At Magnolia Lodge, we believe your time here should be filled with discovery and wonder. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together a few suggested day plans that highlight the beauty, culture, and spirit of Kumaon.
A Day at a Glance
- Begin with a hearty breakfast as you take in the morning views.
- Choose from one of our thoughtfully suggested experiences.
- Travel comfortably with our experienced driver.
- Pause for lunch at charming cafés or scenic spots.
- Return in the evening to relax, enjoy the sunset, and share stories of the day.
THE MAGNOLIA LODGE
Suggested Experiences
– Culture & Spirituality
Ring the bells at Chitai Temple, where prayers fill the air.
Visit SOS Organics, pioneers of natural and sustainable living.
Explore the Almora Zoo & Eco Park for a touch of wildlife and greenery.
Stop for lunch at Mohan’s Café or the quirky Hobbit House.
Discover craftsmanship at the Women Weavers Handloom Factory.
Conclude at the peaceful Kasar Devi Temple, a haven for seekers and poets.
– Heritage & Valley Views
Step back in time at the Sun Temple of Katarmal.
Wander through the serene Guldar Valley.
Relax by the Kosi River or take a longer drive to the pine-covered meadows of Ranikhet.
– Town & Traditions
Stroll the lively streets of Almora Town.
Shop for antiques, copperware, and Kumaoni specialties at Lala Bazaar.
Take in wide views from Dolidaana.
Refresh yourself at hidden waterfalls, tucked away in nature.
4️⃣– Mystical Adventure
Venture to the Pataal Bhuvaneshwar Caves, steeped in mythology and awe-inspiring rock formations.
5️⃣– Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Adventure
Journey through winding forest trails in our 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver.
Discover the protected wilderness of Binsar, set at an altitude of about 7,500–8,000 ft.
Trek to the Zero Point, the highest vantage of Almora, with sweeping views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath peaks.
Walk beneath canopies of oak, rhododendron, and pine.
Spot wildlife such as barking deer, Himalayan black bear, and over 200 species of birds – making
Binsar a true paradise for nature lovers.
6️⃣ – Picnic at Simtola Eco Park
Spend a relaxing day at Simtola Eco Park, just a short drive from Almora.
Known for its towering pine and deodar forests, this eco-park is perfect for both adults and children.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the designated spots overlooking the hills and valleys.
Safe walking trails allow kids to explore freely, while adults can soak in the calm of nature.
The park also has open spaces, viewpoints, and forest paths, making it ideal for a leisurely family outing or a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature.
Dol Ashram (Lamgada)
Distance: 35 km A peaceful spiritual haven, Dol Ashram—also known as Mirtola Ashram—is a center for meditation and inner peace nestled in pine-covered hills, inviting seekers to experience calm, reflection, and silence in its purest form.
Kainchi Dham
Distance: 44 km Kainchi Dham is a spiritual retreat founded by the revered Neem Karoli Baba, known for its serene ambiance and devotional energy that draws pilgrims seeking peace and reflection.
Dhokane Waterfall
Distance: 24 km Dhokane Waterfall is a picturesque cascade tucked into the lush forests near Almora—ideal for a refreshing nature excursion, a picnic, a nature dip, or simply unwinding in the cool Himalayan air.
Kausani
Distance: 50 km Kausani is renowned for its sweeping Himalayan views and tranquil charm—perfect for a day trip to watch the sunrise over Trishul peak or visit Gandhi Ashram, offering natural beauty and philosophical calm in equal measure.
Nanda Devi Temple
Distance: 3.4 km Nanda Devi Temple stands as a symbol of Almora’s cultural soul, a centuries-old temple dedicated to the local goddess Nanda Devi, beautifully adorned during annual fairs and offering a serene spiritual space right in the heart of town.
Ranikhet
Distance: 45 km Ranikhet offers a scenic drive through pine forests and colonial-era charm, with churches, lush golf courses, and temple trails—ideal for a full-day excursion blending history, nature, and quiet elegance.
Balta Waterfall
Distance: 6.1 km Balta Waterfall offers a short nature getaway just minutes outside Almora, surrounded by greenery and chirping birds—perfect for a quiet stroll or a quick picnic.
Manaskhand Science Centre
Distance: 5 km Manaskhand Science Centre is a modern regional science center featuring interactive galleries on climate change, traditional medicine, a science park, innovation hub, and portable planetarium—a unique educational attraction minutes from the lodge.
Chittai Temple
Distance: 8 km Chittai Temple, near the revered Golu Devta Temple, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Kumaoni heritage and draws visitors seeking divine justice and blessings, marked by thousands of handwritten petitions tied in faith.
Jageshwar Dham
Distance: 40 km Jageshwar Dham is an ancient cluster of 108 stone temples nestled in deodar forests, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva—offering a spiritual journey wrapped in architectural grandeur and tranquil energy.
Kasar Devi Temple
Distance: 6.3 km Kasar Devi Temple is famed for its magnetic field and spiritual aura, attracting mystics, poets, and seekers for centuries. Overlooking Almora’s valleys, it’s perfect for introspection and calm.
Katarmal Sun Temple
Distance: 17 km Katarmal Sun Temple, dating back to the 9th century, showcases intricate stone carvings and historic Kumaoni architecture—an offbeat treasure for history lovers and cultural explorers.
Govind Ballabh Pant Museum
Distance: 0.8 mi / 1.3 km Govind Ballabh Pant Museum celebrates the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kumaon through artifacts, crafts, and ancient manuscripts—located right in Almora town.
Deer Park
Distance: 1.6 km Deer Park is a peaceful eco-spot near Almora, home to deer, leopards, and other wildlife set against pine forests—ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
Zero Point, Binsar
Distance: 22.7 km Zero Point, Binsar—the highest viewpoint in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary—offers stunning 360° views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul, a photographer’s dream and nature lover’s paradise.
Binsar
Distance: 30 km Binsar was once the summer capital of Kumaon’s Chand rulers; now a protected forest with peaceful trails, diverse flora and fauna—it’s a serene nature getaway.
Bright End Corner
Distance: 2 km Bright End Corner is known for its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views and also houses a library and meditation spot where Swami Vivekananda once stayed—ideal for early risers and soul seekers alike.
Simtola Eco Park
Distance: 4.6 km Simtola Eco Park is a refreshing green escape, perfect for short hikes, picnics, and nature photography—overlooking lush valleys and shaded by tall pine trees.
Kosi Barrage
Distance: 9 km Kosi Barrage offers dramatic river-valley views framed by oak and pine forests—great for photography, riverside picnics, or a peaceful nature break.
Patal Devi Temple
Distance: 2 km Patal Devi Temple is a 250-year-old shrine dedicated to one of Durga’s nine forms, built in Chand dynasty style. A beloved spiritual sanctuary known for peace, divine energy, and architectural grace.
Sharda Math
Distance: 8 km Sharda Math (Sharada Devi Temple) is a sacred haven dedicated to the Goddess of Wisdom and Learning. Perched on a hilltop, enveloped by deodar forests—it blends spiritual heritage with natural tranquility.
Malla Mahal
Distance: 1.2 km Malla Mahal, built during the Chand dynasty as part of the upper royal palace complex—near Almora Collectorate and Lala Bazaar—reflects Almora’s historic architecture and power center.
Almora Market
Distance: 1.5 km Almora Market encompasses Lala Bazaar (traditional woollens, Angora fabrics, brass artifacts), Kachari Bazaar (groceries, local food stalls), and Johari Bazaar (copperware, handmade goods, seasonal fruits).
Talla Mahal
Distance: 2 km Talla Mahal, near Kachari Bazaar, historically used for administrative or auxiliary royal functions—surrounded by old Almora bazaar, offering glimpses into Chand-era town planning and royal routines.
Mukteshwar
Distance: 42 km Mukteshwar is a peaceful hilltop retreat famed for its 350-year-old Shiva temple perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Himalayan panorama. Surrounded by deodar forests and orchards—it’s also a hotspot for rock climbing, rappelling at Chauli Ki Jali, and birdwatching.
Inside
Outside
A Day at a Glance
– Culture & Spirituality
– Heritage & Valley Views
– Town & Traditions
