Ramgarh near Mukteshwar: the fruit bowl of Kumaon

Ramgarh sits on the road between Bhowali and Mukteshwar, at around 1,800 metres, and is known as the fruit bowl of Kumaon. Its slopes are covered in orchards of apricot, plum, peach, pear and apple, and in spring the whole valley turns white and pink with blossom.

When to go

• March to April: blossom season, the prettiest time to drive through.
• May to July: fruit season, with apricots, plums and peaches at roadside stalls.
• October to February: quiet, clear and cold, with good mountain views.

What to see

Tagore Top

A hilltop viewpoint linked with Rabindranath Tagore, who is said to have stayed in Ramgarh and written here. The walk up gives wide views over the valleys.

Mahadevi Verma’s house

The Hindi poet Mahadevi Verma spent her summers in Ramgarh, and her home is now a small museum and literary centre, a quiet stop for book lovers.

The orchards

Many orchards sell fresh fruit, juices, jams and preserves in season. Buying directly supports local growers.

How to get there

Ramgarh is on the main road between Bhowali and Mukteshwar, so you’ll pass through it on the way up. It makes an easy half-day trip from The Rare One’s, and combines well with Kainchi Dham in our Kainchi Dham & Ramgarh trip.

A slow morning in Ramgarh

• Early: drive down from Mukteshwar while the valley is still misty.
• Mid-morning: walk up to Tagore Top for the view, then visit Mahadevi Verma’s house.
• Late morning: stop at an orchard stall for fresh juice and fruit to take home.
• Lunch: carry on to Bhowali or Kainchi Dham, or head back up to the resort.

What to buy

Fresh fruit in season, apricot and plum jams, fruit squashes, local honey and rhododendron (buransh) juice in spring. Glass jars travel better than you’d think if wrapped in clothes.

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