Credit: Lav Thakur
Jeolikot is a beautiful destination in Uttarakhand that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Situated on NH 87 Jeolikot, at a distance of 17 km from Nainital, is a popular gateway to Naini Lake. With its subtropical climate, Jeolikot is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a forest of deodar, rhododendron, and oak trees. Several species of birds, such as the Himalayan bulbul, the bar-tailed treecreeper, and the rufous-bellied niltava, filled the place.
The temperature of the region is pleasant throughout the year; it ranges from 18 °C to 28 °C in the summer and 3°C to 15 °C in the winter. Heavy rain falls during the monsoon season, from July to September.
History
Jeolikot was a popular destination during British times. To avoid the scorching heat of summer, Britishers often move to such places. The British officers established a sanatorium here, which later became a famous health resort. The house of Warwick Sahib, a retired major of the British army, is a major attraction in the region.
In the 19th century, Jeolikot was an epic center of the Arya Samaj movement in India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati established an ashram here. The ashram became the center of Arya Samaj teachings that later spread to different parts of India.
In 1898, Swami Vivekananda, impressed by the location, visited Jeolikot and stayed there for some time.
Jeolikot played an important role during India’s struggle for independence. The Indian National Congress often holds meetings against the British in Jeolikot.
Activities in Jeolikot
Horticulture: Jeolikot is a famous place for horticulture and has beautiful gardens and parks. These gardens are home to a variety of flowers, such as roses, marigolds, lilies, etc. All these spaces are maintained by the horticulture department.
Fruit Orchards: Jeolikot is famous for its orchards that produce a variety of fruits such as peaches, pears, apples, and apricots.
Unique Culture Festival: The Bagwa Festival during Raksha Bandhan is a unique cultural festival that is celebrated in Jeolikot. You can experience the cultures of Kumaon that are celebrated with great fervor among locals
Kumaoni Cuisine: “Baadi,” “Bhatt ki Churkani,” and “Aloo Ki Gutke” are popular dishes of Kumaoni cuisine that you can taste while visiting Jeolikot.
Beekeeping center: Jeolikot is home to many beekeeping centers where many bees are bred and their honey is extracted. You can explore to learn more about the whole process.
Bird watching: A bird lover will love this place. Jeolikot is home to a variety of bird species that migrate during the winter.
How to reach Jeolikot
By Road:
Jeolikot is easily accessible by road, with regular bus services available from major cities such as Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Private taxis and cars are also available for hire in nearby cities and towns.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Jeolikot is the Kathgodam railway station, which is located about 24 kilometers away from the town. Trains from major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow regularly stop at this station. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jeolikot.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Jeolikot is the Pantnagar airport, located approximately 50 kilometers away from the town. Flights from major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai regularly fly to this airport. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jeolikot.