Want to see super pretty mountains without big crowds? Go to Kumaon! It’s in eastern Uttarakhand, India. Kumaon has hills that touch sky, old temples with bells that ring like music, thick forests full of hiding birds, shiny lakes that sparkle and real villages where kids play like in old stories. Kumaon feels full of calm – not like busy tourist spots where everyone bumps into each other.
From the lively town of Nainital to the wild adventure land of Munsiyari, there’s something exciting for everyone: kids on holiday chasing butterflies, brave hikers climbing paths, animal fans spotting deer, photo takers snapping snowy peaks, or anyone super tired of city noise and cars. Imagine waking up to birds singing and mist floating like clouds you can touch!
Let’s explore the most beautiful places to visit in Kumaon Uttarakhand.
1. Nainital – Lake Town Fun
Nainital is the shining star of Kumaon. The whole town hugs a big, pretty lake called Naini Lake. During the day, paddle boats bob like ducks. At night, house lights sparkle on the water like a million fairy lights – whoa! Legend says the lake has a goddess’s eyes at the bottom.
Fun things to do:
- Boat rides on the lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Snow View Point
- Tiffin Top hike
- Mall Road
- Eco Cave Gardens (crawl through fun caves).
Best time: Spring (March-June) for flowers or cool months (Oct-Dec) for lights.
Go if: You love family trips, ice cream by the lake, or your first mountain adventure. Tip: Bring a kite for windy hills!
Nainital is often considered one of the best places to visit in Kumaon, especially for first-time visitors.
2. Almora – Old Temples and Mountain Looks
Almora is quiet and packed with stories, like a living fairy tale book. It sits on a hill shaped just like a horse – can you spot it? Watch the sun rise over giant Himalayas; the sky turns pink and orange! See colorful wooden houses, busy markets selling wool hats, and kids flying kites.
Cool spots:
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Bright End Corner
- Chitai Golu Devta Temple
- Museum of cool stuff
3. Ranikhet – Queen’s Green Meadow
Ranikhet means “Queen’s Meadow” because a real queen fell in love with its green grass long ago! It’s super clean with tall pine trees smelling like Christmas, huge golf greens like giant carpets, and safe army paths for bike rides. No honking – just peace.
Do this:
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Chaubatia Gardens
- Upat Golf Course peek
- Majhkhali hill
- Best for: Couples holding hands, grandparents relaxing, or chill time with books
4. Mukteshwar – Secret Quiet Paradise
Mukteshwar is a tiny village near Nainital, but way calmer – no traffic jams! Just super fresh air you can taste and huge 180-degree mountain views at sunrise or sunset. It’s high up at 2,285 meters, like being on a giant’s shoulder.
See and do:
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Chauli Ki Jali cliff
- Apple trees
- Climb rocks or rappel down
5. Kausani – India’s Little Switzerland
Kausani has the world’s best mountain views, like snowy kings Nanda Devi and Trishul. Gandhi stayed here and called it “Switzerland of India”! Sunrise paints the hills gold – it’s like magic paint. Breathe deep; the air is cleaner than anywhere.
Visit:
- Anasakti Ashram
- Baijnath Temple
- Tea gardens
- Rudradhari Waterfall and caves (splash and explore).
Best for: Nature lover and calm feel.
6. Munsiyari – Adventure Mountain Land
Munsiyari is near Tibet border – snowy Panchachuli peaks feel touchable! The drive is a treasure hunt with twisty roads, gushing waterfalls and secret forests
Try:
- Khaliya Top hike
- Birthi Falls
- Glacier peeks
- Village fun
7. Binsar – Animal Forest Hideout
Binsar is a wildlife park with oak trees, pink rhododendrons, chirpy birds, deer jumping, and sneaky leopards at night! Zero Point shows 300 km of mountains – endless!
Do:
- Forest walks (spot 200 bird types)
- Bird spotting with binoculars.
- Stay in eco huts
- Take photos of misty mornings.
Best for: Animal lovers and quiet hideaways.
8. Pithoragarh – Tiny Kashmir Valley
Pithoragarh sits in a pretty valley like mini Kashmir, with flowers everywhere. Gateway to holy treks!
See:
- Old fort
- Kapileshwar Cave Temple
- Chandak Hill
- Askot animal spot
9. Champawat – Storybook Town
Champawat has king history and temples carved like art.
Fun:
- Baleshwar Temple
- Kranteshwar Temple
- Abbott Mount
Best Time to Visit Kumaon
Summer (March-June): Flowers bloom perfect playing.
Rainy (July-Sept): Super green but watch for slips
Winter (Oct-Feb): Snow fights in high spots!
Smart Tips
Pack warm jackets (cold mountain nights!)
Start trips early (roads take time).
Use phone maps (no signal in jungles).
Be nice in temples – no running!
Conclusion
Kumaon is a real adventure! Walk with clouds below, hear temple bells at dawn, and sleep under starry blankets. Nainital’s lakes, Almora’s stories, Ranikhet’s green meadows, and Mukteshwar’s mountain views — each place feels like a new world. With its peaceful hills and natural beauty, Kumaon is truly one of the best places to visit in India for a relaxing family trip. Grab your backpack and experience it yourself!
