Summer holidays are a wonderful opportunity to explore, unlearn, and relearn. Even before summer fully arrived, the heat was already oppressive. So, I decided to take a brief escape from the monotony of daily life and the relentless heat before our schedule got too packed. We reached out to two of our friends, and after a long night of discussions over a conference call, we finalized a short trip to Pangot, Uttarakhand—a serene retreat nestled in the mountains.
Pangot, a picturesque hill station, is located about 15 kilometres from Nainital and roughly 291 kilometres from Delhi. The place is known for its tranquil environment and rich birdlife. It is a paradise for nature lovers. The journey itself was a treat, with winding roads flanked by towering pine trees, Buransh trees adorned with brilliant red blossoms, and occasional glimpses of distant peaks.
We started from Delhi at 6 AM and reached our resort at around 6 in the evening. Along the way, we enjoyed leisurely stops to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Haldiram’s in Gajraula and a sumptuous lunch just before the ascent began.
Our stay was at the Royal Cliff Resort, a charming property that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The road leading to the resort was steep and eerily deserted. At one point, I felt as though we’d reached the edge of the world. After an adventurous drive, we finally arrived at our destination.
The moment we stepped out of our cars, the mountain breeze welcomed us by caressing our faces. The view from the top was breathtaking, with a slight chill in the air adding to the charm. We took the stairs down to the resort, and when we reached the property, we were awestruck by the warm glow of yellow lights, expansive gardens, and the melodious sound of crickets.
At the reception, we were offered refreshing welcome drinks—vivid red and orange juices. The red juice, they informed us, was extracted from the Buransh flower (Rhododendron), Uttarakhand’s state tree, while the orange juice came from Malta, a citrus fruit native to the Himalayan region. The juices were deliciously fresh, sweet, and invigorating. Ah! What perfect start to our stay.
We had booked three adjacent treehouses, each with a spacious lawn in front.
The rooms with their wooden work gave an aesthetic feeling, and stepping onto the balcony felt like stepping into a dream. The view overlooked lush green mountains that stretched as far as the eyes could see. The balcony had lanterns with modern bulbs, adding a rustic yet contemporary touch, while the gardens lent a homely feel to the property.
Our three-day trip was filled with relaxation and joy. We spent our days exploring the property, playing badminton, and relaxing amidst the soothing mountain air. It was a staycation in every sense. A time to pause, unwind, and simply be. The lavish meals became a daily highlight, and the hotel staff catered seamlessly to our needs, especially since we were traveling with infants.
However, the trip took an unexpected turn on the second night. Late in the evening, we received government alerts about an impending storm. Being in a treehouse, we had no idea what to expect. As the night grew darker, the wind howled louder, and lightning and thunder reverberated through the valley. I started imagining wild scenarios, “what if we get thrown away in the mountains,” but my logical brain interrupted and I realised the tree house is cemented at the base, so we are safe. The night felt scary, adventurous, and exciting. Slowly, we lost track of time and drifted into a peaceful sleep while the winds continued their relentless howling outside.
But nature, as unpredictable as it is, also has a way of calming us. By morning, the storm had passed. The sun rose brightly, illuminating the mountains, which looked even greener and fresher. It felt as though nature had hit the reset button overnight. When I expressed my relief to the room service staff, they smiled and said, “Pahado mein toh aise hi hota hai. Hume toh aadat ho gayi hai” (This is how it is in the mountains; we’ve grown used to it).
The rest of the trip was blissful. On the third day, we finally decided to have a tour around, so we drove down to Nainital. The drive down the narrow mountain roads was a visual treat. The Buransh trees in full bloom painted the forest in bright reds and vibrant greens. We stopped by Naini Lake, mesmerised by its vastness and tranquil beauty.
For lunch, we indulged in a Kumaoni thali at a local restaurant. The thali had a variety of local delicacies like bhaang ki chutney, chinsoo, ragi roti, aloo ke ghutke, dal vada, baal mitai, and so much more Each dish was a delightful blend of unique flavors. Some of us also tried Pahadi Shikaar Bhaat, a local delicacy of spiced mutton curry with rice, which was earthy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
As we strolled along Mall Road, we were captivated by the vibrant shops, selling scented candles, purses, decorative items, and souvenirs. Suddenly the weather shifted again. dark clouds rolled in, and the wind picked up pace. Yet, the charm of the bustling street and warm locals made it all feel strangely pleasant. By the time we reached our car, the sun emerged once more. This surely reminded me that the mountain weather is truly unpredictable.
We returned to the resort before nightfall. We gathered in one room with our friends and kids. We ordered garma garam maggi, coffee, and some kebabs. I took the chair by the window and savoured the steaming maggi while watching the trees swaying under the moonlit sky.
With limited network connectivity, I had no choice but to disconnect from the outside world—a blessing in disguise. Instead, I connected with nature, enjoyed the company of my family and friends, and relished life’s simpler pleasures.
These trips stand as a testament to cherished memories, meaningful connections, and the timeless joy of living life at a slower pace.
PS: This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
PS: This post is part of #BlogchatterBlogHop
Cerebration 
I swear those peaks have a way of sorting out my thoughts. Honestly, your summer getaway sounds like the perfect blend of adventure, peace, and soul-nourishing moments—I’m so inspired to plan my own mountain escape now!
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Your holiday seems to have had everything: adventure, exploring, fun, food and friends. It brings back memories of a writing workshop years ago at Far Away Renz, which was near Nainital. I remember having the Buransh sherbet. We were told that wild bears venture around, and this got us scared.
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The resort seamlessly blending into its surroundings with its straw and wood interiors surely looks nice. Enjoying the Kumaoni thali and local fruit juices is a must and I am glad you did that.The weather in that area plays peekaboo specially in June and July , it scares us from the lowlands but it’s a way of life for the locals.Over all your stay seemed nice and thrilling.
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Such a vivid recap! I could practically taste the Buransh juice and hear the crickets. Love how you documented every moment, from the storm panic to the maggi-by-moonlight. Nothing like the mountains to force a digital detox and
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I thoroughly enjoyed your mountain retreat write‑up ; your words painted the landscape so vividly! It’s clear how rejuvenated you felt by the views and stillness. Reading this feels like a mini escape in itself. Can’t wait to visit those peaks after your glowing recommendation!
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I was literally having a taste of Buransh juice while I read it. It is so refreshing and it’s been few years since I had it. I am sure you enjoyed having it.
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This is like deja vu! I have been to Nainital and crossed Pangot on the drive in the Great Himalayan Bird Sanctuary. I was wishing for a retreat to Pangot, and then your blog comes up with all the recos and experiences. Guess, sometimes we do have things working in synchronisation to our thoughts.
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I love the idea of disconnecting with social media. But it seems very peaceful and refreshing na
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While going through your post, I felt like revisiting my Sikkim trip last year. Mountains are calling me once again.
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Wow! Your wonderfully detailed post had so many firsts for me, Pangot, Buransh Juice . Would love to visit here someday and will use your post as a reference when I do.
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Thank you so much. I am sure you will enjoy the peaceful surrounding!
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Wow, your summer mountain escapade sounds like a dream getaway! The photos and stories really made me feel that crisp, fresh altitude—thanks for the virtual escape
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Thank you so much!
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The distance that you mentioned from Delhi for Pangoat via road seems doable for us and I really wish to try that out. The look of the stay is picturique and I just loved it. The greenary is breathtaking. I will make an honest confession. I can capture pics when I travel. I can make videos and reels… but penning traveloque I really dont know why I cant. But ur post gave me a feel good sensation… loving it
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Some times, I feel that I haven’t seen even 10% of our country and I am dreaming about venturing out to foreign lands when I read about all these amazing places from all over India. This resort looks amazing. I think, this is where I would like to stay when I go in that region!
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True, India has so much beauty, only needs to be explored. Yes the stay was comfortable and amazing. You will definitely like it. Thank you for reading!
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This felt like a warm hug in the middle of a chaotic day. I could picture every moment, from the Buransh flower juice to the stormy night in the treehouse. What a perfect summer escape!
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Thank you 😊
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Just reading about the mountain breeze and those yellow lights made me feel calm. I could almost hear the crickets and picture the winding road . Now I’m tempted to plan a quiet getaway too.
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Just reading about the mountain breeze and those yellow lights made me feel calm. I could almost hear the crickets and picture the winding road . Now I’m tempted to plan a quiet getaway too.
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i went recently to Uttarakhand to Adi Kailash. Wish I had known about this and had stayed back to enjoy this. I think it would have been close to Kathgodam. We didn’t want Nainital as we had visited twice before
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Oh wow! A visit to Adi Kailash must have been an incredibly beautiful and spiritual journey. Perhaps you could plan another visit next time! 👍
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Your post filled me with yearning – been a while since we had holiday at a resort. And the upcoming summer holidays (ours are July/Aug) are also packed 😦
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Your words transported me straight to Pangot—the scent of pines, the cool breeze, and the glowing serenity. What a magical escape from chaos! Nature truly knows how to heal.
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I’ve stayed in Delhi for several years but have neither heard of nor been to this place. Beautiful pics, and it sounds like a calm place, ideal for a getaway.
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I did my schooling in Nainital and have visited Pangot a few times. Back then, it was relatively untouched and that added to the charm of the place. Lovely pictures.
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i absolutely loved reading your travelogue. I truly felt like travelling alongside
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I traveled to so many places, but Pangot is still on my list. It looks so surreal, and your stay seems like a home away from home. I would surely visit this place and check this property.
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👍 Thank you!
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Loved the photo diary! Beautiful pictures and adventure! I need to visit the hills, we have been doing beaches for too long now!
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Thank you! Happy travelling!!!
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Such a perfect combination of everything. You definitely grabbed my attention. Will check this place out. Thank you for sharing!
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There’s something deeply refreshing about escaping to the mountains in summer. Your vivid descriptions brought back memories of peaceful hikes and cool breezes—reminding me how nature’s calm can reset our busy minds and nourish our soul in the simplest ways.
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I am glad the post rekindled those precious memories of yours!
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Summer escapes to the hills are some of the best memories of my childhood. What bliss!
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Truly!
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