Popularly called the gateway to Nainital, Jeolikot is a quaint hill station offering mesmerizing and panoramic views of the Himalayas. A serene environment and picturesque natural beauty make this small town perfect for a holiday away from the madding crowd. Jeolikot, with its orchards and flowering gardens, was a favorite with the British, and colonial cottages from that era (mostly turned into hotels today) hark back to those times. One of the most popular is the bungalow of Warwick Sahib, a retired British army official. Jeolikot also has a beekeeping center. Don’t forget to buy fresh and pure honey when you visit it. Look out for a variety of birds when you go for walks through the nearby villages and forests.
About Jeolikot
Jeolikot is surrounded by magnificent mountains, lush green forests and pine forests. This is an ideal place for those who are interested in floriculture and butterfly catching. Maintained by the horticulture department, every year visitors in large numbers come to the hill station to see flowers in bloom. Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, the well-known philosophers, spent a lot of time meditating on the hill around Jeolikot. Another important attraction of the hill station is the beekeeping center.
It is a place where honey bees are bread and honey is extracted. This place also offers some adventure activities like nature walks and bird watching. Jeolikot was a favorite haunt of the British during the colonial era. There are many cottages and hotels in Jeolikot, which have been built in colonial style. The house of Warwick Sahib, a retired British army major, is one of the main attractions. Another option for sightseeing in Jeolikot is the bungalow of a woman, believed to be a direct descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Places To Visit Around Jeolikot
It is said that Jeolikot is an untouched jewel in the crown of Nainital. Several tourist attractions in and around this place are a must-visit for every tourist.
1. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Pangot
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Kilbury Bird Sanctuary in Pangot is one of the most famous spots for birdwatching in Uttarakhand. Tourists can catch a glimpse of a number of rare species of birds at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, including forktails, white-throated laughingthrush, brown wood owls and collared grosbeaks. It is said that this sanctuary has nearly 580 different species of birds. Apart from birdwatching, tourists can also enjoy the beautiful landscape and natural setting at the sanctuary.
2. Naini Lake
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The Nainital Lake, which is popularly known as the Naini Lake, is one of the major tourist attractions near Jeolikot. Seven hills surround the lake and offers a magnificent view to tourists. This freshwater lake is also regarded as one of the most visited lakes in the country. Tourists can also enjoy boating at this lake and cherish the sight of the beautiful lake from every corner of the water body.
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3. Kaladhungi
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Kaladhungi is situated at a distance of about 26 km from Jeolikot and is located exactly on the foothill. This place is quite popular among tourists and remains crowded almost throughout the year. Kaladhungi houses a few waterfalls and has a beautiful natural setting that attracts a lot of tourists
4. Mukteshwar
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Located at a height of 2285 m, Mukteshwar is another nearby tourist attraction from Jeolikot in Nainital district. The place derives its name from a temple called Mukteshwar Dham, which is 350 years old. The temple is situated on the top of a mountain and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the marvellous Himalayan ranges from the top of this mountain.
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5. ARIES
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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is one of the leading research Institutes which specializes in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences. An autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the institute is situated at Manora Peak (1,951 m (6,401 ft)), about 9 km from Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, India. The astronomical observatory is open to the public during working days at afternoons, for night viewing however, three to four days on moonlight nights are fixed and prior permission is needed.
6. Jim Corbett National Park
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Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. The park-named for the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment-was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand The park acts as a protected area for the endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative. The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park’s ecological balance.
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How To Reach
By Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport situated 56 km away. The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Jeolikot can be easily covered in 1¼ hours. The airport is connected by Jagson Airlines on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Taxis from Pantnagar Airport to Jeolikot are easily available.
By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, situated 18 km before Jeolikot. The distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to Jeolikot can be easily covered in an hour. Kathgodam is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. Taxis from Kathgodam to Jeolikot are easily available
By Road: Jeolikot is well connected by motorable roads to major cities in northern India. Buses and taxis to Jeolikot are easily available. It is situated 17 km before Nainital on NH-87.
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Weather of Jeolikot
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Joelikot experiences three distinct seasons throughout the year, each with its own unique characteristics. The summer season stretches from March to June, bringing moderately hot temperatures to the region. During this period, the maximum temperature typically reaches around 20 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature hovers around 12 degrees Celsius. Despite the warmth, the summer months are generally pleasant, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and bask in the sunshine. Between the summer and winter seasons, Joelikot experiences a monsoon season from July to September. This period is characterized by moderate rainfall, which brings a refreshing burst of greenery to the region.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to experience the serene weather of Jeolikot, make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jeolikot
How to reach Uttarakhand?
One can reach Uttarakhand by air, train, and road. Uttarakhand has two airports, one of them is The Jolly Grant Airport, which is located near Dehradun. The other airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is located near Nainital. For budget-friendly travellers, Uttarakhand also has railway stations that provide rail connectivity with all the major cities and towns in India. The state also has approximately 1,328 km of national highways, thus making it easily accessible via road transport such as buses and private cars.
Which is the most beautiful place in Uttarakhand?
Some of the beautiful places to visit here are Mussoorie known as the Queen of the Hills, Auli which is the skiing destination, and Nainital for its beautiful Naini Lake and mesmerizing sunset views.
Which is better, Auli or Nainital?
Auli is a skiing destination, and if one wants to have an adventurous trip, then one can find a lot of exciting things to do in Auli in winter. If a tranquil vacation is on the mind, then one can have an amazing time by the Naini Lake in Nainital.
Does Uttarakhand have snow?
Yes, it snows in a lot of places during winter in Uttarakhand. The top destinations to enjoy snow in the state are Auli, Dhanaulti, and Chakrata.
What are some weekend getaways in Uttarakhand from Delhi?
Some weekend getaways from Delhi in Uttarakhand are Nainital at a distance of around 335 km, Jim Corbett National Park at a distance of 280 km, Lansdowne at a distance of 288 km, Rishikesh at a distance of 268 and Ranikhet which is around 390 km from Delhi.
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