The Retreat
Bhimtal, Uttaranchal
Drive north-east from New Delhi for around 7 hours and you will reach Kathgodam, the railhead for the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. A further 45-minute drive will bring you to Bhimtal, one of the many tals (lakes) that Kumaon is famed for.
Nestled in the forest above Bhimtal, The Retreat is just off its main road but a world away from its buzz, so you have both privacy as well as access.
How to get there:
Driving is your best option. Otherwise get the train to Kathgodam and then take a taxi from there to The Retreat.
By air:
New Delhi is the nearest airport and offers the widest range of flights and connections from across the country. Proceed from Delhi by road or rail.
By rail:
Kathgodam offers a convenient choice of 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 taxi to reach The Retreat.
Distances & travel times:
airport:
Delhi: 310 km / 7.5 – 8 hrs
railway station:
Kathgodam: 19 km / 45 mins
When to go:
March and April are the best months to watch Spring bring Bhimtal to life.
September to November is perfect for enjoying the various walks around the property, and for watching migratory birds take up residence.
Getting around:
The Retreat is a 5-minute drive uphill from the main road, so having one’s own car is ideal.
Also, public transport is limited to local buses and shared taxis, so they might not go where you want to.
But if you don’t drive up here you can still get around. The Retreat will arrange for local drivers who know their way around the sights.