What to know:

Popularly called the gateway to Nainital, Jeolikot is a quaint hill-station offering mesmerising and panoramic views of the Himalayas. A serene environment and picturesque natural beauty make this small town perfect for a holiday away from the maddening crowd. Jeolikot, with its orchards and flowering gardens, was a favourite with the British, and colonial cottages from that era (mostly turned into hotels today) hark back to those times. One of the most popular is the bungalow of Warwick Sahib, a retired British army official. Jeolikot also has a beekeeping centre. Don't forget to buy fresh and pure honey when you visit it. Look out for a variety of birds when you go for walks through the nearby villages and forests. Jeolikot's peace and tranquility attracted philosophers like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, who, it is said, had spent considerable time here meditating.

Best time to visit: While Jeolikot is good for a peaceful vacation any time of the year, summers are radiant. From March to June, is when you can enjoy the flowers bloom. In winter it turns into a white paradise.