There is a rustic charm in the mystical towns of Himalayas which always fascinates me. Iam yet to comprehend those alluring persuade though. The magical spell of its untainted, unspoiled air which works wonders on me. Strolling through the astounding green pastures amidst beautiful landscape always feels like a dream. Waking up to melodious chirpings amidst the snow capped mountains never fail to send me in to a trance. Maybe it’s the myriad unheard stories I have stumbled upon luckily or the prevailing humbleness which bowls me

The inquisitiveness to come back to these tranquil mountains keeps me on toe. This time I landed myself into the tiny heart of Uttarakhand Peora, which is nestled amidst the picturesque valley of Kumaon region, abounded by dense pine forests and majestic Shivalik range in the background. I was more curious to come after a friend’s singing paens about Peora on his dreamy stay here. He cycled through the secluded trails and feasted amidst lush expanses of green, plucking fresh fruits from apple orchards and stuffing his pockets with freshly fallen pine cones.

I took a Shatabdi till the nearest railway station Kathgodam and a cab thereafter to reach Peora which is located in the district of Nainital and closest to Mukteshwar (10 kms) & Almora (28 Kms). Also known as the fruit bowl of Uttarakhand, this eco-tourism spot is at a height of 6,600 ft above sea level. The entire region is clad with sal, pine, oak, buruns, kaphal and rhododendron trees, which are generally found in sub-alpine zone.

Upon reaching Peora, the breeze smelled so fresh and calm. My content eyes turned to notice the fullness of green which made the breathing in the environment felt so serene. With the pristine views and wilderness around I couldn’t help but to stroll through the forest to the valley below. I could listen to the melodious chirpings in the background as I observed the conventional tiled-roof on the scattered village huts. With people engrossed in their daily routine, I could see that the life in this region revolves around fruit gardening, which is the primary source of income. From apples, plums, peaches to apricots, pomegranate everything grows here. YOU NAME IT, THEY GROW IT!

After my village walk, I sat in my guesthouse enjoying my evening tea. As I watched hue of yellow light falling over the mountains my mind jolted. Lives here have limited resources to earn but tons of satisfaction and contentment on face.  I wondered that comforts of our modern day life are worth sacrificing to live so close to nature. May be someday I would be able to live this dream. Imagine in this close-knit community of Peora where everyone knows everyone else, the only tourist in me seemed like a stranger yet welcomed with wide open arms.

Peora is an absolute paradise for wildlife and bird enthusiasts. I feasted my eyes enough with the colours of vivid avian guests during my village walk spotted in the forest and across the country side. The cover of star studded night blanket and far off twinkles from Almora town filled me with much joy. Day treks are also organised to the nearby village to soak in the cultural and social milieu of the place.

Peora isn’t a destination that comes with a promise of thrilling activities. It urges you to slow down. Relish nature’s sights and sounds in the serene lap of the Himalayas and give life a path. A series of tapered, zigzag roads surrounded by fragrant pine trees will lead you to this little hill station tucked inside the belly of Uttarakhand’s rolling hills. Definitely for the ones who want to get break free from shackles of city life.

Fast Facts:

• Distance from Delhi: 352 Kms
• Time taken: 7-8 hours by road
• Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam and Taxi thereafter
• Nearest Bus Station: Haldwani from where reaching Peora will take 3.5 hours
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar which is 110 kms from Peora

Best time to visit

• Peora is good to visit all around the year. Each season adds a flavour to the destination. During summers the afternoons are warmer though mornings & evenings are pleasant. Winters are cold.
• Monsoons paint the valley with lush greens and small waterfalls on your way to this quaint hamlet makes it a fun drive. October till March is the time to get best views of snow capped Shivalik ranges

Place to stay: The colonial set up of Dak Bungalow impressed me

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