If you are planning for your next vacation, you should consider visiting Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Rich in natural beauty, snow-clad mountains, and biodiversity, there’s no way you will find this place boring. From the moment you start exploring the region to the end of your vacation, you will find plenty of things to keep you occupied. But most importantly, the places to visit in Kumaon are both diverse and unique. Be it Nainital, Abbott Mount, or Ranikhet, each place has something exciting in store for its visitors. All you have to do is make the most of your experience and cover the top attractions.
10 Places To Visit In Kumaon
With an itinerary in hand, you can set out to explore the most beautiful places in Kumaon and turn your trip into an unforgettable memory.
1. Nainital
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Start your trip to Kumaon with Nainital, the Lake District of India. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful hills, Nainital happens to be one of the top tourist attractions in Kumaon. People from all across the country visit Nainital to witness its natural beauty and serene environment. One of the key attractions in Nainital is Naini Lake. Located in the heart of the town, the lake allows you to enjoy boating and serene views. Other attractions in the town that guarantee a lovely experience include Snow View Point, Naini Peak, and Tiffin Top.
Tourist Attractions: Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Naini Peak, Nainital Zoo, and Snow View Point
Best Time To Visit: March to June
2. Ranikhet
Photo: Harshit SR / Wikimedia Commons
One of the popular Kumaon tourist places that needs to be on your itinerary is Ranikhet. Known as the Queen of Meadows, Ranikhet takes you to a completely different world. The entire town is adorned with lush greenery, dense forests, and colourful views, making it a heaven for photographers too. However, for a well-rounded experience, you should explore key attractions like Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchards, and Mankameshwar Temple. In case you are a history nerd at heart, you should visit the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum which houses a variety of artefacts from the past.
Tourist Attractions: Jhula Devi Temple, Mankameshar Temple, Chaubatia Orchards, and Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Almora
Photo: Harshit.S.R / Wikimedia Commons
Among other places to visit in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, Almora is possibly the most breathtaking of them all. Perched on a horse-shaped ridge, Almora is famous for its natural splendour and cultural richness. Visiting this picturesque destination allows you to explore various ancient temples including Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Temple, and Kasar Devi Temple. Besides that, Almora has Bright End Corner, and Zero Point, which are perfect for enjoying mesmerising views. While you are in the town, you should also check out the local bazaars and taste traditional Kumaoni cuisine.
Tourist Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Temple, Bright End Corner Kasar Devi Temple, and Zero Point
Best Time To Visit: March to May; September to December
4. Champawat
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When preparing your Kumaon tourist places list, it would be foolish to skip Champawat, a quaint village steeped in history and mythology. The speciality of this place is that it is studded with numerous sacred sites like Nagnath Temple, Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple, and Baleshwar Temple. These temples are several years old and hold great importance. There are also other popular attractions like Shymla Tal, Champawat Fort, and Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, all must-visit for tourists.
Tourist Attractions: Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple, Shymla Tal, Baleshwar Temple, and Champawat Fort
Best Time To Visit: March to June
5. Bhimtal
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If you are looking for tourist places in Kumaon that offer serenity and calmness, Bhimtal could be a great choice for you. Surrounded by picturesque hills, Bhimtal is mainly famous for its large, tranquil lake. It’s not just tourists, but locals also visit the lake to enjoy the mesmerising setting of the place. The main highlight of the place is the aquarium that is located in the centre of the island. However, if you fancy something more exciting, you can go boating or kayaking in the waters. Once you are done exploring the lake, you can visit Victoria Dam and Bhimeshwar Temple.
Tourist Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Victoria Dam, and Bhimeshwar Temple
Best Time To Visit: March to June
6. Pangot
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
Famous for its pristine natural beauty, Pangot is nothing less than a haven for birdwatchers. From the moment you enter the village, you experience a serene atmosphere. This feeling is further enhanced by the dense forests that surround the place. Apart from the scenic beauty, Pangot also has several hiking trails that are perfect for an adventurous journey. However, the most exciting part of visiting the village is the birds. According to reports, there are more than 350 species of birds in the region, including Himalayan griffon, woodpeckers, khalij pheasant, and others.
Tourist Attractions: Pangot Waterfall, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, and Naina Peak
Best Time To Visit: October to June
7. Abbott Mount
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A hidden gem in the Kumaon region is Abbott Mount. Perched at an elevation of 6500 ft, Abbott Mount offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and serene surroundings to its visitors. Visiting this place not only allows you to witness stunning views of the Himalayas but also explore the lush green outdoors. In other words, this place is perfect for those who seek solitude and tranquillity. While you are in Abbott Mount, you should take the opportunity to visit Abbott Mount Church. It is a quaint structure that is nestled amidst lush greenery and an important landmark.
Tourist Attractions: Abbott Mount Church, Lolaghat, Pancheshwar, and Vanasur Ka Kila
Best Time To Visit: October to June
8. Kausani
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Known as the “Switzerland of India,” Kausani is arguably one of the most stunning places to visit in Kumaon. This picturesque hill station draws the attention of tourists with its natural beauty and panoramic views of the Himalayas. From this place, you can easily watch the three major peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. It doesn’t matter if you are a nature lover or peace seeker, you are guaranteed to have a great time at Kausani. When you are in the town, make sure to explore Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple, and Sumitranandan Pant Museum.
Tourist Attractions: Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Anasakti Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate, and Baijnath Temple
Best Time To Visit: April to September
9. Jim Corbett National Park
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If you are fascinated by wildlife, you cannot go without visiting Jim Corbett National Park. As the first national park in India, Jim Corbett is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Many tourists visit the park to catch a glimpse of Bengal tigers, deer, and elephants. Other than that, the park is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Here, you will find over 500 varieties of bird species, including kingfishers and crested serpent eagles. For the best experience, you should opt for a jeep safari through the Dhikala or Bijrani zones.
Tourist Attractions: Corbett Waterfall, Dhikala, Bijrani, Kosi River
Best Time To Visit: October to June
10. Mukteshwar
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When in Kumaon, visiting Mukteshwar is a must, especially if you love greenery. Situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet, Mukteshwar is known for its serenity and stunning views of the Himalayas. Some of you may not know, but the town is named after Mukteshwar Temple, a shrine that belongs to Lord Shiva. Both locals and tourists visit the temple because of its spiritual significance and architectural charm. However, if you are a thrill-seeker, you should visit Chauli Ki Jali and enjoy rock climbing or rappelling.
Tourist Attractions: Chauli Ki Jali, Sitla, Mukteshwar Dam, Choco House Chocolatiers, and Mukteshwar Temple
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Whether you are travelling with your family or solo, you are in for a great time. The variety of places to visit in Kumaon is unreal and is likely to leave you mesmerised. Just make sure to plan your itinerary, so you can enjoy a smooth journey. In case you need help, you have TripXL to guide you.
Cover Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons