Hartola is one of the best kept secrets of Uttarakhand, hidden in the magnificent Himalayas with a total population of only 700…..

Hartola, the village is well forested with pine, cedar (deodar) and oak trees, part of a preserved forest of the greater Maheshkhan forest range. It offers a shaded and calming chill. The village has numerous orchards with apple, apricot, pear, peach, plum that bear blossoms in the spring with fruits harvested in late summer and over the monsoon. To the north is a large open valley with terraced farms rolling down to the tributaries of River Kosi. Past which in the distance are the grand Himalayan peaks offering gorgeous crystal clear views. You witness the Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandaghunti, Chowkhamba and other peaks looming large, glorious and magnificent. On a clear day one can easily spot the Kedar Dome and Gangotri Peaks to the far west into the Garhwal province, a wide panoramic vista. The Munsiyai range of the Panchuli cluster is visible to the east. The forest and the orchard draws and sustains a very healthy population of resident and migrant birdlife. Seasoned birders who have been to Binsar or Pangot have been impressed with the wide variety witnessed in Hartola. Next to the main road on a hilltop you have the Devi Mandir. A Durga Temple, which is abuzz during Navratri drawing people from near and far. For the rest of the year it’s a place of solace with grand Himalayan views, as you climb the tortuous walking path past the orchards, with natural herbs like rosemary, oregano and dill by the wayside. The nights will welcome you with captivating views of Akash Ganga (the Milkyway) in the dark skies above along with the known constellations. You soak in the views of a plethora of lamp-like diyas with flickering lights marking the towns of Ranikhet and Almora in the distance. While from Hartola you may do day trips to Mukteshwar, Almora, Binsar, Kasar Devi, Ranikhet, Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiyatal. You may do short hikes and village walks of varying grades of difficulty while at DevShakti – to the Devi Top, to the forest clusters, or simply stroll the village paths meandering through orchards. Meet the friendly villages who are lovely to speak to, simple yet graceful. While coming to or going down to the plains, one can club Corbett National Park which is a 3hour drive, a rich natural reserve with diverse flora and fauna including the Royal Bengal Tiger. From Hartola, Binsar Sanctuary past Almora in the hills is also a mere 3 hours drive. It is a well-known place for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Pangot and Sattal, Naukuchiyatal are also major draws for birders and wild-life photographers. Hartola itslef is rich in bird life, so is nearby Mukteshwar.