himalayan Rubythroat, Verditer Flycatcher, and Kingfishers.
• Zero Engine Noise: Motorized boats are strictly prohibited. You can drift across the jade-green waters on hand-paddled kayaks or walk silent woodland perimeter trails where the only sound is birdsong.

4. Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal: Tranquil Waters & Lakeside Promenades (15–19 km)

Spread across an expansive basin larger than Nainital Lake itself, Bhimtal is named after Bhima from the Mahabharata epic, who is said to have created the water body with a strike of his mace.

At the heart of Bhimtal lies an idyllic emerald island housing a vibrant Victorian-style freshwater aquarium accessible by traditional wooden rowboats. Just 4 km further east lies Naukuchiatal, the mysterious "Nine-Cornered Lake" surrounded by lush green hills, where gentle paragliding launches offer birds-eye panoramas of the Himalayan foothills.

5. Ramgarh & Gagar: The Fruit Bowl of Kumaon with Snow Peaks (14–18 km)

Ascending from Bhowali toward the high ridge of Gagar Pass, you are greeted by one of the most magnificent open panoramas of the Greater Himalayas in Uttarakhand. On crisp autumn and winter mornings, the snow-capped summits of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli stand sharp and glistening against cobalt-blue skies.

Beyond the pass lies Ramgarh, affectionately termed the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon". Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent long periods here working on compositions of Gitanjali, enchanted by the terraced apple, pear, and walnut orchards. It is the ultimate afternoon driving escape from your base at Anurra.

Make Anurra Hotel Your Tranquil Valley Basecamp

Exploring the sacred peace of Kainchi Dham and the serene beauty of the Kumaon lake circuit is best enjoyed without the hassle of hotel changes or city congestion.

Located along the main road in scenic Malla Niglat, Anurra Restaurant & Hotel provides the perfect tranquil basecamp:

• Central Proximity: Just 3.3 km (6 mins) to Kainchi Dham, 6.5 km to Bhowali, and 15 km to Bhimtal.
• Hill-Facing Balconies: Wake up to pine-filtered mountain air and mist rolling across the valley.
• Pure Vegetarian Dining: Savor piping hot mountain food, dal tadka, and Kumaoni preparations at our on-site vegetarian restaurant.
• Stress-Free Parking: Dedicated, private parking directly at the hotel premises.

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