The Kalika Weekend
The gentlest way in. Two nights at Oakakhi with a forest walk, a birding morning, a nature class and a night under the Ranikhet sky. No trek, no long drives.
- Duration
- 2 nights, 3 days
- Route
- Oakakhi, Ranikhet
- Level
- Easy
- Price
- ₹12,000 pp
This is the weekend we would give a friend who has never done anything like this before. Nothing is far, nothing is steep, and every day starts slowly.
You stay at Oakakhi, walk into the Kalika forest at the hours when it is most alive, learn a little about what you are looking at, and spend one long evening under the sky.
Day by day
Day one, afternoon
Arrive at Oakakhi. Chai first, then a sunset walk into Kalika forest. A home-cooked dinner and an early night.
Day two
Birdwatching at first light in Kalika. A slow breakfast. Late morning, a nature class: the trees around you, the calls you heard at dawn, and how to keep a simple field notebook. In the evening, a village walk, then an astro night with our guide and a fire.
Day three
A silent forest walk at sunrise, breakfast on the porch, and leave when you are ready.
Who it suits
- First-timers and families with older children
- Anyone who wants the forest without a trek
- A first weekend with us, before a longer journey
How fit you need to be
Gentle walking on forest paths, two to three hours at a time.
Included
- Two nights at Oakakhi
- All meals, home-cooked
- Guided forest walks and birdwatching session
- Nature class
- Astro night with our guide
- Binoculars on loan
Not included
- Travel to Ranikhet and back
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
When to go
Through the year, except the heaviest monsoon weeks. Dates are shared on WhatsApp.
Before you book
Where do journeys start?
Almost every journey starts at Oakakhi Stays, our home in Ranikhet. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about three hours away by road. Tell us how you are travelling and we will help you plan the last stretch.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form. We talk first about what you are looking for, then share dates, the full plan and how to confirm your place. No booking is final until we have spoken.
I am travelling from abroad. Can I join?
Yes, and you are very welcome. Our page for international travellers covers getting to Ranikhet from Delhi, visas, permits, seasons, money and what to pack. Prices are in rupees, with approximate US dollar prices alongside.
What happens in an emergency?
Our guides carry first aid supplies and are trained in immediate response. In a real emergency, getting you to help fast is the only priority.
Other journeys
Let’s plan a quieter kind of journey.
Tell us what you are looking for, how many of you there are and roughly when. We will help you find the right walk, sky or forest, and we will be honest if we are not the right fit.