The hillsides are changing colour everywhere; a light fresh breeze blows through the trees. A cerulean sky, one that can only be witnessed in the hills, and varied bird calls from tree tops mesmerise me, my reverie is politely broken as I am informed that my tea is ready. As I sip the warm brew I am delighted to have found my very own space in this small village named Pangot. The hills are home to the grey and red jungle fowls, redstarts, flycatchers, woodpeckers, jays, fork tails, laughing thrushes and more. Even if birding is not a passion, the bird calls will entice and draw you into seeking them out. One popular walk through the forest is from Pangot to Kilbury forest resthouse. A long trail (15 km to and fro) leading up to Naina peak at 8,563m affords picture perfect views of snow-clad peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, to name a few. If you have the time, do a three-day trek from Pangot to Corbett National Park. During the length of the trek you will walk through snow (depending on the time of the year) forest, cross streams, tiny hill settlements as you descend to the outer periphery of the famous stronghold of the Royal Bengal tiger. Visit Pangot to ease your city stressed senses and enjoy the season. Getting there: Take NH 24 to Rampur via Hapur; NH 87 to Nainital via Haldwani and 15 km ahead of Nainital is Pangot. Stay: At the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, it has a set of five cottages tastefully done. Cost starts at Rs. 6,000 per day for two with all meals inclusive. Tel: (0) 98111 24222/94120 85448; www.himalayanlodges.com Must do: Trek to Hariyal and Vinayak or a day excursion to Nainital. Great sites for birding are at Kilbury, Pangot and Mungoli valley. Handy: A good pair of walking shoes and a pair of binoculars. Best time to visit: March to April is a special treat as the Rhododendron is in full bloom and entire hillsides can be rendered crimson by the colour of the blossoms.
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