Cradled in the arms of the majestic Himalayas, Kumaon is not just a destination — it’s a calling. With its emerald lakes, pine-scented forests, snow-capped peaks, and timeless villages, Kumaon invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature and yourself.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of mountain adventures, the serenity of misty mornings by Naini Lake, or the quiet spirituality of ancient temples like Jageshwar, Kumaon offers a deeply personal escape. Trek through hidden trails, wake up to panoramic sunrises over Nanda Devi, and experience the warmth of mountain hospitality that touches your heart. This is your time to break free from the ordinary, to write your own story among the clouds, and to let the magic of Kumaon awaken your spirit.
Nainital is one of the most popular spots in the Kumaon hills for those who enjoy both crowds and stunning views of the nearby Himalayan Mountains. I’d say it’s similar to Ooty, which is a full-fledged hill station, although the jungle and mountain landscapes are quite different.
Where to stay
The big question is where to stay in these places. I personally always prefer to stay in KVMN (Kumaon Vikas Mandal Nigam) guest houses, which can be booked online. Staff is good, though not all KMVNs are maintained so well, but their surroundings and campus are beautiful everywhere. I blindly book state-run hotels everywhere. I recommend it for average and budget hotels. This time, I chose to stay at Sterling Holidays Hotel, located 7 KM away from Nainital lake. The place was peaceful, and the hotel’s surroundings and amenities were fantastic. I arranged a taxi for Rs.2200 for two days of local sightseeing, which included trips to Bhowali (11 KM) and Mukteshwar (50 KM).
Location
Situated in Uttarakhand, India. The easiest way to get to Nainital is to fly into Delhi. From there, you can catch several trains that will take you to the last railway stop, Kathgodam. After that, it’s just 23 KM away. You’ll find plenty of taxis and government buses available.
My Itinerary for complete trip
Nainital is just 24 km from the last railway station, Kathgodam. A lot of taxis and buses are available, which take just 75 minutes to reach Nainital.
How to visit Nainital
We can check out Nainital in this order. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery along the way, with fruit gardens full of flowers in March, or if you go in May, they’ll be bursting with fruits.
Day 1 : Hanuman Garhi—Cave Garden—Bara Patthar – love suicide point – Khurpa Taal – Tippon Top – Himalaya Botanical Garden – Sarita Taal – Himalaya Darshan – Kalbury. Spend time in Naini Lake.
Day 2 : Golu Devta temple at Bhowali – Tea Garden – Bhowali-Mukteshwar – Bheem Taal – Hanuman Garhi – Tallital – Nau Kuchia Tal – Kamal Taal – Garun Tal – Saat Taal
Best season to visit
Peak season is March 15 to Sep. But I suggest to visit this place in rainy season when you will really seewhat Kumaun beauty is. Get yourself drenched in rain, do boating in rain, take pakoda in local shop while raining. If you want to see snow fall you may have to come in Dec end and may wait till feb 1st week. To be sure of snow you can stay at Mukteshwar.
Hanuman Garhi
This was the first stop for the taxi on local sight seeing. It was built by Neem Karoli Baba, a famous local saint, around 1950. It is also famous for sunset view which I could not see as I reached there at 1 PM.
Inside photography is strictly prohibited.
Snow View
Located at an elevation of 2,270 m above sea level, it can be reached only by cable cars or hill ponies. This classic point over the ‘Sher-ka-Danda’ ridge puts forward attention-grabbing sceneries of the Himalayan Mountains and the Tibetan borders.
Naina Devi (Mata Sati)
Naina Devi is one of the temples built on the remains of Goddess Sati and is considered to be extremely sacred and pristine by the devotees. Two eyes on the roof of temple depict the “Goddess”. Maa Naini Devi, in this temple, is shown accompanied with Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom, and Kali Ma, the Goddess of Death and Destruction. The city of ‘Nainital’ got its name from the Naina Devi temple only.
Cave garden
Probably this is new point created. There are 2 big caves and 2 small caves. Basically we can say it is just a park for children and young’s entertainment.
Bara Patthar
This is point where they conduct some trekking and mountaineering events and even coaching.
Love point\Suicide point
Interestingly both points are in same location.
Himalaya Darshan at Tippon Top
You can do horse riding here from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Himalaya Botanical Garden
This is very attractive place and I liked it most among all points. There are large varieties of medicinal plants and we have to climb about a KM.
Khurpa Taal
The driver showed it from top and looks like foot nail of a cow.
Sarita Taal
It does not seems to be a tourist spot except that this is another big lake.
Water fall
It is a small water fall. May be in rain it may become more attractive. But saw several tourists here enjoying tea and snacks around.
Himalaya Darshan
It was dense fog here by the time I reached here so could not see mountain range.
Kilbury
This is 7 KM from Nainital lake and is a dense forest and highest point in Nainital.
Came back to hotel by 7 PM.
Bheem Taal
Hanuman Garhi Tallitaal
Kamal Taal
Naukuchia Taal
Naukuchiatal is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all the lakes in Uttarakhand. A famous perception among the locals is that whoever sees all the corners of the lake at the very first shot attains ‘Nirvana’, Now a days several oxygen plants are implanted by govt. to clean the water. It is believed that this lake was created after hard worship of Brahmaji and a small temple dedicated to Brahmaji exists near the KMVN guesthouse. According to locals anyone performing a parikarma of the lake will be blessed by Brahmaji.
Naukuchia taal is a must-visit for those who love getting lost in the serenity of nature. The enchanting views of meadows and pastures that the lake provides to its visitors make it look more picturesque. This is a perfect place to get away from all the rush of the cities and rejuvenate your body as well as soul. An overview of Naukuchia taal gives an assumption of ‘picture-perfect’ beauty. The captivating surroundings and varied biodiversity that can be seen in the area within 10 km radius of Naukuchia taal gives it the perception of virtual heaven.
Garud Taal
From far the shape looks like vulture.
Saat Taal
Sat Tal located 23 KM from Naintal ,means ‘seven lakes” named as it is interconnected with 7 lakes of Nainital such as
Garud Taal, Nal-Damyanti Taal, Purna Taal, Sita Taal, Ram Taal, Laxman Taal, and Sukha Taal or Khur Taal.
I did not see any board mentioning such information. Location is good and surrounded by mountains.
Sat Taal also offer adventurers a wide range of trekking, biking, abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, night-trekking,
nature trail, backpacking, angling, kayaking, rafting, river-crossing, boating, jungle-safari and night-camping opportunities.
I saw KVMN govt guest house also here.
Epilogue
Nainital is a complete hill station and presents all types of packages for tourists such as high class hotels, trekking and hiking places, mountaineering training, horse riding, jungle trekking, place of about tens of lakes, high peaks, Himalaya views, zoo and snow fall.
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