Bhilangi, Uttarakhand: A Quick Getaway to The Riverside Hills
At exactly about 238 kms from south of Delhi, lies this beautiful place - on the edge of the riverside and on the picturesque winding roads of the hills, lined-up with an array of boutique resorts - in the midst of amazingly pristine settings.
Once you cross Kotdwar, Bhilangi is just 4kms ahead of Dugadda, and is on the riverside front of the adjoining Kalagarh Tiger Reserve hills. The Khoh river, a tributary in real sense, is called as тАШNayaarтАЩ in local dialect, which adds a glittering charm to this serene hamlet. The quietly flowing river is mostly shallow during this time, with few exceptions of two to four feet deep randomly spread naturally formed pits. The riverbed is strewn with naturally rounded stones of various shapes and sizes as well as large rolled-down boulders. The unspoiled and gleaming waters of the tributary is abode to the scores of small fish underneath.
We stayed at the SB Mount Resorts, undoubtedly a perfect place for a family outing and get-together. The moment you reach here, everyone just leaps into the pristine waters: while the ladies try mermaid poses, men splashes the water up-and-around, and children try to catch the tiny fishes; which also gives you an opportunity for the ticklish fish-pedicure most naturally as you lay your feet motionless underwater!┬а
River is so clear and pure that every element underneath is distinctly visible to the eyes. Weather in April was quite pleasant, especially the dawn, dusk and the dark hours, during which time it had a fair bit of nip in the air.
Another popular destination - Lansdowne - is just a 20km drive from here, and I would strongly recommend all the vacationers to plan their stay at Bhilangi instead, and then drive conveniently uphill for an excursion to the cantonment town and return back the same evening and enjoy the riverfront stay.
Here, one can leisurely explore the jungles, bask-and-walk in the river waters, hike onto the hilltop on the front and the rear and also towards the neighbouring Sirsu village for a peek into rural life, and indulge in everyday morning and evening strolls onto the winding roads. Besides, experience an amazing and much relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating spell of serenity, not only offering stunning views of the valley but also giving your lungs an opportunity to lunge onto the ultra-fresh-oxygen-rich air to inhale.
The idyllic Resort has a decently sized playground too, which can be best indulged in outdoor sporting activities like badminton, football, cricket, archery, and much more. And, in such good climate, the high-tea served with the mixed pakodas (fritters) adds to the gastronomical delight in the evening. A controlled DJ music night under the open skies and in the cool climes also provides the dance and entertainment quotient to your fun time out here.
Truly, Bhilangi is a perfect dreamy weekend getaway far from the mundane city life, tucked away in natureтАЩs lap, which our inner soul is always looking for.┬аAll of us had a great time, and, for sure, plan to visit again, and with a much bigger group!
Special thanks to SB Mount, you gave us a wonderful time, a comfortable stay, great food, extraordinary service and hospitality - all culminating into a memorable experience. Kudos.
View from across the road of the resorts lined-up by the riverside
A picturesque morning uphill stroll
A boulder rests on the riverbed..our resting place in the river
People having fun under the blue bridge
Terraced farms by the riverside
An old iron bridge over the Khoh river
Voila! A badminton match underway by the riverside
A young boy trying to catch the fish!
Early morning sun-rays descending down the valley┬а
Pure clarity...so pristine!┬а
Deeply engrossed in a chit-chat over the hilltop under the fading lights of dusky settings!
Hills cloud-reflecting in the sky!
Gleaming waters of the river
A blue bridge connects the resort with the road
A stunning view of the resort, river and the road!
Splendour of the resort by the night
