Stay – Float Homestay & Fitness Immersion

Float

On the first hills of Nainital mountain range, in a clean, quaint, sparsely populated village; forested hills on 3 sides, river valley on the 4th; soothing breeze, pure air and clear night skies. We welcome you for a peaceful and rejuvenating stay for all senses. 2 rivers flow nearby. Jim Corbett, Nainital are a comfortable day trip. Veg home-cooked meals available. Complimentary breakfast. Dedicated kitchen. Kotabagh market- 2kms.

ACTIVITIES
Titeshwari Devi Mandir trek, Brahmasthali Mandir trek, Dabka river hike, Baur river hike, Sitavani hike, paragliding, birding, skygazing, pahadi cuisine.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Kainchi Dham, Sitavani, Jim Corbett Waterfall & Ecopark, Himalayan Botanical Garden, Shri Hanuman Dham, Garjia Mata Mandir, Mahadev Mandir.

Two rooms at opposite ends, a kitchen-dining/ recreation room in the middle, built on our terrace. Running along its length are flowering vines, acting as a green wall in front and canopy on top. The rooms are airy, sunlit, neatly furnished, and have multiple windows. The recreation area has a fully functional kitchen, dining space, a collection of books, board games. There are a number of outdoor seating/ dining/ working options, and a terrace with panoramic views. We have a 100 MBPS fiber internet connection. At the back is a kitchen garden where we grow organic and seasonal crops. On an average day you can spot/ hear at least 10 different bird species. There are a number of scenic walking and cycling trails cutting through forests. The area is rife with wild flora, which makes season changes starkly noticeable.

In 2018, my parents renounced Mumbai for a healthy, clean life in the hills. I visited them and haven’t left since. It’s been life-changing. In December 2021, Float Homestay was incepted, and we have hosted more than 150 groups since.

I, Arjun- lifelong fitness seeker. Facilitator for this experience, & guide (if needed) for cardio sessions, hikes, treks, meditation, pranayam & workouts.

My mother, Jyoti Sharma- homemaker (non-retired) and Head Chef at our homestay. You are welcome to join her cooking team, during morning preparatory work.

My father, NK Sharma- a retired plant scientist, Chief Landscaper/ gardener at the homestay. He tends to his efficient farm on most days, and you are welcome to join.

KOTABAGH, NAINITAL, UTTARAKHAND
Kotabagh is a block in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It begins at the periphery of Jim Corbett’s forests, with expansive valleys. A gateway to The Himalayas, silhouettes of the Shivaliks can be seen in the distance. Moving North, the elevation gently increases, giving way to the first hills of the Nainital Range. The Dabka river to the West and Baur river to the East traverse along its length. This varied topography allows for adventure activities, detoxifying locales, birding opportunities & diverse wild flora and fauna. The valley is lined by farmlands and orchards, while the hills have contour farms.

BHABHAR
This geography is known as Bhabar– a belt of 8–16 km lying parallel to the slopes of the Shivaliks, where the rivers descending from the mountains deposit pebbles and disappear into permeable sediments.

ECOREGION
Himalayan Subtropical Broadleaf Forest. Home to indigenous litchi, varieties of mango, gooseberry, jackfruit, turmeric, ragi & ginger.

GOOGLE MAPS– https://maps.app.goo.gl/dbwCbSezYP7d6Epg7

ROAD
5-hour drive from NCR. The roads are safe and well-paved. Accessible round the year, without any fear of landslides. Ideal routes-
Moradabad – Kashipur – Ramnagar – Kotabagh
Moradabad – Bazpur – Kaladhungi – Kotabagh

BUS DEPOTS
Haldwani- 40 kms, Ramnagar- 30 kms
Buses to Kotabagh Bus Stop available

RAILWAY STATIONS
Kathgodam/ Haldwani- 45 kms, Ramnagar- 30 kms

AIRPORTS
Pantnagar- 60 kms, Bareilly- 180 kms

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Pandegaon Bus stop (150 meters away)
Daily morning buses to
Nainital ₹80
Haldwani ₹60 (2 buses)

Kotabagh Bus stop (3 km away)
Daily buses and jeeps every hour- from 7am to 4pm- to
Kaladhungi ₹40
Haldwani ₹60
Ramnagar ₹50

From Kaladhungi you can take buses or jeeps to Nainital, Rudrapur, Bazpur, Kashipur.

From Homestay to Kotabagh Bus stop-
You can take our scooter
I can drive you

Local Taxis
Nainital: ₹2500- ₹3000
Haldwani: ₹1500- ₹2000
Ramnagar: ₹1500- ₹2000

Scooters for hire-
Activa, Ntorq- ₹50 per hour/ ₹400 for full day (does not include petrol).