Wednesday, 25 March 2015

A Walk Through The Himalayan Forests

The northern most part of India is characterized by elevated landscape owing to the slopes of the mighty Himalayas. Nestled among the luxurious flora typical to this region is a small township, Almora, located in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. The city dwellers are attracted to this area for its natural beauty in form of remarkable view of the peaks of the Himalayan ranges and abundance of the native flora of the region. KlamatiaSangam, our Himalayan resort offers to give the visitors a pleasant stay among the natural beauty of the region.

View from the resort
This Himalayan resort is situated seven Kilometers above the Almora town which is at the foothills of the Himalayas.The region is covered with forest belonging to sub-tropical type comprising mostly of deciduous variety of trees and some of sub-temperate forest mostly with evergreen vegetation. While walking to visit the Chitai bell temple or going for treks and picnics you will have to go through these forests. The region is inhabited by almost four thousand species of trees due to its great range of elevation as well as temperature and precipitation.

Chir Pine Forest
The forest cover of this region consists of mainly Sal and Chir/ Pine. Sal is a deciduous type of plant whereas Chir/ Pine are evergreens. Other type of vegetation consists of Vijayasar, Ramal and Faliyal Oak. Another type of forest found in abundance here is Rhododendron with profusion of colorful flowers from its branches. At a slightly higher elevation you can come across Deodar, Horse Chestnut and few categories of Oak trees.

This zone is famous for remarkable variety of birds with magnificent and colorful plumage. The commonly seen bird species are Brown fronted Woodpecker, Bar tailed tree creeper, Scaly breasted Munia, Red beaked blue Magpie, Partridge, Grey Shrike, Himalayan whistling Thrush, Pheasants, Grey headed Flycatcher, Himalayan Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Eurasian Jay, Black headed Jay, Owl, Eagle, Himalayan Cuckoo etc. Area around our Himalayan resort is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Walk through the jungle 



The surrounding region is also home to a number of animals. You will see different types of Monkeys, Langur, Leopard, Kakar, Goral, Fox, Chital etc.

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Kalmatia Sangam- A Natural and Spiritual Holiday

A boutique resort in Almora, Kalmatia Sangam offers you a holiday which is a dream come true. Set in the backdrop of mighty Himalayas with lush green foliage surrounding it you can feel the cool pure breeze washing away the tiredness of the body and mind. Our resort is situated in the Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand. This property nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, offers you a spectacular view of the mighty mountain range from all its cottages.
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The cottages are beautifully decorated catering to a diverse variety of people who come to spend their time in our property. These stone cottages promise you a comfortable living while being away from your home amongst the wilderness. This place is famous for bird watching as large numbers of birds of various species are native to this area or visit it at certain time of the year. Waking up to the chirping of different birds is a luxury you can enjoy here.

Once you step out, breath in the pure cool air and cleanse your lungs. Walk to the terraced restaurant for your breakfast where you have the mountain peak as your view and a mild sun warming your body. After a sumptuous breakfast you can start your day with various activities that the resort offers.

Amongst all other activities, visit to the ancient temples is quite popular as there are number of old temples in this area. The Chitai Bell temple has thousands of brass bells hanging. These are offerings by devotees, a sign of wishes fulfilled by God. Then there is Kasar Devi temple where Goddess Kasar Devi is worshipped. Both the temples are situated near the resort and are within walking distance. The walk itself is highly enjoyable as you have to walk through rhododendron, pine and deodar forests. You will be able to see some exotic birds and small animals as well.

Some of the temples like Jageshwari temple have magnificent carvings on the walls dated back to 8thCentury. There are about hundred and fifty temples clustered together on the premises. The Katarmal Sun temple, also very old, has some beautiful carvings on its stone wall. Here too you will find forty five small temples surrounding the main temple.



The other activities which we recommend in our boutique resort are Kumaoni village walk, massage and spa, yoga, bird watching and visit to the Binsar wildlife sanctuary.

Friday, 13 February 2015

Seasons in Kumaon


Seasons in Kumaon are every bit as beautiful in Summer as they are in Winter, the Kumaon has five very distinct seasons, Monsoon being one of them.

Kalmatia Sangam located in the heart of Kumaon region offers year round trails, treks, getaways and relaxation options from Spring - when it all beings, to Winter - the "Grand Finale".

Spring & Summer
Rainy Day at Kalmatia Sangam
Escape from the furnace of the plains to be greeted by cool, pine scented breezes, the song of birds and a variety of butterflies.

Spring
Blue skies, tender green leaves, blossoming fruit trees, the forests ablaze with rhododendron flowers and magnificent views of the snowy peaks.

Summer
Refreshing rain storms now and then, providing a lucky split in the cloud cover with slight glimpses of the Himalayan peaks. Gardens blooming with wild lilies and sweet scented roses.

Monsoon
With no incessant rains, as in other hill stations, Kumaon is fresh and pleasant. Lush, deep green and with a riot of colours from the many varieties of wild flowers and mushrooms - both edible (Chanterelle) and non-edible.

Chances of sudden, dramatic views of the Himalaya.  A paradise of wild herbs.

Autumn
Lazy, golden days with clear skies and usually crisp, clear Himalayan views.

Snow Covered cottages at Kalmatia Sangam
Wild cherry trees loaded with gorgeous pink and white blossom and the village houses a pretty sight with fat, yellow pumpkins and red chillies drying on the roof tops.

Ideal days for hikes and cosy evenings in front of the "bukhari" wood stove, toasting one's feet to keep out the chill.

Winter
300 km of unhampered Himalayan views; Clear, crisp air as intoxicating as champagne!

Early mornings at Kalmatia Sangam; An island surrounded by an ocean of mists which slowly disperse with the warmth of the rising sun.

Monday, 29 December 2014

Accommodation in Kalmatia Sangam

Almora- a small town in Kumaon district in Uttarakhand is a scenic destination in the foothills of Himalayas. With the majestic mountain ranges surrounding the town, Almora has some of the best resorts in Himalayas. Kalmatia Sangam, a 14 acres property is one of the best places to stay in while you are visiting this region. It is seven kilometers away from the town and is surrounded by lush green flora.

The accommodation in our resort consists of ten cottages spread around the property which are tastefully decorated and provides all types of comforts that you expect in any other premiere establishment. Each cottage has a stunning view of the surrounding mountain ranges. This region is famous for number of exotic bird species, therefore all cottages in our resort is named after birds.

Bedroom, Eagle's Nest Cottage 
If you are coming with a family of four or in a large group, Eagle’s Nest would be the most suitable for your requirement. It is a duplex cottage with a sitting room and a large bedroom. A separate sleeping area is provided for the children. If you have a larger group you can always ask for extra bedding. This cottage is named after various types of eagles which are native to this region.

Another species of bird which frequent this region is Himalayan Magpie. Our octagonal cottage constructed out of stone is named after this bird species. This is one of our small cottages built for a newlywed couple or a small family.

The next cottage is named after a common variety of bird which is found in this region called Himalayan Cuckoo. It has more space and the bedroom is quite spacious to accommodate a family of four. There is a separate living area too. The bedroom is attached to a large sun terrace which gives you a spectacular view of the mountains.

The next cottage is called Hoopoe which is another common bird species found here. It is situated below Cuckoo and is also quite spacious to accommodate a family with children. It has a bedroom with double bedding and a small sitting area. Extra bedding can be provided if you ask for it.

Sitting Area, Scarlet Minivet Cottage 
Two common varieties of birds in this region are Pheasant and Patridge. Two of our cottages are names after these. They are built with two level accommodations with a view to accommodate bigger groups or family. They have balconies with mountain view.

Our more compact cottage is called Owl which is a common species in this area. This cottage is set on a lower level nearer to the reception. This is ideal for elderly or a single person. This cottage provides twin bedding and a small sitting area. There is a veranda with sitting arrangement.

Scarlet Minivet is a tropical bird with a black and scarlet body. Our next cottage is named after this bird species. The stone cottage bearing the name of this bird is similarly built like owl.

Kalmatia Sangam, one of the best Himalayan resorts, provides you with a comfortable accommodation and makes your stay a memorable one.


Monday, 8 December 2014

A Visit To The Binsar Wildlife Santuary

The Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is famous for its natural beauty, fresh clean air and snow capped Himalayan peaks. Among such scenic surrounding Kalmatia Sangam offers you a holiday which will refresh your body and mind. It is a destination resort which is set on a hill top 10 KMs away from Almora town. The clean mountain air and the scenic beauty will rejuvenate you and help you appreciate the view of great peaks of Himalayas and the flora and fauna found in this region. The drive from Kathgodam to the resort is a wonderful experience when you get the first sight of the Himalayan peaks and look down upon the green valleys and rippling river below, while you head towards the resort.

We, at this destination resort aspire to spoil you with a comfortable stay with proper amenities and tasty food. We plan out some activities for you so that you are able to enjoy all the things that this place has to offer. A trip to Binsar Wild Life Sanctuary is worth a visit while you are holidaying with us.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is set in the deep forest, 33 Km from Almora. It is a home for many birds, out of which number of them are migratory. So if you are a bird watcher or interested in wildlife Binsar Sanctuary is the place which will hold your interest. The sanctuary is also meant to conserve and protect the broad leaf Oak forest which is an endangered species. There are about 200 species of bird found in this region like Laughing Thrush, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Monal, types of Pheasant, Magpies, and Woodpeckers etc.

Situated on the slopes of the mountain Binsar Sanctuary has Rhododendron and Oak forest at the higher level and a vast expanse of Pine forest at the lower level. The place is thriving with alpine flora, hanging moss, ferns and wild flowers. The serene atmosphere will allow you to enjoy the gifts the nature has to offer among their natural surroundings. The view of the Himalayan peaks from the sanctuary is spectacular.

The sanctuary is the home of many animals like Leopard, Musk Deer, Chital, Black Bear, Pine Marten, Langur, Fox, Monkeys, Porcupine, Ghoral etc. You will find a wide range of butterflies flitting in the forest as well as many reptiles and invertebrates.


Spend the day in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary walking through the Rhododendron forest along the gushing streams and enjoy the hearing the sounds of birds singing among the tranquility of the surroundings.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

A Natural Holiday Destination in Himalayas

Getting away from the hustle bustle of daily life seems like an attractive proposition during the holiday season. Cool weather, clean air to breath, greenery all around and absence of traffic is our aim when we think of a holiday. Almora a small city in Kumaon offers an ideal option. Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is the exact destination for this purpose. Set on a hill top with a backdrop of mighty Himalayas we offer you a luxurious holiday to refresh and relax you.

The view is breathtaking when you look around after reaching the resort. All the cottages that we offer for accommodation have a view of the snow capped Himalayas from their veranda and most of the famous Himalayan peaks are visible on a clear morning. Your sense of well being gets heightened when you walk into the sunlit terrace to have your first meal of the day. Breakfast on an open terrace with tall Himalayan peaks all around you is a sight unparallel to any that you have experienced in your life.

Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya resort is a mix of natural and modern lifestyle. While we offer to take you on a walk through Kumaon village with traditional living, our cottages are equipped with every modern amenities that you may require during your stay with us. The food that you eat in our Sangam restaurant is a mix of traditional and continental. While we have our spicy Indian menu, we also offer Thai, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.

We have special offers for our guests depending on the duration of their stay. We have a special discount for retired army officers. They get 20% off on all meal plans and accommodation. We also have special offers coming up from time to time depending on the duration of your stay. As of now we offer a night stay free with 5 nights of your stay on occupancy of some of our cottages. Children below 5 years get to stay free. Also your breakfast is free including taxes. Another attraction of our resort is that if you are a pet lover and is travelling with your pet, we offer free pet accommodation!

We plan your holiday in such a way that you have maximum activities with the nature. There are large number of birds which frequent this area and you will get to see a quite a number of exotic and unusual species.  Also a trip to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an opportunity to see the fauna that exists in this part of the country.

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

The Himalyan View from Kalmatia Sangam

The most important consideration that you make while planning a holiday in Himalayas is that, apart from enjoying the tranquility and the natural beauty of the place, you should get an unhampered view of the majestic peaks of the great mountain chain. Selecting the right Himalayan hotel is very important towards this thought. Kalmatia Sangam set in the foot hills of Himalayas offers you  the best view of the great peaks of the snow clad mountain range. Surrounded by forests of cedar, pine and rhododendron Kalmatia Sangam is the perfect gateway to a relaxed and an enchanting holiday.

We at this Himalayan hotel strive to give you best possible services in terms of sightseeing, holiday activities, food and a comfortable stay in our well maintained accommodations. All our cottages are surrounded by green flora typical at the altitude of 2000m. There is an abundance of cedar, cypress, pines, mimosa, rhododendron and other species around the property. The cottages are set apart, some are at a bit of elevation with the Himalayan flora around them. The accommodations are also set to give you an unhampered view of the Himalayas.

Most of our cottages have verandas from where you can see the snow covered mountains at the distance. You can see the sun setting over the mountains and can spend hours drinking in the beautiful architecture of the nature. We serve our breakfast in the open aired terrace from which you can observe the sunrise over the Trishul range. From the cottages of Himalayan Magpie and Eagles nest you get a constant view of the far away show covered peaks of the mountain.

While being with us we arrange trips to the ancient temples of Kasar Devi and Jageshwar. From Jageshwar you can see the whole range of Nandadevi standing majestically for you to admire. The views of the great Himalayas are truly awe inspiring and it is an experience that you would remember long after the holiday is over.