Activities in and around Itmenaan Estate
Experiences At Itmenaan Estate
At Itmenaan Estate, you may choose to just ‘do nothing’ – Laze around or read a book, enjoy the warmth of campfire, gaze at the countless stars in night time sky or admire mesmerising valleys and snow clad peaks. For those who are a little more adventurous, there are a number of activities on offer to keep your busy
Walk to Ghantika Temple
Visit our village’s sacred local temple, Ghantika, for a touch of peace and tranquility. Located at the highest point in the area, the setting of the temple is blissfull and the views are awe-inspiring. The vastness of the mountains, valleys and the skies makes one feel insignificant but also connected to something bigger than oneself.
During the walk up to the temple, you will also pass the village’s local market. Here you can have a cup of tea or pakoras. This is also a great opportunity to interact with the welcoming villagers.
Waterfall walk
Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure to discover a hidden gem – a small yet mesmerizing waterfall. As you make your way through the scenic trail, the melodious chirping of birds will accompany you, adding to the charm of the journey. Upon reaching the waterfall, the captivating sight of the cascading water and the tranquil surroundings will leave you in awe.
During this walk, you will also see a local small bridge over a stream and a traditional flour mill that uses the force of the stream to grind the cereals
Birding Tour
Wake up to birdsong at Itmenaan Estate and step into a world made for bird lovers. Our guided birding walks take you through terraced fields, oak and rhododendron forests, and quiet village paths where you can spot barbets, woodpeckers, sunbirds, laughingthrushes and many more Himalayan species in their natural habitat. Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious beginner, our tranquil setting, slow pace, and stunning mountain views make every sighting feel special—more than a checklist, it’s a deeply relaxing way to connect with nature.
Cost: ₹4,500 for one adult + ₹500 per additional member
Village Walk
You get to see a glimpse of people living in our Himalayan village of Naugaon. This remote village unspoiled by modern life (mostly) enables you to experience rural India from close quarters. The rugged terrain, the simple, traditional houses, and the hardworking people going about their daily chores. It is as if time had stood still in this part of the world.
During this walk you will also be able to experience the beautiful setting of our estate, see the village market and some other viewpoints. It is also common for you to invited for a cup of tea by some local. They do it out of their kindness, no fee is expected.
All the walks mentioned above are guided with a member of our team accompanying you. Unless mentioned otherwise, the walks are complimentary. If you would like an English speaking guide, extra charges are applicable.
Experiences Around Itmenaan Estate
The setting of Itmenaan Estate in the Kuamon Hills, allows for various excursions suitable for all tastes. The experiences on offer cover cultural, social or nature based activities. For all the excursions, mentioned below, a car will be required. The staff at the estate may be able to help you rent a taxi.
Jageshwar Temple Visit
A 45-minutes drive from the estate takes you to Jageshwar Temples. The drive is through the omnipresent pines, oaks and rhododendrons and the moment you reach in the vicinity of the temples, you enter the amazing world of deodar trees. Jageshwar comprises a group of about 124 stone temples dating between the 9th and 13th century AD. Jageshwar is believed to be the site of one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlings’ and hence occupies a prominent position on Hindu pilgrimage.
You can spend about an hour there, and our staff can arrange a picnic lunch with 3-course meal. Relax and unwind for a while and drive back to estate in 45 mins.
Chitai Temple and SOS Factory Visit
An hour’s drive from the estate is another famous temple of the region, the Chitai Temple dedicated to Golu Devta, who is considered to be the God of Justice. As one approaches the temple, the first thing that strikes you is hundreds of bells hanging at the entrance. People come to the temple to make a wish to Golu Devta; those who are not able to personally visit the temple, write letters to Him seeking justice. Once a wish is fulfilled people come and hang a brass bell on any of the temple walls, and hence the sea of bells all over the temple.
A local manufacturing and packing centre for organic soaps and local produce, called SOS Organics, is a short walk from the temple. You may visit them for some local shopping. We can arrange a picnic lunch nearby.
Almora Town and Zoo visit
Almora is located at a distance of about two-hour drive from the estate. The cobbled stone streets of Almora bazaar are a delight to walk through. Houses and shops align the narrow streets that bustle with activity throughout the day. The traditional architecture is very much in evidence here as one spots carved doors and windows. The town’s narrow streets are lined with traditional houses and colorful shops selling handicrafts and local produce.
Almora Zoo is one the way to the town from Itmenaan Estate. The zoo is very small with the prime attraction being the man-eating leopards that have been caught and caged in this zoo. The visit to the zoo can also be combined with a visit to the Chitai temple.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Around an hour and a half’s drive from the resort is the beautiful Binsar wildlife sanctuary. Binsar has a wide variety of wildlife – leopards, mountain goats, barking deer, wild boars, porcupines, yellow-throated martens, serows, the ubiquitous langurs, macaques, and 200+ bird species. It was set up in the year 1988 and has been declared as “Important Bird Area by Bird Life International”. Day visits to Binsar can be organised.
Enjoy a picnic lunch arranged alongside sitting on the grass, savouring the delicious food while listening to the sounds of nature. It is a perfect moment of tranquility, surrounded by the stunning wilderness of the sanctuary.