For a traveller who is looking to experience natural beauty in its purest forms and wishes to completely get lost in the wilderness of Mother Nature, this is the region to be on holidays. Everything about Kumaon such as its eternal beauty, distinguished culture, and friendly people portrays the fact that it is blessed by gods for pleasantness. While visiting different places of the Kumaon region travellers will come across clear water lakes, gushing streams, white rivers, gigantic mountains, lush green fields, alpine trails and all other forms of natural beauty. Anyone who arrives to the Kumaun region definitely revisits this region for a vacation with friends and family.
Within the vicinity of Kumaon region travellers can experience many forms of joy like adventure trails, Jungle safaris, shopping, nature walks, ski resorts, pilgrimage destinations, air borne adventure sports, etc. Still there are many remote places and hidden jewels in the Kumaon region that are not yet mentioned on the maps, and avid explorers can find it out for themselves.
Some renowned tourist destinations in the Kumaun region are Almora, Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park, Kausani, Baijnath, Munsiyari, Bageshwar, Ramgarh, Bhimtal, Mukhteshwar, etc. Every place in Kumaon region is so much distinguished from each other and has its own uniqueness. Travellers would love to explore different destinations of the Kumaon wonderland.
Tourist Places of Kumaon
Nainital
The beautiful lake town of Nainital is one of the most renowned hill stations in India and remains busy with travellers annually. The town of Nainital has everything a tourist would love to have in his holidays. The lake town of Nainital is blessed with natural beauty and grandeur of natural surroundings. The lake town of Nainital is a great place to just stroll around the Mall road with your family and friends for shopping and amusement while obtaining the mesmerizing views of the lake.
Adi Kailash
According to the various Hindu Mythologies there are 8 peaks in India having a carved impression of the symbol “OM”. Out of all these 8 peaks only one has been discovered yet, known by the name of Adi Kailash or Om Parvat. The beautiful peak of Adi Kailash stands tall with a breathtaking altitude of 6191 mts above the sea level in the district of Dharchula. The unique mountain is known well for its natural wonders and significant religious beliefs; also, it can be believed that the mountain is of miraculous nature. The naturally carved “Om” shape on the mountain makes it completely look different from various other Himalayan peaks, which is due to the snow accumulation on black-mountain.
Ranikhet
For someone who’s looking to travel beyond nainital for a spectacular experience of the hills with scenic views and less hustle and bustle from the crowd, this would be the place to visit. Travellers can reach Ranikhet after a 2 hour drive from Nainital to completely get lost in beautiful natural surroundings and feel a deep connection with nature. The town’s beauty has been appraised since many years by visitors.
Kausani
While talking about the town of Kausani the first thing that comes up to the mind is the spectacular Himalayan views that the town offers to travellers. The little hill station town of Kausani is known to be the most beautiful one for a countless reasons. Everything about this beautiful town provides a sense of content to the travellers such as beautiful alpine trails, majestic Himalayan views, serene villages nearby, less hustle and bustle and a variety of flora and fauna.
Pilgrimage Places of Kumaon
Baijnath
Baijnath is a small town which is situated in the outskirts of the Gomti River in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, India. This place is famous for many ancient temples. The best one among them is the Baijnath Dham temple. Being a renowned temple of Lord Rudra or Shiva, Baijnath temple is preferred by all pilgrims. There is a big history behind this temple. The temple attracts a huge number of visitors and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. There is a concept of special prayers which are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasons.
Jageshwar
Jageshwar is a small town of Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is mainly famous for Hindu pilgrimages. The temple city comprises of around 124 big and small stone temples, set up during 9th to 13th century AD, with many conserved by the authority of Archaeological Survey of India, which includes the Dandeshwar Temple, the Chandi-ka-Temple, the famous Jageshwar Temple, the Mritunjaya Temple, the Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, the Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple, amongst which the oldest one is the Mrityunjaya Temple and the biggest shrine is the Dandeshwar Temple.
Katarmal
Katarmal is a small remote village which is considered to be the hidden gem of Kumaon region. Katarmal is located at a distance of 1.5 km from the Kosi village and 12 km from the district center, Almora and 70 km from Nainital and is located at a height of 2116 meters above the main sea level. It is one of the favorite pilgrimages for all travellers. Katarmal is mainly well-known for the famous Surya temple. The Katarmal Sun Temple is a monument of historical importance and also is an perfect example of intricate sculpturing. The first sunray falls straight on this Sun Temple. The main part of the Sun temple in Katarmal is named Burhadita or Vraddhaditya which means the old Sun God.
Chitai
Chitai Temple is one of the most attractive sites of Almora, Uttarakhand. This temple is for the Golu Devata which is considered to be the legendary mythological and historical God of the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. Among all others temples of Golu Devata, the Chitai temple is the most worshiped temple where pilgrims come in huge number every year. It is said that every pilgrims’ wish has been fulfilled after visiting this place. The temple is around 8 km away from Almora.