Raj Bhavan Golf Course, Nainital, Uttrakhand.India justdial.com |
Raj Bhavan (Govt. House),Nainital UK,India. nainitaltourism.org.in |
Hill station Nainital, Uttrakhand, India.tourmyindia.com |
'Raj Bhavan Golf Course'', in the well-known hill station of Nainital (Uttrakhand State) of the Kumaon hills of the ''Outer Himalayas'' is set within the Governor's vast residential campus and is an interesting place to relax and have fun if you are on a visit to this place in the summer period. One of the oldest and highest Golf courses in Asia or perhaps in the world, it was founded in 1926 by the British during the Raj Era (meaning directly under the British Crown administration, London) and it is part of the 220 acre Raj Bhavan estate, also known commonly in the by-gone era as the Government House. It was built by the British for the comfortable stay of the Governor of United Province during the summer time to escape from the summer heat and hot air on the plains. In Nov. 2000, after the creation of Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand), the golf Course became a part of residence of the Governor of the new state
Raj Bhavan Golf Course, Nainital,Uttrakhand. justdial.com |
As the golf course is located within the premises of the Raj Bhavan, prior permit is a necessity to play in tis 18 - hole sprawling course that is dotted with many hurdles. Ii is open to both professional and armature players. People who have been there say that it's being well maintained by the authorities. Prior to 1994, the golf course was not accessible to the public, subsequently 'Uttar Pradesh Raj Bhavan Golf Club' was formed and one of its objectives was to promote golf among the officers and staff of Raj Bhawan and to periodically maintain and develop the golf course and surrounding areas. The other objective being organizing periodic golf tournaments to promote golf among the youngsters.
Raj Bhavan Golf Club along with a Club House (formerly forest guard house) is actually in the Reserve Forest area. The forest guard house ,previously called "Van Chetna Kendra" was renamed as "Vora Pavilion". The two other Pavilions Governor's Pavilion & Healy's Pavilion located in a soothing and picturesque places are meant for the players to take a brief respite between long walks and plays
A vintage image of Govt. House (Raj Bhavan), Nainital, India.tripadvisor.in |
It is a challenge for good golf players to play on the high altitude golf course where the cool weather and air-density may impact the movement of golf ball while in the air. Set in the midst of a lush green wooded area offering serene atmosphere, the course is provided with a short par 61 course with 18 holes and 18 tees, it covers a distance of 3.2 km of uneven terrains with normal fairway, lots of tall trees near-by. The course is a combination of greens and brows, the former includes 13 obligatory holes and challenging holes in the brown. As the course is on a sort of rolling terrain with ups and downs, one has to drive the ball carefully either on uphill side or down hill side with poor sighting of the hole at the distance. Yet another challenge is striking the ball into the holes set at uneven places in the green.
Raj Bhavan Golf Course, Nainital,Uttrakhandjustdial.com |
Raj Bhavan Golf Course was developed in the year 1926, during 'RAJ' days as a part of the 220 acre was the exclusive preserve of the erstwhile Colonial rulers, Maharajahs and other dignitaries. Now, a part of the Governor's residence, far removed from the urban mess, the most challenging aspect of this colonial golf course is to get the golf ball to the edge of the green patch, and, from there, driving it into the hole set on an uneven ground. The gradient or gentle slope may give a good player a tough time Both Raj Bhavan and the Golf Course within its estate are a symbol of still remains a fine symbol of British heritage and legacy, though 73 years have gone by since the British had left the shores of India in 1947.
https://governoruk.gov.in/pages/display/338-rajbhawan-golf-course
https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/nainital