Best Places To Visit Near Nainital

Known For : Jageshwar Dunagiri Kasar Devi Temple

Set in the background of snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand, the sprawling town of Almora is a beautiful hill station. With easy accessibility from Delhi and other major cities of North India, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife. This town has two major rivers- Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali).

Things to Do: Explore Prehistoric Temples, Local Shopping, Taste Traditional Cuisines

Distance from Nainital: 63 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Almora Attractions

Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course

Ranikhet meaning Queen's land is a hill station in Uttarakhand developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests. It is also popular as the Headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and has the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum. Ranikhet is popular for its views of the Nanda Devi Peak, trekking ranges, mountainous climbs, golf courses, orchards and temples.

Things to Do: Golfing at Upat, Explore Chaubatia Orchards, Visit Jhula Devi Temple, Majestic Himalayan Views.

Distance from Nainital: 55 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Ranikhet Attractions

Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi

Perched at a height of 1370masl, Bhimtal is an idyllic and less-crowded version of Nainital, 23 km away. Bhimtal is a scenic hill station, the charm of which lies in its off-beat, tranquil atmosphere. The picturesque Bhimtal Lake is a popular attraction for paddle boating, birding and nature walk.

Things to do: Boating, Photography, Visit Aquarium on the Island

Distance from Nainital: 20 km

Best Time: March to June, September to December

11 Bhimtal Attractions

Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Dham Temple

Mukteshwar is a small hill town located around 50 km from Nainital in Uttarakhand. Known for adventure sports and a dazzling view of Himalayan ranges, Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Shiva Temple housed here called Mukteshwar Dham. The quaint town got its name from the belief that Lord Shiva killed a demon here and gave him Mukti or salvation. 

Things to Do: Temple Visit, Rock Climbing, Picnic at Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow

Distance from Nainital: 46 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Mukteshwar Attractions

Known For : Lake Naukuchiatal Boating, Naukuchiatal Bhimtal Lake

Naukuchiatal, a small picturesque lake village is a destination for those who seek quietude and tranquility beneath the shade of pure nature. As the name of the place suggests, this place is mainly known for its nine cornered lake which measures up to 1 km in length and 40 m deep.

Things to Do: Paragliding, Boating, Explore Lake Mysteries

Distance from Nainital: 19 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

10 Naukuchiatal Attractions

Known For : Jim Corbett Waterfall Stay Inside the Forest – Dhikala Forest Lodge Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park set amidst the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Known for housing the endangered Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park has multiple resorts set on the riverside.

Things to Do: Jungle safaris, Bird watching, River rafting in Kosi, Visit Garjiya Devi Temple.

Distance from Nainital: 62.4 km

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

19 Jim Corbett Attractions

Known For : Orchards Nathuakhan Mukteshwar

Tucked away in the lap of Himalayas in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Ramgarh boasts of unexplored natural beauty and old world charm. It is an idyllic spot of all you nature beaus. Blessed with impeccable views of snow covered mountain peaks, Ramgarh is also called the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon" because of the verdant orchards of apples, plums, peaches and apricots.

Things to Do: Orchard walks, Bird watching, Trekking, Visit Gandhi Ashram.

Distance from Nainital: 32 km

Best Time: October to May

9 Ramgarh Attractions

Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara

A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer's paradise.

Things to Do: Bird watching, Lakeside walks, Boating

Distance from Nainital: 21 km

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Sattal Attractions

Known For : Panchachuli Glacier Nanda Devi Temple Narayan Ashram

While most hill stations are flanked by all sorts of conifers and draped in a garb of green, Kumaon changes its coat of blooms several times a year. From a soft pink in the early winters to the scarlet rhododendrons erupting like lava on the slopes in different gradients during summers, Kumaon is a delightful place to visit from Nainital for travelers.

Things to Do: Trekking in Pindari Glacier, Exploring Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Boating in Naini Lake, Visit Kausani tea estates.

Distance from Nainital: 48 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

7 Kumaon Attractions

Known For : Munsiyari Chandak Kafni Glacier Trek

A small urban town bustling with tourists is a prime example of raw beauty of nature and is often fondly referred to as the 'Little Kashmir'. A gateway to Himalayan Range, this town also serves as the stop over for pilgrims on their way to Kailash Mansarover. Situated in a beautiful Soar valley and flanked by Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh promises of an unforgettable trip.

Things to Do: Fort visit, Trekking, Pilgrimage to Kapileshwar Mahadev

Distance from Nainital: 176 km

Best Time: April to June, October to December

20 Pithoragarh Attractions

Known For : Berinag Patal Bhubaneswar Temple Haat Kalika Temple

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a magical place with several hidden and unexplored aspects to it. Located at an elevation of 1350m above the sea level, this place is tagged as a spiritual place renowned for its Shiva Temple cave. It is said that this place was discovered by the ruler of Sun Dynasty, King Rituparna.

Things to Do: Explore the limestone caves, Attend the Maha Shivratri fair, Visit the Sheshnag and other stalactite formations, Seek blessings at Patal Bhubaneshwar temple.

Distance from Nainital: 170 km

Best Time: October to June

4 Patal Attractions

Known For : Baijnath Bagnath Temple Kanda

Bageshwar is a small town in Uttarakhand, tucked away in the Kumaon region of the Himalayan range inconspicuously. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, with Bhileshwar and Nileshwar mountains, Bageshwar is known for its rivers, temples and mountains. The temple Baghnath dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its mention in the Puranas, attracts religious tourists to this place.

Things to Do:  Visit ancient Bagnath Temple, Attend the Uttaryani Fair, Trek to Pindari Glacier, Explore Sundardhunga Valley.

Distance from Nainital: 132 km

Best Time: October to June

10 Bageshwar Attractions

Known For : Mahamrityunjaya Temple Jageshwar Mahadev Temple Archaeological Museum, Jageshwar

Jageshwar, is a small town in Uttarakhand is like a town carved exquisitely for temples. The biggest temple out of the lot of the 124 temples here, is the one that is the most visited, the Jageshwar Mahadev Temple is situated on the Jataganga Valley. Mostly built in the 9th century, the temples are exceptionally well preserved here.

Things to Do: Temple pilgrimage, Archeological explorations, Nature Walks

Distance from Nainital: 97 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

4 Jageshwar Attractions

Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula

Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.

Things to Do: Experience white-water rafting, Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Explore Rajaji National Park, Practice yoga at renowned ashrams.

Distance from Nainital: 253 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

54 Rishikesh Attractions

Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath

Kausani is a hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, 51km from Almora. The panoramic snow-clad view of Himalayas in Kausani is dominated by Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1890m with Pine tree forests, meandering creek, Kausani is ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers and travellers. Kausani receives snowfall during the winter months. 

Things to Do: Explore Prehistoric Temples, Local Shopping, Taste Traditional Cuisines

Distance from Nainital: 116.1 km 

Distance from Nainital: 114 km

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Kausani Attractions

Located just 15 kilometres away from Nainital, Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The village is at the height of 6,300 feet above sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic bird life. Pangot also becomes a hub for photography enthusiasts when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during  winters. 

Things to Do: Spot diverse bird species, Trek through Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Enjoy picturesque nature walks, Camp under the sky.

Distance from Nainital: 13.1 km

Distance from Nainital: 14 km

Known For : Shyamkhet Tea Gardens Ramgarh

Bhowali is a little hill-station that lies in the vicinity of several popular hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal and Mukteshwar. Bhowali's strategic location has lead to its popularity among tourists and also as a point of junction of Nainital District. Located at an elevation of 1706m above the sea level, Bhowali is a town of panoramic vistas and bounty of nature.

Things to Do: Visit T.B Sanatorium, Stroll through fruit markets, Explore Sainik School Ghorakhal, Enjoy panoramic hill views.

Distance from Nainital: 12.9 km

Distance from Nainital: 12 km

Best Time: February to Apr, September to October

8 Bhowali Attractions

Located near Kaladhungi, Sariyatal, also spelt as Saria Tal, is an artificial lake constructed as a tourist spot. The tiny lake has numerous activities like paddle boating and water sports. It is also popular for the Himalayan botanical garden which is a research centre other than being a herbarium and a butterfly park. Hiding a steep waterfall at the corner, Sariyatal is an ideal spot for solitude seekers, nature lovers and photographers.

Things to Do: Enjoy boating in the lake, Visit the Himalayan Botanic Garden, Relish scenic viewpoints, Engage in nature photography.

Distance from Nainital: 8 km

Distance from Nainital: 14 km

To the immediate north of Haldwani lies Kathgodam, erstwhile called Chauhan Patta, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is the gateway to Uttarakhand's popular tourist destinations like Nainital, Bhimtal, and Ranikhet. The town lies 554 meters above sea level, and is enclosed by scenic mountains and lush greeneries. It is primarily famous for fruit orchards and the two temples devoted to the Hindu deities Kali Chaud and Sheetla Devi.

Things to Do: Golfing, Explore Chaubatia Orchards, Visit Jhula Devi Temple

Distance from Nainital: 43 km

Distance from Nainital: 38 km

Known For : Kathgodam Gaula Dam Shitla Devi Temple

Haldwani, the largest city of Kumaon, is located in the Nainital district. It is situated in the immediate foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas. The region once had plenty of forests rich in Haldu trees, which is where the name 'Haldwani' comes from. Its rich culture and history, enveloped by mountains and dense forests, make the city a paradise for nature enthusiasts, photographers, ecologists, and historians.

Things to Do: Shopping, Culinary Experiences, Sightseeing

Distance from Nainital: 43 km

Distance from Nainital: 41 km

Best Time: September to March

3 Haldwani Attractions

Known For : Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Bineshwar Temple Zero Point

Located at a distance of 33 km from Almora, Binsar is a small town in Uttarakhand known for the surreal beauty of the snow-laden Himalayan peaks. Set amid forests covered with oak, pine, rhododendrons and deodar trees, Binsar is home to beautiful green meadows, temples and the famous Binsar wildlife sanctuary.

Things to Do: Wildlife sanctuary visit, Temple explorations, Nature photography

Distance from Nainital: 87.3 km

Distance from Nainital: 93 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Binsar Attractions