If you’re hunting for hotels in Kotdwar that combine adventure, nature, and picture-perfect spots, Jusgar Resort Kotdwar (also known as Junglhabits, the “habitat in the jungle”) is a gem you don’t want to miss. Nestled at ~3000 ft altitude, about 17 km from Kotdwar town and just 3 km from NH-119 near Umrella, this eco tourism resort in Uttarakhand offers both serenity and some of the most adventurous experiences.
Here are 10 spots inside Jusgar Resort which are totally Instagram-worthy — places that capture the beauty of Uttarakhand eco tourism, the spirit of adventure tourism in the Himalayas, and the unique charm of resorts in Kotdwar.
1. Spice Garden Vista
One of the first things that strikes you is Jusgar’s spice garden. As the first ever spice garden resort theme in Uttarakhand, this lush garden with various spice plants makes for vibrant, colourful pictures. Imagine greens, deep browns, and bursts of spice-flower blooms. It’s perfect for close-ups, macro shots, or wide-angle “you in the foliage” frames.
2. Dome Houses (Igloo Style)
The dome houses here are curved, half-sphere structures that are both quaint and unusual. They are temperature resistant, well furnished, and their rounded architecture makes them stand out — great geometry, interesting shadows, and quirky backgrounds. For travellers seeking unique photo backdrops, these are a must-see.
3. Campsite and River Views
Jusgar offers scenic camping sites set in high-altitude grasslands, dense forests, and alongside rivers. Twilight or early morning at the river bank sites are especially magical: mist rising, reflections in water, beautiful skies. These offer some of the top adventure activities for nature lovers and photographers alike.
4. Trekking Trails & Hill Paths
There are walking and trekking trails around Jusgar, through villages such as Kanvashram, Bharkil, Irha, Charekh, Hillhobbitton, Dhurataal. A 28 km trek over 3-7 days passes through changing terrain — forest paths, hilltops, streams, villages. Every turn can be your next favourite shot. The rustic charm combined with Himalayan views gives epic frames.
5. Natural Rock Formations & Rock Climbing Spots
If you’re after the “most adventurous things to do”, Jusgar’s rock climbing setup is impressive. Natural rock walls of 30-42 ft height, plus artificial sections, offer some dramatic angles for photos. Shots of climbers silhouetted against the sky, hands gripping rock, climbs at dawn/ dusk — all good.
6. Birdwatching Hideaways — Especially The Nightjar
In the forested parts of Jusgar, bird watching is a highlight. One particularly prized species is the Nightjar, observed in its natural habitat. Quiet clearings, early mornings or dusky evenings, offer soft light and ethereal atmosphere. Perfect spots for wildlife or bird-photography lovers.
7. Ridge & Hilltop Points Overlooking the Valley
Because Jusgar is set at altitude, views from ridges and hilltop vantage points show off sweeping Himalaya vistas, terraced forested slopes, glimpses of river Khoh flowing through rocky cliffs. These vantage spots are among the most adventurous things to do for scenic captures, and some early morning sunrise or golden hour shots are simply breathtaking.
8. The Khoh River Bank Areas
The route from Kotdwar to Jusgar includes the flowing Khoh River which snakes alongside rocky cliffs. Within the resort, there are spots where the river is close — perfect for reflection photos, water shots, or simply the soothing sound & scene framed by forest. Water + greenery = Instagram gold.
9. Village Tourism & Traditional Village Homes
For a cultural touch, the village tourism options around Jusgar provide traditional village homes, local cuisine, rustic houses with wooden/stone textures, colorful local life. Capturing sunrise over the rooftops, silhouettes of villagers going about daily chores, or crafts and food preparation can add depth to your photo feed.
10. Tree Houses, Hanging Tents, Cave Houses (Upcoming / Unique Accommodations)
While some are upcoming, Jusgar offers plans or existing features like tree houses, hanging tents, cave houses. Even if not fully functional, these structures are unique and have strong visual appeal. A hanging tent in forest canopy, cave house exteriors, or tree house decks overlooking valleys are amazing backgrounds. They speak to eco tourism in Uttarakhand in a way that nothing over built can.
Bonus Spots: Temples & Surroundings Near Jusgar
Though not strictly inside the resort, some places nearby like Shri Durgadevi Mandir (≈ 4 km), Shri Siddhbali Dham, hilltop temples like Bhairavgarhi or Mahabgarh, give panoramic views, forested backdrops, spiritual architecture. If you’re staying at Jusgar, these are easy add-ons for a shoot.
Why Jusgar Resort Is More Than Just a Pretty Face
- Being one of the best adventure resorts in Kotdwar, Jusgar offers a range of top adventure activities (rock climbing, trekking, hiking, zip-lines etc.) that not only thrill but provide dynamic, action-filled photo opportunities.
- As an eco-friendly hill resort, it encapsulates the spirit of Uttarakhand eco tourism: minimal impact, harmony with nature, and an emphasis on habitat in the jungle rather than concrete luxury. That juxtaposition — rugged natural beauty + comfortable stay — makes every photo feel authentic.
- Its proximity (17 km) to Kotdwar makes it accessible among resorts in Kotdwar, yet far enough to feel remote. That is perfect for both travel-photography and nature lovers who want the best adventure experiences without too long travel time.
Tips for Capturing the Best Shots at Jusgar
- Golden Hour Matters: Sunrise over ridges, sunset across river valleys, or even first light in dome houses add warmth and dramatic lighting.
- Action + Still Mix: Combine still moments (like posed shots in the spice garden or dome house porch) with action (a climber, someone trekking, children on zip-line etc.) to show “best adventure” in real sense.
- Foreground Interest: Use natural elements like flowers, leaves, or rocks in the foreground. The spice garden or forest floor around the paths are great.
- Include Local Flavor: Village homes, woodwork, local cultural bits add context and uniqueness.
- Weather & Mist: In the sub-Himalayan terai region, mornings may have mist; the skies may change rapidly — these add mood to shots.
- Equipment: Wide-angle for landscapes, maybe telephoto for birdwatching, macro for spices and plants.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a resort near Kotdwara that delivers both aesthetic appeal and edge-of-seat adventure, Jusgar Resort is hard to beat. Its blend of eco tourism Uttarakhand, top adventure activities, and natural beauty means you’ll not just relax — you’ll have your camera or phone buzzing all day, capturing scenes worthy of your feed.
From spice garden hues and dome houses to riverbanks, cliff edges, and sunrise panoramas — Jusgar gives you photo spots that say “this is why I travelled”. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet of nature, the thrill of rock climbing, or the serenity of birdwatching, these 10 (plus bonus) spots inside and near Jusgar are your ticket to unforgettable, picture-perfect memories.
