Free Activities
- The jungle is right across the lodge boundary. You may hear calls of wild animals or glimpse a few wild visitors. Keep your camera ready for nature photography and binoculars for sighting them.
- Go for birdwatching and nature trails with our guide. These are good for landscapes, birds and small mammals. Go for nocturnal birding for owls and nightjars. One can have excellent birding opportunities in the lodge itself. Besides, there are many walks through the terrace fields into a thickly wooded forest, which is extremely rewarding.
- Trek to the nearby temple called Jhakar Saim to experience the divinity.
- Learn to cook Kumaoni dishes with our cook. We are happy for you to interact with our chef. We can arrange a free cooking lesson and you can share your favorite recipe with us, too.
- Picnic: The surrounding jungle is nice, and it is a quiet place to go for silent walks. You may go with a packed lunch and enjoy the flora and fauna of this place.
- Ask us for board games or a pack of cards.
- You’ll get a stunning forest view from the balcony.
- Enjoy secluded meals amidst the jungle.
- Jageshwar Museum: Most of the sculptures and idols found in the Jageshwar temple complex have been housed in the Archaeological Museum just outside the main temple complex. In all, it houses around 174 sculptures, each of them beautiful beyond words. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum, and photographs of the sculptures are not available either.
Paid Activities
- Treks: At Van Serai, along with the usual treks, we have a unique Village trekking experience in store for you. Our concept of the Village Trek provides an insight into the lives and daily routines of the Kumaoni villagers.
- On the trek, we take you through thick deodar forests and quaint Kumaoni villages. The highlight is being able to stay at one of these village houses.
- Along with seeing some unforgettable views of the magnificent snow-capped mountain ranges, and sighting endemic birds and local fauna, you get the opportunity to admire and reside in the traditional old Kumaoni houses with carved wooden doors and windows.
- We started the trek at Binsar in the morning, making our way to Jageshwar. Overnight, staying in the village houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality. The accommodation is rustic and clean with basic amenities. The village houses have been partially renovated and toilets and bathrooms added without compromising on the ambiance. Traditional food is cooked, ensuring good hygiene standards.
- This trek can be done as a full-day trek (7-8 hours) or split into 2 days, with the option of staying in a village house and one night in a tent.
- Since it's mostly downhill, it is a relatively easy trek suitable for everyone.
- The other short treks are to Vriddha Jageshwar (3 km one way) and Jhakharsain (3 km one way).
- Opt for short or long temple tours with us. We arrange for the services of a spiritual guide who will deliver authentic information of the shrines. Please speak with our manager to book this service or message us.
- Opt for short or long birding holidays with us. We arrange for the services of a bird guide and the use of bird stake-outs. Please speak with our manager to book this service or message us.
- Opt for prayers and sadhana at the temple with accomplished priests.
- Join our spiritual programme at www.shivawalks.com
- Arrange your eco-friendly corporate meets, offsite, and conferences.
- Visit the village of Kumaoni folk and that will give you a tremendous insight into their lifestyle.
- Ask us to arrange a performance by the troop of Chholiya dancers.
- Make excursions to Abbott Mount, Almora Bazar, and Katarmal Temple.
- Hire a guide for a full-day nature-centric experience in and around Jageshwar.
- Ask us for a bespoke tour. We will design it just the way you want with our expert nature guides.
- You may visit our other lodges in Uttarakhand, please email us or message us.
- Yoga & Meditation: You can hire the lodge for yoga and meditation retreats. Should you wish to conduct a program with an expert teacher from Isha Yoga Center, let us know and we shall organize it for you.
- Exploring Caves: The cave structures in and around Jageshwar are absolutely enticing. From small holes in the walls to large caves which were probably used for Tantric congregations.
- The entire countryside around the area is dotted with caves, each one with its own story. The most famous among these are the Airavat Cave and the Pataal Bhuvaneshwar caves, in case you are feeling adventurous enough to explore them.
Should you wish to carry a packed meal for your outing, please inform us a day earlier.
