One of the two regions of Uttarakhand, Kumaon is famed for its charming weather and natural beauty. From crystal clear lakes, ancient temples, opulent flora and fauna, and snow-clad mountains to Kumaoni people, their language and cuisine, every bit of Kumaon is fascinating and attracts travellers all across the world.
The region spans the Eastern part of Uttarakhand and is bordered by Tibet in the north, Uttar Pradesh in the south and Nepal in the east and Garhwal region in the west. Kumaon comprises six districts of Uttarakhand that boast of several amazing hill stations, which are some of the best places to explore in the region. Being home to a large Himalayan tract, surrounded by gushing rivers, verdant valleys and rolling cultivation lands along the slope, Kumaon is undoubtedly one of the best places to spend a fun-filled memorable vacation.
As there are numerous places to explore, we made a list of the 15 best places to visit in the Kumaon region. Have a look and then plan your trip.
List of 15 Best Places to Visit in Kumaon Region in Uttarakhand –
- Kainchi Dham
- Nainital
- Pithoragarh
- Ranikhet
- Mukteshwar
- Munsiyari
- Kausani
- Bhimtal
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Champawat
- Almora
- Binsar
- Sattal
- Pangot
- Chaukori
Most Popular Kumaon Uttarakhand Sightseeing Tour Packages
Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is a famous ashram located in the foreground of two hills creating the shape of a scissor, near the city of Nainital. This piece of abode is filled with positivity and zeal and helps people of all religions with the ability to conquer. One of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, Kainchi Dham is situated at a height of 1,402 metres above sea level in Kainchi village near Bhowali at the Nainital – Almora Road.
The main temple of the Dham, established in 1962, is dedicated to Baba Neem Karoli, who was believed to be the incarnation of Hanuman and dedicated his life to distributing happiness and wellness to his followers. On June 15, every year, a fair is arranged in the temple and Bhandara (grand feast) is prepared to feed more than one lakh people.
On a special note, Kainchi Dham has also become famous among the tourists across the globe after the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that he visited the temple. And, he also mentioned that he got referred by Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, who once visited the temple and meditated in the ashram in the 70’s.
Best Time to Visit Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham remains open throughout the year. In winter, the place opens from 7 AM to 6 PM and in summer, the timing changes to 6 AM to 7 PM.
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Nainital
Famous for an eye-shaped lake, Naini Lake or Naini Tal, the city of Nainital is one of the top tourism places in Kumaon. With the profuse natural beauty from snow-clad peaks of Garhwal Himalayas and glistening lakes to a rich collection of biodiversity along with Kumaoni traditions and cuisines, a trip to Nainital could be captivating and enthralling.
Nainital is situated in a valley at a height of around 1,938 metres, fringed by the Kumaon range. The place is often called the ‘City of Lakes’ for being home to a number of natural glacial lakes such as Saat Tal, Khurpa Tal etc. As a holiday destination, there are no other places like Nainital to experience watching a beautiful sunset from a temple, having a picnic around a waterfall or attempting outdoor activities like rock climbing, paragliding, rafting and trekking.
You can also visit Nainital around the time of Nainital Winter Carnival. The fest happens during the Christmas holidays, between the end of December and the start of January. It is a five-day long carnival hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council in association with Nainital District Administration. The carnival is held at different places and witnesses dance, musical, cultural performances and different adventure activities.
Best Time to Visit Nainital
Being the top tourist destination in Kumaon, Nainital is a year-round destination. However, if you are an adventure seeker and want to experience outdoor activities like paragliding, rafting, camping and trekking then from March to June is the best time to visit Nainital.
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Pithoragarh
An idyllic offbeat destination in the Kumaon region, Pithoragarh is more than a hill station. It is a place to rejuvenate yourself after visiting the overcrowded and over-explored places of Uttarakhand. It is a place to savour the authenticity of nature that Kumaon offers to its visitors.
Pithoragarh is situated at a height of 1,524 metres flanked by the enchanting hills and verdant environs. As per the tourism map of Kumaon, Pithoragarh is located at a distance of 175 kilometres from Nainital, on the eastern side of Uttarakhand. The scenic landscapes, moderate climate, peaceful environment, and unexplored and untouched trails of Pithoragarh are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing trip to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh
From April to November, the summer is the best time to visit Pithoragarh, as the weather becomes pleasant during this time. However, it is recommended to avoid the months of July and August as the hilly roads become muddy and slippery during the monsoon.
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Ranikhet
Famous for one of the highest golf courses in Asia, Ranikhet is one of the top tourist attractions in Kumaon, as well as Uttarakhand. The name of the place Ranikhet means ‘The Queen’s Land,’ named after Queen Padmini, who was so impressed by the beauty of this place. A breathtaking view of Trishul Peak while sitting on one of the gorgeous meadows – is all you will get on the Ranikhet trip, which rejuvenates the soul and mind.
This renowned hill station is located in the Almora district and attracts a flock of tourists for various reasons. It is considered one of the top tourist places in Uttarakhand to explore nature and bird watching, go fishing, trekking, paragliding, zipline and rock climbing and many more options.
Best Time to Visit Ranikhet
Summer, during the months between February and November, is the best time to visit Ranikhet if you want to wander around this top tourist destination in Uttarakhand in delightful weather.
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Mukteshwar
One of the idyllic hill stations to explore in the Kumaon region, Mukteshwar is flanked by 22 snow-topped mountains. The beauty of Mukteshwar is beyond words and visiting places around this hill station gives solace to the mind. As Mukteshwar is located at a distance of around 50 kilometres from Nainital you can include this quaint hamlet for a day trip from Nainital.
This hidden gem is situated at a height of 2,171 metres from sea level. It attracts several tourists all around the year who want to spend a vacation in a secluded place. People also enjoy doing several activities in Mukteshwar. A trip to this hilly hamlet cannot be concluded without visiting the places like Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Chauli Ki Jali and many more.
Best Time to Visit Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar offers pleasant weather all through the year. However, the perfect time to visit the place is the summer, when days are comfortable and nights are cool. Also, if you want to experience chilly weather under the clear sky, you can visit Mukteshwar in December.
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Munsiyari
Popularly known as ‘Little Kashmir,’ Munsiyari is situated at an elevation of 2,298 metres perched in the lap of snow-clad mountains. The name of the place means ‘Place with snow’ and it truly means what the place shows. Munsiyari is located just 100 kilometres away from the Indo-Nepal border and it is one of the delightful places in Kumaon that left the visitors charmed and refreshed.
Munsiyari is also famed for being the gateway of the Johar valley and it is located on the ancient route between India and Tibet. The place also serves as a starting point for several trekking trails like Ralam Glaciers and Milam and Nanda Devi Peak etc. On a sunny bright day, when the sky is clear, a breathtaking view of the Panchachuli Peaks is one of the gifts you will get while returning back home.
Best Time to Visit Munsiyari
Summer, when the temperature lies in the range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius along with offering cool nights, in the months of March and June, is the ideal time to visit Munsiyari. Moreover, you can also plan to visit this place between September and October.
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Kausani
Known for its unparalleled views, Kausani is a famous hill station located in the Bageshwar district. It is located at an altitude of 1,890 metres and offers flawless mountain views all around the valley. From watching a stunning sunrise in the morning while listening to the sound of chirping birds, escaping through the rolling tea gardens to spending some relaxing time in Anasakti Ashram, Kausani serves the best recipe for a refreshing trip.
Apart from the Anasakti Ashram, which is also called Gandhi Ashram, there are more places in Kausani that you can visit while touring this hill station. You can also visit Kausani Tea Estate and Shawl Factory if you want to learn about two of the main productions of this place.
Best Time to Visit Kausani
Owing to the pleasurable climate, the summer season, from March to June is the best time to visit Kausani. Winter is also enjoyable if you want to see how the place looks covered in snow.
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Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a picturesque town located in Kumaon, famous for its ancient history related to the Mahabharata. It is believed to be named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas. Legend says, during the exile of Pandavas, Bhima visited the place and built a Shiva Temple on the bank of the lake.
Bhimtal is also famous for its lake, which is situated at a height of 1,370 metres from sea level. It is located in the Nainital district and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Apart from visiting the lake, which is the main attraction of Bhimtal, you can also explore Hadimba Parvat, Garg Parvat, Butterfly Research Centre, Nal Damyanti Tal and many more places like these.
Best Time to Visit Bhimtal
The weather from March to June and September to December is the perfect time to have an enjoyable trip to Bhimtal.
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Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest and most prestigious part of Project Tiger. The national park is nestled between the Himalayas and comprises several hills, gushy rivers, large lakes and green valleys. The park was established in 1936 with the name Hailey National Park and was renamed after the father of Project Tiger, naturalist Edward Jim Corbett.
The stunning landscapes along with the richness of the tiger population make this place a famous tourist attraction spot among wildlife enthusiasts across the globe. Wildlife watching in the park is allowed in a four-wheeler open jeep and on elephant back (currently elephant ride is banned) with expert guides. Dhikala region is the most sought-after zone among the tourists as it is popular for Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants and leopards.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park
As the main purpose for visiting this natural park is spotting animals, the summer, from April to June is the ideal month to go.
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Champawat
The ancient capital of Kumaon, Champawat is a hilly town located at a distance of around 200 kilometres from Nainital. The small Himalayan hamlet is surrounded by rolling verdant valleys, archaeological ruins, gushing rivers and the mighty Himalayas.
Being one of the best places for spending a feel-good vacation, Champawat is filled with several tourist spots that one can enjoy thoroughly. Some of the must-visit places in Champawat are:
- Baleshwar Temple, which was built by the Chand dynasty
- Nagnath Temple, a Kumaoni-style ancient temple
- Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, an architectural marvel
- Devidhura, famous for the pebbles throwing festival on Raksha Bandhan
Best Time to Visit Champawat
Although Champawat is an all-year-round destination, it is recommended not to visit in monsoon. The best time to visit the place is during summer between March and June.
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Almora
Almora is one of such places in India, as well as Uttarakhand, which was not developed by the Britishers. The interesting fact is that India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru spent a term of punishment in Amora Jail during the British era. It is also renowned for being the kingdom of the Chand Dynasty, which was in power for around one thousand years in Kumaon.
Almora is one of the best places to visit in Kumaon Valley if you are searching for a place to spend a peaceful vacay. The cherry on the top is the places like Jageshwar Temple Complex, which comprises about 200 ancient temples. And, there are more tourist spots like Kasar Devi Temple, Martola, Deer Park and Kalimath, which will make your vacation unforgettable and outstanding.
Best Time to Visit Almora
The months between April and June and from September to October, except the months during monsoon, is the best time to visit Almora. The climate is comfortable this time and offers the tourist a delightful holiday experience.
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Binsar
A perfect place to be amused by a 300-kilometres-long scenic view of the Himalayas (Binsar Zero Point), Binsar is a picturesque hamlet, located at an elevation of 2,420 metres. Binsar is perched in the Jhandi hills of Kumaon and offers several offbeat destinations to save you from overcrowded places.
It is always recommended to stay for a few days in Binsar to enjoy the authenticity of its calm and peaceful vibes. You can wander around the hilly villages of Binsar along with a travel guide and get involved in the charm and friendliness of the Kumaoni communities. Binsar is also famous for Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Katarmal Surya Temple, a sun temple built in the 9th century.
Best Time to Visit Binsar
Being a charming hill station, Binsar offers pleasant weather throughout the year. However, winter is very cold here, sometimes temperature reaches 0 degree celsius. And, Binsar sees average to heavy rainfall in monsoon. So, summer, during the months of March to June and October to December is the best time to visit the place.
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Sattal
The place, Sattal or Sat Tal derived its name from seven naturally formed glacial lakes that encompass this Himalayan hamlet. Sattal is situated at a height of 1,370 metres from sea level in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand. It is located in the lower Himalayan range, which makes it an abode for birdwatchers during the winter season.
The seven freshwater lakes are considered the paradise for the colourful birds. More than 500 species of birds including migratory and resident types are found in Sattal. The place is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore if you want to spend a relaxing holiday and a birdwatching experience amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit Sattal
The best time to visit Sattal is from October to June as the birds from the upper Himalayan range migrate to the lower region this time. You might also experience snowfall if you visit Sattal in January.
Also Read: Popular Must Visit Lakes in Uttarakhand
Pangot
Popularly known as the ‘Birdwatchers’ Paradise,’ Pangot is a quaint village tucked in Kumaon Valley surrounded by dense pine forests, where you can listen to the morning symphony of thousands of birds singing in unison. If you are a nature lover, especially have a keen interest in birdwatching, traveling to Pangot will be the best part of your Kumaon trip.
One of the best sightseeing places from Nainital as the distance between the two places is just 15 kilometres, Pangot offers a perfect antidote to the hectic daily life. More than 580 species of colourful birds are found here including blue-winged minla, Himalayan griffon, lammergeier, kalij pheasant and many more. And, spotting these birds in the forests along the slope of the surrounding hills – is one of the wonderful things to do here.
Best Time to Visit Pangot
The period between March and June is the best time for bird-watching as well as wandering around Pangot owing to the pleasant weather.
Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Uttarakhand
Chaukori
An offbeat destination, located in the Kumaon region, Chaukori is considered a paradise for nature lovers. A small scenic village, Chaukori is one of a few places in Uttarakhand where you will find ravishing tea gardens kissing the sun rays in the lap of the Himalayas. Spending a relaxing vacation in Chaukori means breathing in the salutary mountain air, which is filled with the aroma of the fresh tea leaves.
Apart from its natural beauty, one can also travel to Chaukori to visit some Hindu shrines such as Kapileshwar Mahadev Cave Temple, Kedar Temple, Nakuleshwar Temple etc. This is one of the best places to explore in Kumaon Uttarakhand to experience nature walks as well as village tourism. Staying in Chaukori will leave you amazed by offering a gorgeous view of the peaks called Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. peaks
Best Time to Visit Chaukori
The summer season during the months between March and June and after the monsoon season from September to November is the best time to visit this Himalayan hamlet.
Also Read: Adventure Tourism Activities in Uttarakhand
Visiting Kumaon Himalayas cannot be concluded within a few days. Every hill station in this region is beyond comparison and needs a perfect plan to cover the best of Kumaon tour. We tried to cover some of the top tourist places in Kumaon Region and hope this will help you to decide on your next travel plan to explore the best of Kumaon Himalayas.
However, if you need any assistance in booking hotels and want to know any information about your next Kumaon Uttarakhand tour, you can contact us or browse our website. You can also browse the packages named Kumaon Uttarakhand sightseeing tour or Uttarakhand Tour on our website to know any further information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Visit Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand?
Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is blessed with some breathtaking landscapes of its natural beauty, glistening lakes, opulent indigenous biodiversity and snow-covered mountains. There are innumerable tourist places in Kumaon where people can spend some relaxing time in the lap of nature. There are various reasons why travellers visit Kumaon but one of the main reasons is, this place offers something for every kind of traveller.
Which are the top hill stations to visit in Kumaon?
The range, Kumaon, including a part of the Himalayas in the North and part of the Siwalik Range in the South, lies largely within Uttrakhand. The aftermath is, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand boasts of some amazing hill stations to travel to. Some of the best hill stations in Kumaon to include in your travel itinerary are:
- Kausani
- Nainital
- Ranikhet
- Bhimtal
- Almora
- Binsar
- Mukteshwar
Which are the top activities for tourists in the Kumaon region?
Similar to other hill stations in India, the popular travel destination, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand also offers a wide range of tourist activities. Some of them are:
- Sightseeing to popular points of tourist interest.
- Trekking to Kumaon hills.
- Paragliding
- Camping in Kumaon Valley.
- Nature walks
- Fishing
- Golfing
- Horse riding
What is the best time to plan a holiday vacation to the Kumaon region?
The best time to plan holidays in the Kumaon region is between April and June, as the weather is pleasant and all places to visit in Kumaon remain open. However, if you plan to do some activities like trekking, camping, and paragliding, then March to April and September to October is the ideal time. And, if you want to experience snowfall in the Kumaon region, then plan your Kumaon Uttarakhand tour between December and February.
Which are the best places to experience snowfall in the Kumaon region?
The best places to experience snowfall in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand are:
- Binsar
- Ranikhet
- Chaukori
- Nainital
- Almora
- Udham Singh Nagar
Which is the best time for snowfall in the Kumaon region?
The best time to experience snowfall in the Kumaon region is during the months of January and February. However, some of the places in Kumaon remain closed during this time due to heavy rainfall.
How many days are required to explore the best of the Kumaon region?
There are countless places in the Kumaon region that cannot be covered in a single trip. You need a minimum of 7 to 12 days of travel plan to visit some of the famous hill stations in this region. However, it is always recommended to stay for a few days in a place to know the place and the people in a better way.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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