Manila in Kumaon !! “What?? Never heard of this place bhai, what is that and where is that; what to do there and what to see, where to stay?” Some of the questions that keep following me whenever I suggest this peaceful, calm, and amazingly beautiful offbeat place in Uttarakhand near Delhi to any of my friends or family.
In today’s article, I will try to address all these questions and present you with a comprehensive travel guide for Manila in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Manila – Kumaon, Uttarakhand
Manila is one of my favorite offbeat places in Uttarakhand near Delhi. It has completely lived up to the expectations for me or to whosoever I suggested this place. Prospering in the lap of the Himalayas, Manila Village, an abode of Manila Devi, imbibes a sense of calmness among the travelers and does not fall away an inch by its meaning “enchanting.”
Located in Almora district of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, and contoured by dense forest range along with a wide view of mighty Himalayas, this offbeat place remains un-crowded most of the year is unknown to many. Hindi is the official language in Manila, while locals also speak in local Kumaon language. So, there are no issues in communication aspects.
Apart from peace and tranquillity, Manila village offers breath-taking panoramic views of mighty Himalayas right from Trishul to Panchchulli, including Nanda Devi peaks. The experience of seeing golden glows at sunrise and sunset over this range of Himalayas is just enough to fall in love with this beautiful yet small village in the Himalayas named Manila.
Location
Manila village is located about 85 KMs from Ranikhet in Almora district of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Ramnagar near Jim Corbett is just 75 KMs from Manila. Marchulla, situated at the banks of Ramganga river and famous for its wildlife excursion being the tip of Jim Corbett National Park, is located just 45 odd KMs from Manila.
Altitude
Manila resides at an altitude of 1820 Mtrs, good enough to keep it cooler in summers and quite cold with snow in winters. About 2-3 feet snow pours at a time in Manila, and you can consider it to be the closest place to Delhi to get snowfall 🙂
Best time to visit Manila
You can travel to Manila all round the year, and the average temperature over a year is around 20 degrees Celsius. The summers are cool, while winters can be quite cold with the temperature dipping down to zero degrees Celsius too.
We had a thick sheet of ice on the windshields of our cars in the morning when we woke up in December. It even snows about 2-3 feet in Manila, so take woolens with you while planning a trip to Manila in winters.
You can check my list of places to experience snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Manila, Kumaon from Delhi
Manila is not that far from Delhi and hence, it will be best to travel by road. However, let’s look at multiple ways you can make a trip to this beautiful place in Kumaon.
By Road
The route can be followed as Delhi – Moradabad – Kashipur – Ramnagar – Jim Corbett – Mohaan – Marchula – Maulikhal – Manila. Mohaan to Manila is 60 km. The route is Mohaan – Marchula (14 KM) – Maulikhal (35 KM) – Dotiyal (51 KM) – Manila (60 KM). Delhi to Manila is 365 KMs.
We started at 6.30 AM and ended at 3.30 PM in Manila with a decent number of breaks due to the presence of small kids. You can also take the route from Nainital – Ranikhet side and exit from this side back to Delhi, but that is a bit longer route. However, I will advise you to do a circuit only to enjoy both sides of the route and place.
Public Transport
By Bus: Ranikhet which is about 85 km is well connected to Delhi with both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses that are available from Scindia House, New Delhi and Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, Delhi. You can also take a bus to Ramnagar or Marchulla from where you will get connecting buses to Ranikhet or Bhikiyasain.
By Taxi/ Cab: We did see a lot of shared taxis running through Manila, so assuming, it will be well connected with major towns like Ranikhet or Ramnagar or Haldwani.
By Train: Kathgodam is about 145 km and Ramnagar is about 75 km which are the railheads near to Manila
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Aiport which is about 170 km from Manila.
Most Common Itinerary for Manila Trip
Manila is a place where you can soak yourself into the tranquillity of the place, relax in peace and maybe get to know about the local culture of the region by interacting with the locals who are pretty much humble and down to earth.
Day 1 – Delhi to Manila
Enjoy the easy 8-9 Hrs drive to Manila from Delhi going through forest range of Corbett National Park, Mohaan – Marchula – Dotiyal. Finally, watch the sunset over the panoramic mountain range in front of you.
Day 2 – Rest day at Manila
Visit the temples, which are the main attractions in Manila, or have a hike in the woods. You can drive to Bhikiyasain, which is about 13 km by foot or 35 odd km by the road where you can see the confluence of three rivers Ramganga, Gagas, and Norara. There is a memorial of Quit India Movement Martyrs at Khumar, which is about 25 km from Manila.
The Manila Mata temple is in the village, and about 6 km towards the upper region towards Dotiyal, there is another temple. At this upper temple, locals believe that the hand of the Mata (goddess) is placed and worshipped.
Day 3 – Manila to Delhi OR Manila to Ranikhet / Nanital / Kausani.
You can either return back home after spending the weekend, over move to Ranikhet / Nanital / Kausani enjoying the beautiful valley views en route.
Day 4 (Optional) – Ranikhet / Nanital / Kausani – Delhi, make a turn back to Delhi on this day to reach back home.
Accommodation or stay options at Manila, Kumaon
Accommodation or stay options at Manila is mainly limited to twin block KMVN Rest House at Manila. It is about 4 KMs before Manila village on the road itself on either side. The right side is a new block, and the left side is an old block that is taken back from private lease into KMVN now. The old block also has quite decent and big rooms with running hot water.
The views are just awesome from the old block as it offers the valley views and Himalayan range view. Since you will not find Manila TRH on the KMVN website, you can call up the caretakers to block the rooms for you: Bhagat Singh Ji at +919458152950 or Harinder Bisht Ji at +919457789896 (SURAJ SINGH (9456744274) is the new caretaker as per updates from Debashish sir below).
You can refer my name Dheeraj or Discover with Dheeraj to them; most likely, they may recognize us 🙂 🙂 … Apart from KMVN at Manila, there are a couple of basic homestay type guest houses and a dhabha plus night stay place too.
Attractions or Sightseeing around Manila, Kumaon
Manila is a small village place in Uttarakhand to enjoy the tranquil nature around you and enjoy peace with your loved ones or get to know about the local culture too by interacting with the villagers and spending time with them. However, in case you wish to explore more around the village, then apart from the temples, you can keep Ranikhet or Kausani or Jim Corbett or Nainital in your plan.
You may also visit Bhikiyasain, which is about 13 KMs by foot or 35 odd KMs by the road where you can see the confluence of three rivers Ramganga, Gagas, and Norara. There is a memorial of Quit India Movement Martyrs at Khumar, which is about 25 KMs from Manila. The drive from Mohaan to Manila and further to Jainal is quite amazing in itself midst dense forest range.
Travel Tip: If you have a few more days in hand on your trip to Manila, you can plan to spend a couple of days at Binsar as well before returning home.
Where to eat
Food availability is barely limited to the service kitchen of KMVN Rest House at Manila if you are staying there. Otherwise, there is a dhabha just a few 100 Mtrs before KMVN TRH on the valley side, which offers quite decent food.
We had our breakfast there only before leaving for the day to Gwaldam. There are some more shops/dhabhas to eat in Manila village down the hill.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Medical Facilities
Besides a village health center, a 24×7 ambulance services can be reached at 108/1090 telephone number. I will suggest not to rely on it heavily but always keep number handy.
For any emergency, you may need to go to Ramnagar/Kashipur or Haldwani/Almora for treatment. Hence, advise you to carry your basic medical kit along with you which you commonly need during any trip to the Himalayas.
Travel Tip: Are you looking for another remote and offbeat place in the Kumaon region? If yes, then do check out my detailed travel guide of Munsiyari.
ATM Availability
While going to Manila from Delhi, Maulikhal has an ATM which is about 25 KMs from Manila village.
Mobile Connection/Signal
Almost all the service providers have their coverage at Manila. Still, it is always best to have BSNL when traveling in mountains or Himalayas as they generally provide excellent coverage in remote areas too. Besides one can find several STD/ISD telephone booths too in Manila village.
Travel Tip: Did you know that Lohaghat is another offbeat place near Delhi in Uttarakhand where you can travel over a weekend.
Petrol Pumps
On the way to Kausani – Gwaldam from Manila, Dwarahat has a petrol pump. However, don’t worry much about fuel because unless you reach an empty tank at Manila, you will find a fuel pump for yourself nearby and you will not get stranded :).
Other Tips and Suggestions from Discover with Dheeraj
- GPS is quite successful in this area, but you cannot always rely on it. Hence, I always recommend taking help from shopkeepers and passers-by for directions whenever you are confused. Also, double-check the directions from a couple of people.
- Always carry some extra woolen clothes. They might come convenient in case you get your clothes wet, somehow.
- Take a few medicines that you may often need during a journey. You can reach the medical ambulance and police at telephone number 108/1090, keep this number with yourself for any such case.
- You can also check our suggested list of things to carry on a trip including medical kit.
- There are rains in monsoon and snowfall in winters, so plan your clothing accordingly. The road might also get close due to heavy snowfall or rainfall landslide for a day or two.
- If you are particular about brands in Liquor, then you should carry your own as we ended up shocked with even no availability of Old Monk.
- While in Uttarakhand, buy some packets of buns (if you like them) every day you start. They are quite a good partner for tea on a roadside tea shack.
Conclusion
Manila in Kumaon is quite an unexplored and offbeat destination in Uttarakhand. I feel that such places are better off without any commercialization or tourist activities, which mostly spoil the beauty of these unusually calm places. So, when you travel up there, then I request that you travel responsibly in the Himalayas.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
Manila too is one of the very few places I know that can offer you a break from the bustling city life, and you will love to spend some quality time with your loved ones there in the lap of nature. It is a lovely place that takes you back in time. So, step out and experience the magic of this place where you can experience the lower Himalayan hills at its best.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Manila, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Kumaon trip.
28 Comments
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Hi.
You have consolidated it well. I myself like to visit off beat locations like this only.
As i have covered this…can you pls suggest few more off beat locations like this ?
Thanks in advance.
Have you checked: Top 12 Must Visit Offbeat Places in Himachal Near Delhi
Hey Dheeraj you doing great job bro Manila is the awesome place to visit i have been there many times and cover lots of things i am again planning to go manila so i need your help to find more sightseeing places in near by manila so we can use our 1 week time complete and relaxing
Well, Armaan, we usually go over there to relax and drive between Manila – Kausani and Manila – Ranikhet. Both are beautiful drives. Apart from that I am not much aware of anything worth sightseeing unless you plan to hike here and there.
Hi Dheeraj
You sure have painted an extremely tempting picture of Manila and I am ready to pack my bags.
We are planning to go in October.
My mom is 83 years old and active but will there be too many steps up and down?
Will it be negotiable for the elderly?
Will be very glad to hear from you
And really thanks a ton for the great work you are doing for the city tired folk.
No, Monika, there will not be too many steps, about 8-10. There are two rest houses in Manila and one have rooms at ground floor too. I don’t think it should be an issue
Oh great
Thanks
I’ll call today at the numbers you have given
This was just what I was on the look for. I will come back to this blog for sure!
Thank you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, thanks again for being margadarshak.
We are a family of 6 adults with a six year old and want to explore offbeat Uttarakhand. What according to you will be a good option? Plan to travel in May, want to explore a cold destination and also get closer to snow capped mountains
Pankaj, how many days do you have in hand? Manila wont be cold during that time.
We can spend up to a week….or less depending what it takes. Really want to explore Uttarakhand and experience. Spiti doesn’t look to be open in May, so thinking of this trip in Uttarakhand.
Then better go with: Kumaon, Uttarakhand – Most Common Itinerary
hI DEERAJJI
THE NAME OF THE PERSON IS SURAJ SINGH (9456744274) WHO IS LOOKING AFTER MANILA TRH NOW.
iam not able to contact with him for our accommodation on 23rd nov .i will let you know if I can.
I have slightly modified our tour plan .the revised one is as under:-
arriving nainital on 14th November morning by ranikhet express from delhi.
14th& 15th -Nainital(doing nothing -visiting 3rd time -but love this place)
16th-mukteswar(doing nothing expect local sight seeing at one/two spot)
17th Dhaulchina after visiting kasardevi-anadamoyee ashram-jageswar-
18th chakori- via sheraghat doing nothing —
19th -munsiyari
20th-munsiyari–only local sight seeing
21st – kausani-vis tejam,sama, kapkote
22nd -kausani-may visit gwaldam/debal
23rd-manila via someswar/dwarahat
24th & 25th -Corbett
26th night at 10 p/m train to jaipur from Ramnagar
27th -jaipur-doing nothing–visiting 3rd time
28th&29th-Ramthambore NP
30th -back to delhi to avail train to howrah
I know ,I have allotted maximum time at Corbett.because it depends on availability of FRH .if we do not get it we shall try for day safari only on 25th and 26th.in that case we may reach ramnagar on 24th evening/afternoon.
please guide me and suggest me if you have any alternate opinion. we have decided to hire a Indica type car for two of us to cover the entire tour including corbett.we are not hiring any separate jeep fpr corbett safari to control over cost.also suggest some cheap hotel near ramnagar railway station/bus stand.we have no other option but to stay here if we do not get accommodation at FRH.
thanks
Sir, you plan looks OK to me. Indica will be good. will suggest that once you reach Ramnagar, you should find it on the spot because you should be able to find places on the spot and control the budget as well.
Hi Dhiraj,
we a aged couple from kolkata would like to visit kumaon this november.we have decided to include manila this within our tour plan
our rough tour plan are as follows:-
14th & 15th Nainital
16th Mukteswar
17th barechina/dhaulchina/jageswar vis almora
18th chakori via sheraghat
19th &20th-Munsiyari
21st-kausani
22nd-manila via someswar/dwarahat(or 22nd gwaldam via baijnath and 23rd manila via dwarahat)
23rd -marchula or manila
24th & 25th Ramnagar for jim corbett np.
26th night at 10p/m train to jaipur
27th -jaipur
28th and 29th -Swoai Madhopur for ranthambore np.
30th morning back to delhi to avail Rajdhani exp for Kolkata.
no doubt it is long and typical tour plan .how it looks like .your opinion is suggested.cost is a big concern for us .perhaps we have to hire a car (small) from Nainital upto Ramnagar to follow this tour plan.
we are specially worried about the night stays at jim corbett(ramnagar)because resorts are very costly and I have been trying to book a FRH at Bijrani zone online for last two years on the opening day but failed. we have kept two nights this time also for booking of frh.I will try again this time to book FRH online but I am afraid of getting accommodation there .if I fail to book it again ,I shall try for day visit permission at Bijrani zone.
Regarding Ranthambore we have chosen canter safari at zone 2,3, 4or5.I shall book it online on the date of opening.
I left this plan and our concerns before you for valuable advise,assistance,and guidance ..
Hi Debasish ji,
Your plan looks fine to me and very much doable. Yes, you will have to hire the small taxi. Also, thing is that KMVNs are pretty nice and have almost best locations at all the places.
Hi Dheeraj Brother,
thanks for your reply.We have slightly modified our tour plan .on 21st November we are at Kausani
on 22nd we have decided to stay at Chaukuthiya via somesswar and dwarahat.
How is this place Chaukuthiya?please let us know the accommodation options which are available there and app distance from Kausani to Chaukuthiya.
on 23rd we are staying at manila .I have spoken to Bisthji today at his mob no provided by you.He has been transferred to other TRH but got the no of that person who is looking after the Manila TRH now.i will speak shortly with him for accommodation on 23rd Nov.
Lastly we are worried with Corbett tour on 24th and 25th Nov.getting accommodation at FRH is very difficult.If I seek any assistance from a JEEP driver for accommodation at FRH, would be very costly —almost 18000-20000 for two days including everything(safari,lodging boarding etc at bijrani and dhikala) which is not bearable for us .
do you have any idea of cheap hotels at ramnagar?if we do not get online accommodation at FRH we have left no other option but to go for day safari only by staying at ramnagar.
pl suggest if you have different opinion.
God bless you and your family
Hello Sir, sorry but I do not have stayed at Chaukuthiya and it was just a passing place. So, I cannot comment much on that. Also, regarding Jim Corbett, I will try to ask few friends who have stayed up there to provide the contacts and reply back here.
Also, sir, it will be great if you can share the updated number of Manila FRH and person’s name who is not taking care of it. It will be helpful to others as well.
Are you the admin here?? If not, you got some copyright violators to prosecute 😉
zoomcar dot com/blog/manila-kumaon-a-lesser-known-offbeat-place-in-uttarakhand-near-delhi/
Thanks a lot Prateek, action taken and these guys are shamed to hell !! Finally removed this article from their blog
hi
TRH is not seen on the KMVN website for online booking…is it operational now or close down
Sanjeev, TRH is not or never was there in KMVN site AFAIK. You cdan call up the caretaker numbers I have shared above and can book.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is the road fine for solo bike trip?
Yes aabir, it is perfectly fine to travel on the road to Manila.
Hi Dheeraj…thanks for sharing the details of this beautiful place….just a few questions…
1. Are these photos of rooms from new block?
2. Are the new block rooms better in terms of maintenance?
3. How is the view from new block?
4. If I start from Delhi by 9 am around then is it feasible to reach Manila by 4pm or should I stop somewhere in between as I have a small kid?and if I have to stay back then where should I stop where I can get some decent accommodation?
5. Is it possible to book the rooms beforehand?
Thanks and regards…
Hello Amrita,
Thank you and yeah indeed it is a very nice place to relax.
1. These photos are from old block not new one.
2. Well, we saw the rooms in new one as well and there was not a great difference. Old block were also maintained well.
3. You have to walk down across road towards valley side to get the view of the valley properly. That is where old block room scores more. I could witness the entire sunrise from my room window from old block.
4. It will easily take about 8 Hrs for sure with kid. So, I will suggest you to leave early because you can avoid a lot of morning traffic even ahead of Delhi. Best is that you reach there in a day and then stop there only and will not recommend anything in between else it will break the experience IMHO
5. Yes, just call these caretakers and they will help you with it. Ask them to keep the room for you and remind them couple of times before the trip. They will take care of it.
Thank you Dheeraj for your quick response and information.