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Author:Alka
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, surrounded by towering mountains, lush green forests, and pristine lakes. Welcome to Kumaon, a stunning region in Uttarakhand that offers all of this and much more. Kumaon knows best how to allure you to an off-the-beaten path with its peaceful escape into the lap of nature. Here’s how you can explore Kumaon as it awaits your discovery!
Kumaoni Culture
Kumaoni Culture upholds one of the most deep-rooted traditions & practices followed since the time of rulers & their kingdoms. They follow their culture in their day-to-day activities even today without fail irrespective of their location. Some of the most beautiful assets of their culture include:
Top Places to Visit in Kumaon
1.Nainital: The Jewel of Kumaon
The city of Nainital is well connected to all major cities of India via road, air, and rail, making travel convenient. You can spend the evening resting and taking in the beautiful climate of Nainital or exploring some local attractions. There’s no doubt that Nainital is the most famous hill station in the Kumaon region, renowned for its stunning Naini Lake, which gives the town its distinct charm. This Himalayan Lake town is high up at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as “Sapt-Shring”- Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-ka-Danda. The must-visit destinations here are Naini Devi Temple, and Snow View Point where you can trek to Naina Peak and boating on Naini Lake can’t be missed.
2.Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand. Before Independence, it was named Ramganga National Park and renamed in 1956 to Jim Corbett National Park. If you want the sight of tigers, the national park is home to the Indian Tigers spread over an area of over 521 sq. km and is home to 488 different species of flora and fauna. The climate in this area is temperate. The national park is closed to tourists in the monsoon season which is from mid-June to November, you can explore the park best in winter to enjoy the scenic surroundings mainly before and after heavy monsoons. It also hosts a waterfall known as Corbett Falls. You can perfectly explore this place via Safaris in the verdant jungles to find majestic tigers and a group of giant elephants as highlights. You don’t have to worry about the accommodation around the Park as there is a wide range of hotels, and forest restrooms here.
3. Ranikhet :
Another beautiful hill station at an altitude of 1,869 m which means “Queens Meadow”. It’s a pleasant tourist attraction from all over the world with its salubrious atmosphere and pacifying environment that is worth visiting throughout the year. It reflects the best of the Himalayas with places of lush green pine forests, green meadows, and attractive wildlife giving a heavenly feeling to visitors. There are numerous places for local Ranikhet sightseeing and excellent excursions as we have Kumaon and Naga regiment headquarters over here as well. Although the main city is crowded, the cantonment area is a serene and beautiful place. There are a couple of places that are a must-visit including Nanda Devi Temple, Kasai Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Khairna Bridge, and much more.
4.Kausani:
In Kumaon, hill stations are abundant and here we have another lush green hill station located at an elevation of 1,890 m above sea level in the Kumaon Himalayas. Kausan has been gifted by Mother Nature with the most beautiful lands. Some of the major peaks you can see from Kausani include Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. It’s a gateway for newly married couples and those who are seeking a calm place to rejuvenate. The local market of Kausani is beyond comparison as it connects the visitors to the culture. Here you must visit Anashakti Ashram which Mahatma Gandhi visited in the year 1929, Rudradhari Waterfall surrounded by ancient caves, and of course the tea garden of Kausani from where tea is mainly exported to the USA, Germany, and Korea. Additionally, Kausani is a paradise for trekking routes including the celebrated Adi Kailash trek, Bageshwar and many more.
5.Binsar:
Binsar is a remote, naturally exquisite travel destination situated in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the Kumaon region. It’s a place where you can relax with the most amazing views of the Himalayas. The Binsar Valley offers excellent views of the Himalayan ranges like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath. Binasar hills, commonly known as Jhandi Dhar, offer an amazing view of the nearby places like Almora, the hills around, and the valleys. In Binsar, a trip to the Zero Point is a must as it offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Shivling, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. Binsar Museum is a treasure trove of information about Binsar and is among the popular destinations. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, located against the backdrop of majestic Himalayas with rich biodiversity is named after the Binsar Peak. The sanctuary is covered with oak, rhododendron and deodar trees providing home to various species of flora & fauna. You can enjoy nature walks and treks while watching the birds and witnessing some very rare species of animals
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Internet service may be slow in remote areas, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected for work or personal use.
1.How to Reach?
Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to the Kumaon region, you can take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport which usually takes 1 hour to reach Kumaon. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to your destination (e.g., Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, etc.).
You can avail bus facilities from ISBT Anand Vihar or ISBT Kashmere Gate operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC). Sleeper or Volvo bus options are also available which take 8-10 hours to reach towns like Nainital, Ranikhet, etc.
2.Local Transport
3. Accommodation
4.Places to Eat
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