Officially considered an administration division of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Kumaon spans the eastern half of the state. Known for its spectacular lakes, gorgeous hills, and verdant valleys, the high mountain tops of Kumaon are tourist hotspots for urbanites looking to catch a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. There are many places to visit in Kumaon. Out of these, some locations are unique and some are common.
This list of offbeat places in Kumaon aims to serve as a guide for travelers and visitors looking to plan their next hill station holiday.
Nainital
Among places in Kumaon, one that is quite well-known is the hill station of Nainital. It is located around an eye-shaped lake and is home to gorgeous views as well as many species of flora and fauna. It is a traveler’s paradise due to all it has to offer: from its numerous waterfalls to the spiritualist’s Naina Devi Temple as well as the picturesque Tiffin Top.
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How to reach Nainital from Delhi?
To reach Nainital from Delhi by road, you can travel by taxi or personal car, which takes around 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kathgodam, the nearest station, and then continue by cab to Nainital.
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
The best time for Nainital is between March and June.
Corbett National Park
One of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries, Corbett National Park is frequented by tourists due to tigers being found in the area. It also hosts other flora and fauna, such as leopard, deer, langur, Asiatic black bear and even mongoose. It is perfect for not only animal lovers but also a great trip to plan with family as kids will love the park.
How to reach Corbett National Park from Delhi?
One can travel by road which is around 250 km, taking 5 hours. The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, from where the park is about 80 km away or 2 hours away.
What is the best time to visit Corbett National Park?
The best time to visit Corbett National Park is between November to February.
Mukteshwar
This hill station is popular for its adventure activity potential. One can engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and hiking here. It derives its name from the three-hundred-year-old Shiva temple called Mukteshwar Dham. It offers scenic picnic spots, gushing waterfalls, and fresh streams. It is truly a gem to visit in Kumaon.
How to reach Mukteshwar from Delhi?
It takes about 8 hours by car or cab. One can also take a train to Kathgodam station from where Mukteshwar is a 2 ½ hour drive by cab.
What is the best time to visit Mukteshwar?
The best time to visit Mukteshwar is between March and June.
Kainchi Dham
Founded by the revered saint Neel Karori Baba, Kainchi Dham is a temple complex suited perfectly for the spiritualist. It consists of a Hanuman temple, a main temple as well as an area for multiple bells. The ashram itself is surrounded by nature. Those who visit the temple and stay in the ashram report feeling an endless sense of calm. The beauty of this ashram is alluring too.
How to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi?
It takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Kainchi Dham from Delhi by road. Otherwise, one can book a train to Kathgodam train station and take a cab from there.
What is the best time to visit Kainchi Dham?
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is between February and June.
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Bhimtal
Located around the Bhimtal lake with an island in its center, Bhimtal is incredible. It is a pleasant hill station with a calm, cool, and moderate temperature which spikes in winter. Once can find the source of the river Gargi, the natural lake Nal Damyanti Tal, and the Bhimeshwar temple here. These attractions are varied, making a vacation here quite versatile and fun.
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How to reach Bhimtal from Delhi?
It takes about 7 hours by car. Otherwise, one can reach Bhimtal via the Kathgodam train station from where it takes 50 minutes by cab.
What is the best time to visit Bhim Tal?
The best time to visit Kainchi Dham is between March and June.
Binsar
Binsar, located in Kumaon, is a beautiful hill station and biodiversity hotspot. It is a perfect tourist spot for nature lovers due to the over two hundred species of birds residing in the area. It also houses the Zero Point, from where one can view other Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath and Nanda Devi. Other attractions include the Mary Budden estate and the Grand Oak Manor.
How to reach Binsar from Delhi?
It takes around 10 hours to reach Binsar from Delhi by road. One can take a train to Kathgodam railway station and from there Binsor can be reached by cab in around 3 hours.
What is the best time to visit Binsar?
The best time to visit Binsar is April to June and September to November.
Almora
As a small and peaceful town, Almora has a lot to offer to seasonal tourists seeking respite from city life for a few days by vacationing in offbeat places in Kumaon. It offers beautiful views of snow-covered mountain tops, has numerous temples like the Kasar Devi Mandir, and also has local Kumaoni cuisine that is uniquely delicious. It is truly a marvelous destination for a vacation.
How to reach Almora from Delhi?
It takes 9 hours to reach Almora from Delhi via road. Otherwise, you can take a train to Kathgodam railway station and reach Almora by cab in 3 hours from there.
What is the best time to visit Almora?
The best time to visit Almora is from March to May.
Jageshwar
A Hindu pilgrimage town located near Almora, Jageshwara is the spiritualist’s paradise. The area is referred to as “Valley of Gods” due to the over a hundred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva found in the area. Each of these temples is made of rock. This historically and culturally significant hill station is a beautiful combination of holiness and enjoyment.
How to reach Jageshwar from Delhi?
It takes 10 hours by road. You could also take a train to Kathgodam, which is 125 km or about 4 hours by cab from Jageshwar.
What is the best time to visit Jageshwar?
The best time to visit Jageshwar is between April to June and September to November.
Ranikhet
If you are looking for a place to visit in the summer, Ranikhet is a decent option due to its cool weather and nice breezes. It has its own hidden charm as a town, replete with its own Mall Road for shoppers, museums for intellectuals as well as the beautiful Chaubatia Gardens. It houses dense forests and is quite green as well as clean overall.
How to reach Ranikhet from Delhi?
Ranikhet to Delhi takes 9 hours by road. One could also take a train to Kathgodam station, which is 75 km or about 3 hours by cab from Ranikhet.
What is the best time to visit Ranikhet?
The best time to visit Jageshwar is between March to July.
Kausani
The village of Kausani is serene and peaceful due to its atmosphere. Often referred to as the Switzerland of India, Kausani is a winter wonderland. This quaint hill station shows off views of the Nanda Devi and Trishul mountains as well as the Garur and Katyuri valleys. It is a truly wonderful experience to visit Kausani and everyone should try at least once.
How to reach Kausani from Delhi?
It takes 10 to 11 hours from Kausani to Delhi by road. You could also book a train to Kathgodam and take a cab from there, taking another 4 to 5 hours.
What is the best time to visit Kausani?
The best time to visit Kausani is between April to June and October to February.
Chaukori
An underrated destination in Kumaon is Chaukori. It is a small, dreamy village located in the district famous for its weather and views. It has areas from where the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas’ recognisable high peaks. It is also home to various birds, so much so that it is referred to as a birds’ paradise. It is a true panorama of beauty and joy.
How to reach Chaukori from Delhi?
It takes about 13 hours from Chaukori to Delhi by road. You could also book a train to Kathgodam, then take a cab from there, thus taking an additional 6 hours.
What is the best time to visit Chaukori?
The best time to visit Chaukori is from March to June and November to September.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar
The Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves refer to a limestone cave temple with a narrow tunnel-like opening that is fully illuminated. The stalagmites within the temple take the shape of various Hindu mythology or Gods, such as Ganesha, Kali, Shiva, and even Parijata. These structures are not man-made and the cave has been in use since the time of the Mahabharatas. This cave temple is startling yet intriguing all at once.
How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar from Delhi?
You could reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar from Delhi via road in about 12 hours, or take a train to Kathgodam and then travel another 6 hours by cab to reach your destination.
What is the best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar?
The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is October to March.
Narayan Ashram
Located between dense deodar forests, Narayan Ashram is set at an altitude of around 2800 km above sea level and was established by Swami Narayan in 1936. The ashram itself consists of a library, a reading room as well as a samadhi shtal. It is a socio-educational center. It is truly a beautiful and spiritual adventure all at once.
How to reach Narayan Ashram?
It takes about 14 hours by road to reach the ashram from Delhi by road. One can also take a train to the nearest station, Tenakpur, and travel 8 hours by cab to reach the ashram.
What is the best time to visit Narayan Ashram?
The best time to visit the ashram is from April to June.
Panchachuli Glacier
Located in the extreme east of Kumaon, this glacier is said to be. It was named after the five peaks of Panchachuli and stretches many kilometers, thus having beautiful streams, pristine families, pretty ice formations, and more. It offers a delightful blend of adventure, fun, and beauty. One could even choose to trek through its dense forests if interested.
How to reach Panchachuli Glacier from Delhi?
One has to first reach Dharchula and then go to Dar village. Dharchula is about 13 hours from Delhi via road and then Dar is 42 km ahead. One can also take a train to Tenakpur station from where Dharchula is around 6 to 7 hours by cab.
What is the best time to visit Panchachuli Glacier?
The best time to visit the glacier is from April to June and September to October.
If you’re planning a vacation to an offbeat destination in Kumaon, make sure to book your stay at The Blue Book at Gethia, a luxury hotel in Nainital. This charming retreat offers an ideal blend of comfort and elegance, serving as a perfect base to explore the natural beauty of the region. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, The Blue Book at Gethia provides a serene sanctuary where you can unwind and fully appreciate the tranquil surroundings. Whether you’re discovering nearby attractions like Nainital, Naukuchiyatal, and Mukteshwar or simply relaxing, The Blue Book at Gethia promises a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.
