Fredy’s Bungalow
Bhimtal, Uttaranchal
Drive for about 7 hours, northeast out of Delhi, and you’ll reach Kathgodam, the railhead for the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (aka Uttaranchal). A fun, 45-minute drive from there brings you to Bhimtal, built around one of the many tals (lakes) that Kumaon is known for.
Fredy’s Bungalow is in a forest, a short 5-minute drive from the bustle of Bhimtal. You’re definitely cut off from the crowds but the city’s attractions are still close by.
How to get there:
Drive from Delhi or get the train to Kathgodam and then proceed by cab.
By air:
New Delhi offers the best choice of flights and connections from across the country.
By rail:
Kathgodam offers both day and night trains to and from New Delhi.
By bus:
Buses ply the route from New Delhi to Kathgodam, from where you can take a cab to Fredy’s Bungalow.
Distances & travel times:
airport:
Delhi: 310 km / 7.5 – 8 hrs
railway station:
Kathgodam: 20 km / 45 mins
When to go:
March is when the hills start waking up to spring and the pleasant weather continues through to June, which makes it a fun time to visit. Escaping the heat is an added bonus.
October to December is a great time to watch the birds that migrate here for the winter.
Getting around:
You should drive up to Fredy’s as it’s a short 5-minute drive uphill from Bhimtal and public transport isn’t as dependable as it is back in the city. But even if you don’t drive, the management will gladly organise a driver who knows his way around.