MUKTESHWAR

Mukteshwar is a popular place among travellers, if not tourists. It is famous for its temple and the breathtaking views of Himalayas. Just near to the Mukteshwar temple lies two minor sights: the Naag Fana and the Chauli Ki Jali. The former is a rock that looks like a snake's hood hence the name Nag Faana. Chauli Ki Jali, on the other hand, is a cliff with a hole. It has a lot of legends associated with it. Walk near the cliff for a beautiful view of the snow-clad Himalayas. 

Mukteshwar is situated at an elevation of 2,285 metres above sea level and boasts of apple orchards and coniferous woods. For nature lovers, you can come across many short trails around. The stay options here range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly cottages. Mukteshwar is largely an unruffled site where solitude is guaranteed. Adventure activities include rock climbing, paragliding, trekking to Almora or Peora, and camping.

KHURPATAL

Khurpatal is yet another hamlet near Nainital. At a height of 1,635 metres, it is 12 km away from the city. Khurpatal has a crystal clear lake, which is visited in a lesser degree and the reason why its virgin beauty touches one's heart. You can get a top view of this hamlet on your way towards Ramnagar on the Uttarakhand State Highway 41. Khurpatal is preferred for its charming atmosphere and clear lake. One can do fishing or angling at this lake. Khurpatal has active vegetable ranches. This place is hidden in the hills, because of which it is rejuvenating. One can visit it simply to get lost in nature and admire the unending green fields. 

THE MALL ROAD 

The Mall Road was built during the British days and is a prominent street in Nainital. It runs parallel to the Naini Lake and witnesses tourists and locals alike. It is home to shops, cafes, departmental stores, and restaurants. With cool winds blowing all over, a night walk through the street has its own appeal. (Mall Road has some traffic rules: The entry of heavy traffic is not allowed in May, June, and October from 8:00 am to 10:30 am and then from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm and for light vehicles, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Parking is strictly prohibited on the Mall Road except for some designated parking spaces.)

The 'Tiger' Cave inside Eco Cave Park

ECO CAVE PARK 

The Eco Cave Park includes six manmade caves that give you an idea of the structured habitats of certain species. At present, you can come across caves belonging to tigers, panthers, bats, squirrels, flying foxes, and apes. The park is well-maintained and is ideal for families, especially for families with kids. The entry fee is Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children. (Extra charges for professional cameras Rs 25.)

Wonder how people click photographs of the mango-shaped Naini Lake? That's from this viewpoint. You can hire a local cab to reach here as it is easily accessible by road; rather, this viewpoint is situated at a small cliff by the roadside. From here, you can view the Naini Lake and adore its mango shape. You have food stalls with Maggi, chips, and the like. Another interesting thing is the guy with the telescope. He shows you some points like the place from Main Hoon Na (where Shah Rukh Khan saves his brother) and a couple of more things. The charges to use this telescope vary, but you can certainly bargain.

Posing at the Himalaya Darshan Point (notice the horse behind?)

HIMALAYA DARSHAN POINT 

This viewpoint lies by the roadside too. It is while in the transit to Kilbury, about 5 km away from Nainital, the elevation being 2,310 metres. You can have a look at the Trishul peaks from here along with lush green valleys and forested edges. You can opt for horse riding too. And, similar to the Naini Lake Viewpoint, even here you come across a man with the telescope who shows Trishul peaks up close, a distant monastery, a temple, and a few more places. He charged Rs 100 (for four people).

NAINITAL ROPEWAY 

The Nainital Ropeway is a noteworthy attraction in Nainital that draws several tourists every day. Taking this ride gives you stunning views of the Naini Lake. This ropeway takes you from the Mallital to the Snow View Point. The ride is about 9 minutes long (1.8 km). The ticket is Rs 150 for adults and Rs 100 for kids (not sure of the current rate). 

NAINITAL ZOO 

Nainital Zoo is extraordinary compared to other attractions for nature lovers. Formally named as Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, it is also known as the High Altitude Zoo. It is a well-maintained zoo and is in fact, the only zoo in the entire Uttarakhand state. The zoo is spread across 4.693 hectares and has various endangered species. It is situated at a height of 2,100 meters. It is locally called as 'Sher ka Danda'. Timings are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and the ticket is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for kids. 

LOVER'S POINT & SUICIDE POINT 

Towards the end of this article, I have mentioned a few contacts of transport agents across India. They charge around Rs. 500 extra but your troubles are looked after by them. Find all the details pertaining to these agents towards the end of the article.

I have tried my best to cover all the possibilities. If you have any doubt, please feel free to ask me in the comments below.

2. Insurance paper

3. Identity card (aadhar card, driving license, passport...any one is fine)

4. Photocopies of all the documents mentioned above

Note: Please make sure your documents are readable and in good condition; some parcel officers hesitate to accept otherwise. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Emptying the petrol tank: It is compulsory to empty your petrol tank before you hand over the bike. Worry not as usually, the men working at the parcel office have a tube through which they pull out petrol. Just carry an empty bottle to store excess petrol from the bike. You might hand over this bottle to the men there. Just ensure that you utilise as much petrol as possible before reaching the parcel office.

The timings of the parcel office: The parcel office shuts at around 5:00 pm so book a train that reaches the destination before 3:00 pm to avoid hassles. You must check the train departure timing too along with the arrival timing before you book your tickets. However, the hack here is to submit your bike an evening prior if you have a morning train. So for instance, if your train starts tomorrow morning, then go to the railway station and submit your bike by today evening itself. (The agents might save your troubles and I highly recommend you contact them if this is your first time.) The ideal train is the one that starts after 11:00 am and reaches the destination before 4:00 pm. 

Booking the first and the last station (recommended): If you can, please book the first and the last station to avoid worries. If for some reason, you cannot, at least book a station with a minimum 20 minutes halt. The luggage compartment of your train is full of boxes, veggies, and stuff you can't imagine. It requires a lot of time to unload these boxes and then take your heavy bike off. To ensure your bike is loaded and unloaded, please book the first and the last stations. 

Taking off the mirrors to avoid damage: This goes without saying, but I recommend you to take off whatever you can, especially the mirrors to avoid breakage. 

Reach station 3 hours before to submit the bike: If you have submitted bike an evening before, then you needn't reach three hours before the train departs. However, if you're yet to submit it, then the parcel officers–and the agents too–ask you to be there at the station three hours before the departure. 

TWO MODES:

In this method, you travel with your bike; i.e., your bike is loaded in the luggage compartment of the train you're travelling on. Before you submit your bike, you compulsorily need a reserved ticket. You need to reach the railway station around three hours before the train departs. The average cost for transporting your bike is Rs. 3000 for up to 2000 km. The cost is determined on the distance and the weight of your bike. This is the quickest way to transport since the bike travels with you. You also get to see how they're loading the bike on the train which is contrary to the parcel method. And the best part is, especially for the bikers, you get your bike as soon as you get down at the destination station! But, as mentioned under 'things to keep in mind', please try to pick the first and the last destination to avoid hassles. The railway porters could even fail to load or unload your bike if the halt is for a few minutes. So to avoid any mishaps, it's advisable to book the first and the last station. Another thing to note is the timing of the train. (Please refer to the 'things to keep in mind' section for all the tips.) 

1. Go to the parcel office, like I mentioned earlier, about 3 hours prior to the departure.

2. Take the delivery challan/slip and the ticket for your bike from the parcel officer. (You'll need to show these while collecting your bike at the destination station.)

3. Meanwhile, the men from the parcel office shall empty the petrol tank and then wrap your bike. Ensure to take off the mirrors!

Transporting your bike via parcel method is just like sending a courier/parcel. You don't need to travel along with the bike. You just send and the train takes it to the destination station. This method works best for those who have shifted to another city and cannot ride the bike to their new house. Please note that only the name of the recipient that has been written down in the form is allowed to collect the bike. Make sure you go for booking a couple of days in advance in case of urgency. The bike will be sent in any train to the destination station and will reach in around 4-5 days or earlier depending upon the distance. 

1. Take your bike to the parcel office of the nearest railway station. Usually, all the major stations have a parcel office. Just ensure to go during the office hours (10:00 am to 5:00 pm). 

2. They will ask you to show your ID proof, bike's RC, and insurance copy.

3. Your fuel tank would be checked therefore make sure there's zero to little petrol when you arrive at the office. (Worry not, as the men there would help you drain off the petrol.)

4. Next step is to pack the bike. You might come across agents who help you pack. Ensure that they pack nicely. Packing requires about Rs. 300 (better the packing, higher the rates).

5. Collect the booking form from the parcel office and fill it.

6. You also need to declare the current cost of your bike. Along with it, you need to provide with the bike's engine and chassis numbers.

7. Another important thing is to mention the contact details of the sender and the recipient.

8. Please make a note that only the person whose name you have mentioned under recipient is eligible to collect the bike, that too, only on showing a valid ID proof. The recipient also needs to have the parcel booking receipt so please send the receipt to the recipient so that he/she can collect your bike.9. The recipient needs to visit the parcel office at the destination station with the booking receipt and his ID proof. Once the officer approves, the recipient would be given a gate pass. Without the gate pass, the bike cannot be taken outside the railway station.

Average Cost

500 km: Rs 700

1000 km: Rs 1,200

AGENT CONTACTS ACROSS INDIA 

https://www.bcmtouring.com/forums/threads/railway-contact-list-transporting-bikes-by-train.51941/

Please let me know if you have any doubt.