Mahesh Khan – a bird lover’s paradise near Nainital

If you’re searching for offbeat places near Nainital, Mahesh Khan deserves a place at the very top of your list. Are you looking for birdwatching destinations in Uttarakhand? Or a quiet forest stay away from crowds? In either case, Mahesh Khan is an ideal choice.

Located near Bhowali, along the Ramgarh–Mukteshwar Road, Mahesh Khan is a dense reserve forest area. It remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism. Surrounded by oak, pine, cedar, rhododendron, and bamboo forests, this secluded destination is quickly becoming a top birdwatching spot in Kumaon. It still retains its raw, fragile beauty.

Mahesh Khan Is a Fragile Eco-Destination

Mahesh Khan has active collaborations with WWF, Wildlife Institute of India, Uttarakhand Council for Science & Technology, Jungle Lore Bird Lodge and Nature Science Initiative.

The Eco-Tourism Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department conducts regular birdwatching and awareness camps, aimed at promoting responsible tourism and conservation.

Much of this vision was pioneered by Mr. Rajiv Bhartari, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Environment), and one of India’s leading ecotourism experts.

Mahesh Khan is a reserve forest under the Uttarakhand Forest Department, and entry is strictly regulated to protect its ecosystem.

Before visiting, travellers must:

• Obtain prior permission from the Forest Department
• Respect forest rules and restricted access
• Carry back all waste (no littering allowed)
• Avoid loud noise, music, or drones
• Stay on designated trails only

This is not mass tourism and it shouldn’t be. Mahesh Khan survives because it is protected.

Places to see in & around Mahesh Khan

Stay at the Forest Rest House (FRH)

If booked in advance you can stay at the Forest Rest House at Mahesh Khan. The site is a British-era bungalow built around 1911 and was renovated in 2008. It is located approx 5 km off the main road on a forest dirt track and serves as a base for eco-tourism and birding activities.

This place is hardly ever mentioned in Tourists books or guided by the Locals yet those who know how to travel the offbeat track or take the road less traveled find their way to this little forest heaven. There are 6 bamboo-roofed eco huts, a common dining hall and no luxury amenities.

🔴 Important: Carry your own food, rations, and essentials. The FRH is deep inside the forest with minimal facilities.

Enjoy Bird Watching

Mahesh Khan is rapidly gaining recognition as a bird lover’s paradise in Uttarakhand, often compared with Pangot and Kilbury. There are over 70+ bird species identified during short birding camps and includes both resident and migratory birds.

Recently Spotted Birds Include: Red-billed blue magpie, blue whistling thrush, Himalayan griffon, lammergeier, crested serpent eagle, Kalij pheasant, Koklas pheasant, cheer pheasant, multiple species of woodpeckers, kingfishers, barbets, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, warblers, rosefinches, laughingthrushes, and many more.

Beyond birds, Mahesh Khan’s forests supports Deer, Sambhar, Black bears, Leopards (occasional sightings) and seasonal freshwater streams during monsoons. The forest is alive and unpredictable; which is exactly what makes it special.

⭐ Insider Tip: Best time to capture birds and other wildlife is early morning and dusk sightings.

Tagore Top

The ridge near the Forest Rest House is called ‘Tagore Top’. Rabindranath Tagore visited the place in 1914 (a few months after the death of his wife) and stayed here with his daughter Renuka and son Samindranath. It was here he got inspired to write some songs for “Geetanjali.”

Take a trek to Tagore top to enjoy some beautiful views of the valley and mountains.

Ghorakhal (4 km from Bhowali & 11 km from Nainital)

Ghorakhal means ‘a pond of water for Horses‘ and is located near Bhowali on the Nainital–Almora road. Ghorakhal is a small yet deeply significant hill. Known for its sacred temple, misty pine forests, and tranquil mountain energy, Ghorakhal often remains a pass-through destination. But those who pause here discover a place steeped in devotion, stories, and stillness.

The most prominent landmark here is the Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple, dedicated to Golu Devta, the revered folk deity of Kumaon.

• Devotees believe Golu Devta to be the God of Justice
• Thousands of bells and written petitions adorn the temple
• People submit letters seeking justice, clarity, or resolution — and return to offer bells when wishes are fulfilled

The first Sainik School of Uttarakhand is also located at Gorakhal. This prestigious institution is known for imparting discipline along with education to kids and guides them to join the Armed Forces and other sectors throughout the country.

⭐ Please note that the main Golu Devta Temple is Chitai Temple located 4 km from the main gate of Binsar, Almora. Learn More

Shyamkhet Tea Gardens (10–12 km)

The Shyamkhet Tea estates spread gently along the slopes near Bhowali. They offer a slower and softer side of the hills. Unlike the large commercial tea regions of Assam or Darjeeling, Shyamkhet’s charm lies in its small scale.

Tea cultivation in the Kumaon region dates back to the British era, when the climate and altitude were found suitable for high-quality tea. Shyamkhet emerged as one of the areas where organic and low-intervention tea farming quietly took root.

Today, the gardens produce limited batches of tea. Much of this tea is sold locally. This makes it a hidden gem for travellers who enjoy discovering produce straight from the source.

Mahesh Khan also holds historical importance as the place where Jim Corbett killed his first man-eater tiger, marking the beginning of his conservation journey.

Mahesh Khan is not for hurried travellers or checklist tourism. It’s for those who value silence over selfies, choose conservation over convenience and want to experience Uttarakhand beyond the obvious.

Explore more nearby

Kainchi Dham (9 km from Bhowali)

Kainchi Dham (established in 1964) is one of the most revered spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by forested hills, a flowing mountain stream, and quiet Himalayan air, this sacred ashram is dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), a saint whose teachings of love, service, and devotion continue to inspire seekers from around the world.

Visit official website – nkbashram.org for timings and other details.

The ashram includes:

• A Hanuman temple (central shrine)
• Temples dedicated to Shiva, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman
• Open courtyards and prayer spaces
• The gentle Kosi River stream flowing alongside

The environment encourages quiet reflection rather than ritual display. Global figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are known to have visited or been influenced by Neem Karoli Baba’s philosophy.

Ramgarh (15 km from Bhowali)

Ramgarh is a small, serene hill town known for its apple and peach orchards, quiet walks, and stunning Himalayan panoramas. Unlike busy Nainital, Ramgarh offers a slower, reflective travel experience, perfect for those who love nature, photography, and offbeat Himalayan charm.

The town sits at an elevation of 1,600–1,700 metres, with sweeping views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the surrounding Kumaon hills.

⭐ Insider Tip: Visit in April–June for spring blooms or August–October for fruit harvesting — a perfect opportunity to taste fresh Kumaon fruits.

Mukteshwar (20 km from Bhowali)

Perched at an altitude of around 2,286 metres, Mukteshwar is a quiet hill town in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, known for its ancient temple, dense forests, panoramic Himalayan views, and unhurried mountain life.

The town takes its name from the Mukteshwar Dham Temple, a 350-year-old Shiva temple believed to be the place where Lord Shiva granted liberation (moksha) to a demon.

Popular viewpoints include:

• Chauli Ki Jali – a dramatic rock face with legends and sunset views
• Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow area – peaceful forest surroundings

ARIES Observatory (9 km from Nainital)

ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences) is a leading research institute of India that specializes is Astrophysics, Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences. The place attracts many Astronomy lovers and the observatory is open for public during afternoons Mon-Friday. For night viewing (Full Moon days only) prior permission is needed. Read more about ARIES in my blog on Pangot at https://gotraveltrek.com/2015/02/05/pangot.

Other Birding Spots in Nainital Region

Pangot, Kilbury, Sattal, Bhimtal.

Location & Distance Guide to Mahesh Khan

Address: CH35+FP6, Natwakhan Rd, Bhowali Range, Uttarakhand 263136, India

• Nainital to Mahesh Khan: 20–22 km, accessed via the Bhowali–Ramgarh–Mukteshwar Road in Uttarakhand
• Mukteshwar to Mahesh Khan: 35 km
• Kathgodam to Mahesh Khan: 35 km
• Haldwani to Mahesh Khan: 40 km
• Almora to Mahesh Khan: 65 km
• Delhi to Mahesh Khan: 300 km (7–8 hours by road)

Best Time to Visit Mahesh Khan

• March to June: Ideal for birdwatching and forest walks
• September to November: Clear skies, migratory birds, pleasant weather
• Monsoon (July–August): Lush landscapes, flowing streams (travel cautiously)