The Kumaon range in Uttarakhand is a picturesque and scenic destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of the Himalayas. With Nainital as the gateway, the Kumaon region is known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural beauty, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Let me take you on a virtual tour of this stunning region and highlight some of the top tourist places around Nainital that are a must-visit.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kumaon range is Nainital itself. The scenic hill station is set around a beautiful lake and offers visitors a chance to indulge in boating, trekking, and nature walks. The Naina Devi Temple, located near the lake, is another must-visit attraction. Here are the key points you must remembe when you are  planning a trip to Nainital.

Sightseeing in your Trip to Nainital:-

• Naini Lake – This beautiful natural lake is the heart of Nainital and main attraction of your trip to Nainital and is surrounded by lush green hills. Visitors can indulge in boating, yachting or paddling on the serene waters of the lake. The lake is also surrounded by several shops and eateries where visitors can shop for souvenirs or sample some local delicacies. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchia Tal, Patal bhubaneswar are the most famous places in Nainital.
• Naina Devi Temple – Located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. It is believed that the temple is built at the spot where the eyes of the goddess fell when her body was cut into pieces.
• Tiffin Top – Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, Tiffin Top is a popular vantage point that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Nainital town. Visitors can reach the top by taking a short trek or pony ride.
• Snow View Point – Located at an altitude of 2,270 meters, Snow View Point offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. Visitors can reach the point by taking a cable car ride or a trek.
• Eco Cave Gardens – The Eco Cave Gardens are a popular attraction among kids and adventure enthusiasts. The gardens feature several interconnected caves that visitors can explore by crawling, climbing or walking.

When it comes to accommodation, the KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses are a great option for budget travelers. The KMVN guesthouses are located in scenic locations and offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities at reasonable prices. Some of the best KMVN stays in Nainital include KMVN Tourist Rest House Nainital, KMVN Himalayan View Nainital, and KMVN Bhimtal Tourist Rest House.

In addition to Nainital, visitors can also explore nearby destinations such as Jim Corbett National Park, located around 60 km away. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts. The KMVN guesthouses in Jim Corbett include KMVN Tourist Rest House Garjia, KMVN Tourist Rest House Bijrani and KMVN Tourist Rest House Dhikala

Beautiful Almora:-

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Another picturesque destination in the Kumaon range is Almora. This charming hill town is known for its rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a chance to explore its narrow lanes and traditional bazaars. The Kasar Devi Temple, located on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Wild Binsar:-

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For nature lovers, the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. The sanctuary is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, leopard, and musk deer. The Khali Estate, located within the sanctuary, is a popular trekking destination.

Mesmerizing Chakauri :-

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Chakauri, located near Almora, is known for its tea gardens and Mahseer fishing. The scenic town is surrounded by lush green forests and offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind in nature’s lap.

Adventurous Kasuni :-

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For those seeking an adventure, Kasuni is a perfect destination. The scenic village is known for its Pindari Glacier trek, which is one of the most popular treks in the Kumaon range. The village also offers visitors a chance to witness the traditional lifestyle of the local villagers.

Picturesque Munsiyari :-

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Munsiyari is another picturesque destination in the Kumaon range, known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and Milam Glacier trek. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green forests, offering visitors a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the region. Best view of Panchachully Range can be seen from here.

Best time to plan the trip to Nainital:-

the Best time to visit nainital is during the months of March to June and October to January.

Sample 10 days plan for trip to Nainital from New Delhi :-

Day 1: Delhi to Nainital

Depart from Delhi early in the morning and reach Nainital by afternoon. Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring Mall Road and Naini Lake.

Day 2: Nainital

Visit Snow View Point for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Take a cable car ride to reach the point and enjoy the scenic beauty on the way. Next, head to the Naina Devi Temple, located near the Naini Lake.

Day 3: Nainital

Visit the Nainital Zoo, which houses several animal species, including the endangered snow leopard. Next, head to Eco Cave Gardens, offering an adventurous experience with its narrow caves and hanging gardens.

Day 4: Nainital to Almora

Take a scenic drive to Almora, located around 63 km from Nainital. Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage and Kasar Devi Temple. You can also visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, located around 30 km from Almora.

Day 5: Almora to Chakauri

Take a day trip to Chakauri, known for its tea gardens and Mahseer fishing. You can also visit Shitlakhet, located around 20 km from Chakauri.

Day 6: Chakauri to Kasuni

Take a scenic drive to Kasuni, known for its pristine natural beauty and Pindari Glacier trek.

Day 7: Kasuni to Binsar

Take a scenic drive to Binsar, known for its wildlife sanctuary and Khali Estate, a popular trekking destination.

Day 8: Binsar to Munsiyari

Take a scenic drive to Munsiyari, known for its stunning views of the Himalayas .

Day 9: Munsiyari

Spend the day exploring Munsiyari and its surroundings. Visit Birthi Falls, Kalamuni Top, and Thamari Kund.

Day 10: Munsiyari to Delhi

Depart from Munsiyari and reach Delhi by evening.

This 10-day itinerary will give you an opportunity to explore the beautiful Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Keep in mind that the temperatures can drop significantly in the higher altitudes, so pack warm clothes accordingly. Feel free to customize the itinerary as per your interests and preferences. Happy travels!

How to Reach Nainital by Air

Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is the nearest commercial airport to Nainital. As every flight of all domestic and international airlines connect Delhi with rest of the world, travellers can board a flight till Delhi if they are travelling to Nainital. Private taxis from Delhi can be hired to reach Nainital.

How to reach Nainital by Rail

Nainital has also The nearest Railway Station from Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, located at a distance of 24 Kms from the city. Kathgodam Railway Station is connected to the major cities of Uttrakhand. It is linked with the cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jammu and Kolkata via Anvt Kgm Sht, Utr Samprk K Express, Bagh Express and Kgm Garib Rath.

How to reach Nainital by Road

Nainital is 23 Kms from Kathgodam, 34 Kms from Ramgarh, 55 Kms from Ranikhet, 62 Kms from Almora, 63 Kms from Ramnagar, 165 Kms from Chandpur, 196 Kms from Kotdwara, 223 Kms from Haridwar, 242 Kms from Rishikesh, 275 Kms from Dehradun and is linked through Uttrakhand State Road Transport Corporation (USRTC) and some private travel services.

Where to Stay :-

KMVN is the most affordable option to stay other than that there are lots of hotels are available as per your budget and need. You can book them from Makemytrip.com, goibibo.com, agoda.com, booking.com and airbnb.com.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, the Kumaon range in Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque destinations, the region offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of the Himalayas like never before. So, pack your bags and head to the Kumaon range to explore this hidden gem of India.