Jilling

Jilling, is a calm gorgeous hill station in Nainital district of Uttaranchal State. Serenly nestled amidst a biodiverse deciduous forest across at an altitude of 6,000-7,200 ft in the lower Kumaon ranges, Jilling is a perfect weekend getaways, for those who want to enjoy basking in the arms of nature.

Though, there are not many places to see in Jilling, one can find plenty of places for nature walks in order to connect with nature. The hillstation offers its visitors around 120 acres of densely covered by forests of oak and rhododendron to walk and views of the snow - capped Himalayan ranges. One can see the picturesque Nanda Devi, the highest peak from this place.

Known as 'the last resort', it is an apt place for wildlife enthusiasts also. While at Jilling, one can spot wild animals and a variety of Himalayan birds. Some common animals and birds found here are Mountain deer, Jungle cats, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Black Eagle. Angling is another popular activity that tourists who travel to Jilling indulge in. Adventure lovers can plan for trekking, bird watching and wild life viewing. The nights at Jilling are best spent around a crackling bonfire, singing, chatting and playing games.

Jilling Estate run by Steve Lal organises treks to Milam Glacier, Pindari Glacier and Panchachuli. It is a 5-15 day treks to about 15,000-16,000 ft. It is a well organised treks with tents, porters and guides. It is during September-October. Steve, the owner of more than 45 acres of oak and rhododendron forest also organises bike trips to Kumaon, Garhwal and Nepal. Fees vary with treks and the size of the group. Bonfires are regularly organized by the few tourists who come to Jilling, and these can be fun to attend. The estate has a few cottages with basic amenities. They serves good tasty food.

While in Jilling there is not much to shop for except a few handicrafts and local knick-knacks. But the rich tradition of Uttarakhand state can be seen in their craft works. The other attraction in Jilling is the library, which has a great collection of books from Al Biruni to Mario Puzo and books on the Himalayasmals.

Jilling has a cozy atmosphere. The temperature in winter is maximum, is around 15°C and minimum is 0°C. This is a good time to visit Jilling and heavy woollen clothing is a must. Monsoon season in Jilling receives heavy rainfall, so when planning a vacation, avoid these months. September and October are good as the lush green surroundings of the place are very pleasing right after the monsoons. This season is considered the best time for Himalayan High Treks. The maximum summer temperature is around 27°C and the minimum temperature is 7°C. This is also an ideal time to visit Jilling.

There are also many fascinating destinations nearby Nainital and Bhimtal during your trip to Jilling. Bhimtal lies at a distance of thirty kilometers from Jilling, which houses a very beautiful and serene lake that is a must visit destination in the region. Also one can go boating in Bhimtal.