Jilling Estate is about 300 kms from New Delhi in India and at a height of 7000 ft in a lesser known, beautiful part of the Kumaon Himalayas. A convenient train - The Ranikhet Express - makes it an easy overnight trip from New Delhi, starting at around 10.45pm at night and reaching Kathgodam at around 6am, making it a perfect weekend getaway from New Delhi.
If you prefer to drive, it's a picturesque drive especially once you hit the mountains and it'll take you about 9 hours in all by car. The roads are in good condition by and large except sometimes during the monsoon months.
From New Delhi by train:
Ranikhet Express Delhi-Kathgodam
Departs: 2300 hrs Old Delhi /Arrives: 0550 hrs next day
Ranikhet Express Kathgodam-Delhi
Departs: 2045 hrs /Arrives: 0445 hrs next day at Old Delhi
Fare: 2nd A/c Sleeper Adults: INR 550 plus service charges extra
Child : 5-12 years - 50% plus service charges extra
Child : Below 5 years is free but no seats will be given
A taxi (Tata Sumo) from Kathgodam will cost you approximately Rs 750. We could arrange to pick you up from Bhimtal, Nainital, Haldwani or Kathgodam, subject to prior intimation.
Note: The above fares are approximate and subject to change by Indian Railways any time.
From New Delhi by road:
New Delhi - Hapur - Moradabad - Rampur (turn left off National Highway) - Rudrapur - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Ranibagh (turn right) to Bhimtal - Khutani (turn right at tri-junction) - Chanfi - Matial.
At Matial your cars are parked in safety and you will be escorted up on foot or by pony. It is a 1½ hours climb from Matial to Jilling Estate.
Climate
Summertime is best. In May/June, the fruit season, you can eat right off the trees. Children tend to get upset stomachs from overindulging themselves on plums, apricots and apples. Winters are cold and it snows in December & January, so heavy clothing is required. March / April is the season when the Rhododendrons are in bloom giving the forests a flaming red look.
During the monsoons (July to mid-August) there may be road blocks due to land slips. However it is a beautiful time of the year with the hills at their greenest, swathed in swirling mists and low cloud. But you need to watch out for leeches. September / October is also a good time with everything green right after the monsoons. It is also the best time to do treks to the higher Himalayas.
See our tariffs. Or, make an enquiry.