Most spectacular mountain getaways in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region

One of the many features that make Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region an absolute delight is its enchanting landscape. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kumaon is all about verdant hills, several freshwater lakes, pristine lakes, charming hill stations, and lush forests full of pine, rhododendron and oak. This region is one of the best in India and is a sweet mix of popular and offbeat getaways. When we talk about the popular ones, places like Nainital and Jim Corbett National Park come to mind. The offbeat beauties are the quaint villages that let you enjoy a stress-free holiday surrounded by nothing but the rolling hills and the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the most impressive mountain getaways in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region that you can’t miss out on.

This lakeside town is one of India’s best hill stations and we can see why. Even though Nainital can be full of tourists throughout the year, there’s a certain charm about this popular hill station. Maybe it’s the Naini Lake that’s located right in the middle of the town or just the fact that this hill station is full of heritage. Back in the day, Nainital was the summer home of the maharajas and the British officials.

Located just 16 km from Nainital is Pangot, a quiet village surrounded by oak forests. Pangot is located away from the usual crowd, here you will find a handful of homes and stays and a lot of bird species. Pangot and Kilbury are most famous for birds and mountain views.

The district of Almora is full of untouched gems. Here the villages are extra quaint, and the views just a little more stunning. One of the best places you can visit here is Kasar Devi, one of India’s best hippie destinations. Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage and panoramic views of the Himalayas.

If you love nature trails and birdwatching, there are very few places in the region as perfect as Binsar. The famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located here and it offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and a great chance to interact with the wildlife.

Kausani is as offbeat as they come and it is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Trishul. Not many people plan for a holiday in Kausani, but once they do, they are hooked for life. There are a limited number of stays here and not a lot of dining out options. If you want to experience a true village life in the hills, Kausani is here.

The peaceful town of Mukteshwar is known for its scenic beauty, Mukteshwar Dham, and a lot of adventure opportunities. If adventure has brought you here, you are most likely looking at scenic forest trails, rock climbing and the splendid views of the Himalayas.

It translates to Queen's Meadow. Ranikhet is a quiet cantonment town in Almora district that is famous for its terraced fruit orchards, ancient temples and the unmatched views of the Nanda Devi.