Do you feel the urge to leave everything and travel to a peaceful location where you can relax in nature without any honking or crowds? Then we have just the place for you!
Jaiharikhal, located in Uttarakhand, is the ideal destination for those who would give anything to refresh their body and mind away from city chaos. It is an extremely peaceful location and, thus, is rated as one of Uttarakhand’s most desirable destinations.
Stay in the village surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests and wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and charming mountain views. What else does one want on a relaxing holiday anyways?
If you are curious to know what to do in Jaiharikhal, how to reach it, the best time to visit, and more, keep scrolling.
Why should you plan a trip to Jaiharikhal Uttarakhand?
If you are a nature lover and a trekker, then without a doubt, Jaiharikhal is your place to be. The beauty of the Himalayas from your hotel’s balcony will be a spellbinding sight that will make your Delhi to Jaiharikhal trip unforgettable.
During the summer and rainy seasons, this place is filled with the aroma of fragrant flowers and green grass cover. As winter approaches, the Himalayas’ views get more enchanting than ever.
Tourists interested in Jaiharikhal’s wildlife must know that tigers are the most common in the area and can be seen sunbathing atop hills (locals have many stories to share). Other than tigers, black bears, deer, common leopards, and more animals can be spotted.
The avifauna is also quite rich, which makes Jaiharikhal a paradise for birdwatchers. Some famous bird species include barbets, flycatchers, woodpeckers, bearded vultures, steppe eagles, black eagles, and jet-black jungle crows. Hire a naturalist who could help you identify the birds.
Where is Jaiharikhal located in Uttarakhand, and how to reach it?
Jaiharikhal is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is a separate village under Gram Panchayat Jaiharikhal. Besides, Jaiharikhal is a middle Himalayan village full of dense oak vegetation on the slopes.
Jaiharikhal lies in the Pauri Garhwal District in Uttarakhand, which opens roads to other beautiful places in the state. For instance, Kotdwar to Jaiharikhal distance is about 38 km, which has the nearest railway station.
Hire public buses or private taxis from outside the railway station, which will take you to Lansdowne. You have to hire a separate vehicle as Lansdowne to Jaiharikhal distance is about 5 km. But Indian Holiday provides private transfers in the package, saving you from all this hassle.
Further, Gumkhal to Lansdowne distance is only 12 km. If you are planning a Jaiharikhal tour from a metro city, then Delhi to Jaiharikhal distance is about 280 km.
One of the nearest and biggest cities in Uttarakhand is Dehradun, with an airport, bus station, and railway station, and it is 154 km from Jaiharikhal.
What are the Jaiharikhal weather conditions like?
Nestled at 1,700 meters above sea level, Jaiharikhal experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Uttarakhand, particularly Jaiharikhal, is from October to April.
The maximum temperature in winter remains around 10ºC and goes down to 0ºC at night. Thus, it is suggested to carry warm and heavy winter jackets, gloves, socks, etc. The snowfall covering the entire area is a beautiful sight that will be etched in your memory forever.
If you plan a summer vacation in Jaiharikhal for peace, then Jaiharikhal weather will be pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 25ºC to 5ºC. For rainy weather in Jaiharikhal, visit between mid-June and mid-September.
Though most tourists from across the country visit Lansdowne, you can plan a peaceful retreat in Jaiharikhal in summer, a major tourist season. April to June and September to October is the time with the major inflow of tourists to Jaiharikhal.
The backstory of Jaiharikhal
In the local language of this region, Lansdowne is called “Kaladanda.” Lord Lansdowne founded this place in 1887 AD; thus, Lansdowne is named after him.
It is the perfect place for ecotourism, preserved by the Uttarakhand Government and the Garhwal Rifles. Still, many did not know about Jaiharikhal, a more scenic and quiet place than Lansdowne.
The road from Lansdowne to Jaiharikhal is called “thandi sadak,” or a cool road, where Indians weren’t allowed during British rule, and only Britishers were allowed to visit. Now the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army have their command office at this same location, where the youth of the Garhwal region are trained to serve in the Indian Army.
Places of interest in Jaiharikhal Uttarakhand
Though the best location in Jaiharikhal will be your hotel balcony offering enchanting views of the mountains, there are a few tourist places in and around Jaiharikhal you can explore for a more enjoyable time here. Some of them are listed below.
Santoshi Mata Temple
Set atop a hill in Bonda Village, Santoshi Mata Mandir, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Goddess Santoshi. You have to climb around 100 stairs to get to the temple, and if you are elderly people with you, there are other places to visit near Jaiharikhal.
In addition, the temple has no priests, however, melodious bhajans are played over the speakers during the evening. The views of the sunset are also breathtaking from here. We suggest you carry your camera to capture the beauty.
- Entry fee: None
- Timings: Any time of the day (preferably 12-1 pm)
Tip N Top Point
Among the best Jaiharikhal tourist places, Tip N Top Point is heaven for nature lovers. Tip N Top is also called Tiffin Top and is a tiny viewpoint at 2,290 meters above sea level to witness majestic mountain views.
The highest point in Lansdowne, this viewpoint is encircled by oak and pine trees and abounds in verdant greenery that adds charm to the place. You can spend a peaceful moment here by yourself or your loved ones and watch the spectacular Garhwal Hills.
- Entry fee: None for Tiffin Top, horse riding: INR 500-700
- Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
St. Mary’s Church
Located about 5 km from Jaiharikhal, St. Mary’s Church is an Anglican Church near the Tip N Top Point. Built by Col. A.H.B Hume of the Royal Engineers, the church has beautiful Victorian-style architecture that interests many admirers. It has stunning stained glass windows and a picture gallery. A 10-minute documentary on Lansdowne’s and Garhwal Rifles’ history is played here. The church’s construction started in 1895 and was completed in 1896. But after 1947, it was closed and converted into a museum.
- Entry fee: INR 10 per person
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday, Audio Visual Presentation: 8 AM
Bhulla Tal Lake
Also situated 5 km from Jaiharikhal, Bhulla Tal is a gorgeous location for couples and families. Take your kids or, better half, to this lake for a rejuvenating picnic. The quietness and the serenity of nature here will soothe your senses. Make sure to visit Bhulla Tal during the off-season, as it gets crowded during peak months. It is an artificial lake and means “Young Brother” in the Garhwali language. Also, the lake is dedicated to the young Garhwali people of Garhwal Rifles who helped build it. Apart from picnics, boating is a much-enjoyed activity here.
- Entry fee: Free for walking, boating charges INR 50 per person for adults
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
St. John’s Church
On your Uttaranchal Tour Itinerary, visit St. John’s Church, established in 1936 under Agra Diocese’s supervision. Being the only running church near Jaiharikhal, it is visited by hundreds of tourists who visit Lansdowne.
The church has marvelous interiors that strike the tourists and leave them in awe. After the independence of India, this church was abandoned for years and eventually was handed to the Government of India in 1951. Its colonial architecture and the location where it is located entice tourists from places nearby.
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Darwan Singh Museum
Constructed in 1923, Darwan Singh Museum is one of the best museums near Jaiharikhal to know about the region’s defense history. As the name suggests, the museum is named after Darwan Singh, a Victoria Cross holder. It was built in 1923 to honor the achievement unlocked by Garhwal Rifles, and therefore, it is popularly called “Pride of Lansdowne”. The museum has two storeys housing a rare collection of army personnel’s uniforms, arms, and photographs. So if you want to know the city’s historical past, this museum is an important place to visit in Lansdowne.
- Entry fee: INR 50 per person
- Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is ancient and dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 40 km away from Jaiharikhal. Seek blessings from the divine at this temple, among the holiest sites known as Siddha Piths. The temple has open pools where you can bathe before entering the sanctum sanctorum, and closed pools are for women. The premises has a kund with holy water used for bathing Shivling. Mahashivratri is the best time to visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple and celebrate the festival with locals. Devotees often visit in large numbers to offer prayer to Lord Shiva and ring bells.
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
Where can you stay in Jaiharikhal for a peaceful holiday?
Though the Jaiharikhal hotels are not five-star, they offer the best amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and more at affordable rates. The main attraction of the Jaiharikhal hotels is the views from the balcony and the simplicity with which locals welcome you. If that is what you are looking for, here are a few recommendations for places to stay in Jaiharikhal.
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The Woods Retreat
Address: 2 Km, Milestone Block Office Road, Jaiharikhal, Uttarakhand
| Why Choose? | 4 Star Property, mountain view, shared lounge, terrace, car rentals, free parking, facilities for disabled guests, massage facilities, live music performances |
| Room Amenities | balcony, private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, non-smoking rooms, family rooms |
| Restaurant on-site | The Glass House serves Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. |
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Oak Grove Inn
Address: Oak Grove Inn, Jaiharikhal, Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
| Why Choose? | 3 Star property but home-like stay, inner courtyard view, mountain views, bed and breakfast, private entrance, outdoor fireplace, picnic area, sun terrace, private check-in/check-out, tour or class about local culture |
| Room Amenities | A flat-screen TV, sofa bed, clothes rack, wardrobe, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, |
| Restaurant on-site | One restaurant on-site serves Continental and Asian cuisine. |
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Jai Hari Jungle Resort
Address: Nearby P.W.D Colony, District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Jaiharikhal, Adjacent to Windsor Cottage
| Why Choose? | Magnificent mountain views, peaceful environment, caretaker, multilingual staff, garden area, garden area, outdoor balcony with the sit-out area, bonfire, luggage assistance |
| Room Amenities | Attached bathrooms, flat screen TV, private entrance, comfortable beds, fan, electric chargers, room service |
| Restaurant on-site | Home-like food available |
That is it for this post! If you plan a holiday for peace and nature, Jaiharikhal in Uttarakhand is the perfect location. Club this location with Lansdowne to explore the best of both places. Pack your bags with essentials and spend a few days in the lap of nature, wake up to the breathtaking views, and explore the well-known attractions for a memorable Uttarakhand holiday. For a tailor-made tour, connect with travel experts at Indian Holiday, who will design Lansdowne tour packages, including Jaiharikhal, as per your requirements. So what are you waiting for?