Places to Visit Near Nainital (Under 100 km): Popular Spots You Shouldn’t Skip

If you’re in Nainital for more than a day or two, it’s almost impossible not to look at the hills around you and think, “What’s out there?”
The good news? Some of Uttarakhand’s most-loved lakes, forests, viewpoints and quiet towns sit within 100 km of Nainital – close enough for a half-day, rich enough to feel like a trip of its own.

This guide covers the famous, well-known day trips every traveller considers – the ones locals themselves recommend when you ask, “Where else should I go?”
No hidden trails. No secret alleys. Just the classic near-Nainital spots that have earned their reputation.

1. Bhimtal – Bigger Lake, Calmer Vibe (Peace, Walks & Clear Water Days)

Bhimtal feels like Nainital’s quieter cousin — same lake charm, none of the rush.
If Nainital is where you go for movement, cafés and people-watching, Bhimtal is where the day finally slows down. The lake is wider, cleaner, and mornings here feel like a reset button.

A Little History

Bhimtal gets its name from Bhima of the Mahabharata. The main lake and the ancient Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple are believed to date back centuries, with later additions during the Chand dynasty.
There’s also the small island aquarium at the centre of the lake – once a restaurant, now a peaceful mid-lake curiosity that adds character to the place.

Why People Visit

The lake itself – less commercial, more open, and perfect for long lakeside walks.
Mid-lake island – a unique visual that you won’t find in Nainital.
Kayaking & boating – calmer waters make it ideal for beginners.
Birdwatching – winter months bring migratory birds; mornings can be spectacular.
Quiet stays – many homestays and boutique properties sit on hill ridges overlooking the lake.

Bhimtal is that “stay two nights and breathe properly again” kind of place.

What to Do in Bhimtal

• Walk the Lakeside Trail (Morning is Best)

Clean, wide paths, fewer people, mist hanging over the water – it’s the perfect slow morning.
Carry a camera; reflections on clear days look surreal.

• Kayak or Paddle on the Lake

Bhimtal’s broad shape creates calmer pockets of water, great for beginners or casual paddling.

• Visit the Island Aquarium

A short boat ride takes you there. It’s small and simple, but the mid-lake setting makes it memorable.

• Hike to Hidimba Parvat

A short but rewarding climb just above Bhimtal with panoramic lake views.

• Café Stop at the Hilltop Spots

Bhimtal’s ridge cafés are fewer but quieter – perfect for coffee with a view.

• Visit Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple

A peaceful historical temple near the dam end of the lake, dating back hundreds of years.

Distance From Nainital

Approx. 20-22 km, depending on the route.
Usually 45 minutes by road – smooth, scenic and perfect for half-day or full-day trips.

Best For

Peace seekers
Families
Slow travelers
People who prefer nature over crowds
Those planning longer stays or workations

Not Ideal For

People expecting markets, nightlife or heavy tourist buzz
Travellers who want “lots of attractions” in walking distance
Anyone who dislikes quiet evenings

2. Sattal – 7 Lakes, Zero Noise (Birds, Kayaks & Forest Silence)

Sattal feels like Nainital’s calmer cousin – the one who never learned how to rush.
If Nainital has a soundtrack of boat paddles and footsteps, Sattal’s soundtrack is birds. Hundreds of them.
The moment you arrive, the air shifts. It smells of pine, moss, still water and something older – forest silence that hasn’t changed in decades.

A Little Background

“Sattal” literally means Seven Lakes, all connected through forest patches and narrow walking trails.
During the British period, this entire region was kept deliberately untouched because of its biodiversity. Even today, birding groups from across the world come here – more than 500+ bird species have been recorded in the Sattal – Pangot region.

There’s no Mall Road, no loud cafés, no endless lines of tourists.
Just water, trees, and the kind of quiet you don’t realise you needed until you sit by the lake.

Why People Visit

For the lakes – Sattal Lake itself, Garur Tal, Ram Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal… each has a different vibe, some busy, some completely empty.
For birdwatching – especially early mornings when the forest is alive. If you care about photography or wildlife, this place is a gold mine.
For kayaks and slow boating – not the tourist chaos of Nainital; just easy paddling with almost no noise.
For forest cafés – tiny ones serving Maggi, bun-makhan and chai right next to the lake.
For the break – from crowds, horns, and screens.

Sattal is where people go to breathe properly.

What to Do in Sattal

Walk the Lakes

No fixed route – just pick a direction and follow the trail.
Some paths suddenly open to a quiet lake with not a single tourist in sight.

Boating/Kayaking (The Peaceful Kind)

Unlike Naini Lake, this is zero-rush boating.
You’ll hear the water, not people.

Visit Subhash Dhara

A natural freshwater spring hidden inside pine forests.
Feels like one of those places you discover by accident.

Birding Trails

Sattal is paradise for:

photographers
twitchers
and anyone who loves forests

Go early morning – the light and sound feel unreal.

Sit at the Lakeside Joints

These aren’t “Instagram cafés.”
These are real, old-school hill cafés serving:

Veg Maggie
Omelette-toast
Honey ginger tea
Pakoras
Simple food, served with lake views that cost nothing.

Spend a Quiet Evening

As soon as the sun sets, the lake goes dark, and the forest takes over.
It’s one of the rare places where silence is the experience.

Distance From Nainital

Approx. 20-22 km
Driving time: 35-45 minutes
You descend through beautiful forest curves and reach a world that feels totally different from Nainital.

Best For

Couples
Photographers
Birdwatchers
Peace-seekers
Travellers who hate crowds

Not Ideal For

People expecting fancy cafés or nightlife
Large groups wanting “things to do” nonstop
Travellers with very tight itineraries

Sattal isn’t about ticking places off a list – it’s about slowing down enough to notice the water move.

3. Naukuchiatal – The Deep, Quiet Lake (For Slow Days & Clear Mornings)

Naukuchiatal feels like someone took Nainital’s lake energy, dialed down the chaos, and doubled the peace. The lake is deeper, wider, quieter – and the first thing you’ll notice is how still the water is compared to Mall Road’s buzz.

A lot of people call it “the nine-cornered lake”, but what matters is the mood: calm mornings, mirror-flat reflections, and a pace that makes you breathe slower without trying.

A Little Background

Naukuchiatal sits slightly lower than Nainital and has its own micro-climate — mornings stay cooler, afternoons feel warmer, and sunsets hit the surface of the lake beautifully. The legend says the lake has nine corners (naukuchia), and spotting all nine is supposed to bring luck.

Why People Visit

For the peace – it’s the most relaxing lake in the region.
For longer stays – many choose Naukuchiatal for the quieter homestays.
For adventure activities – paragliding, kayaking, and zip-lining are common here.
For photography – early mornings give you that fog-floating-on-water moment that feels unreal.

What to Do in Naukuchiatal

Kayaking on the lake – the calmest water in the Kumaon lake circuit.
Paragliding – if the weather cooperates, the views are wide and clean.
Walk the lake perimeter – shaded, slow, and perfect for conversations or silence.
Visit the small cafés around the lake road – simple pahadi chai, Maggi, bun-butter, and occasionally great local meals.
Birdwatching – early morning is excellent here; you’ll hear more birds than people.

Distance From Nainital

About 24-26 km
Takes roughly 45-55 minutes depending on traffic.

Best For

Couples
Peace-seekers
Photographers
Solo travellers who want quiet water instead of crowds

Not For

People expecting a market or nightlife
Travellers who like crowded lakeside scenes
Those looking for multiple attractions in one place

4. Kainchi Dham – The Ashram That Feels Calm Before You Even Enter

Kainchi Dham isn’t just a stop on the way from Nainital – it’s a pause.
Even before you reach the gates, something about the curve of the valley, the pine scent, and the quiet river running beside the road slows you down without asking.

A Little Background

Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, the spiritual teacher whose devotees include Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and thousands who still visit every year.
The ashram was established in 1960s, and over time it’s become one of the most peaceful spiritual spots in Kumaon.

This isn’t a tourist place in the “click and leave” sense – it feels more like a safe pocket of silence.
Whether you’re spiritual or not doesn’t matter; the calm is real.

Why People Visit

For the quiet. Even on busy days, the atmosphere inside feels grounded.
For blessings and prayer. The Hanuman temple inside carries strong local belief.
For the energy. Many travellers say they “feel lighter” after spending 20-30 minutes in the courtyard.
For the river bend. A small stream flows beside the ashram – sit by it if you want a moment alone.

What to Do at Kainchi Dham

Spend 15-20 minutes sitting silently inside the temple area.
Talk to the volunteers (sevadars) – they share stories about Neem Karoli Baba that aren’t in books.
Take a short walk along the road outside; mornings here feel different from the rest of the highway.

Distance from Nainital

Approx. 18-20 km
Takes 35-40 minutes depending on traffic.
The drive is smooth and scenic – perfect for a half-day outing.

Best For

Anyone curious about Neem Karoli Baba
Solo travellers
People who enjoy quiet spiritual spots
Photography lovers (outside only – photography inside is not allowed)

Not Ideal For

People expecting a “tourist attraction”
Large noisy groups
Travellers looking for cafés/markets nearby

5. Mukteshwar – Forest Trails, Clifftop Views & That Quiet Mountain Confidence

Mukteshwar feels like the older, wiser cousin of Nainital – less noise, more sky.
If Nainital is about the lake, Mukteshwar is about height, fresh air, and those long pine-lined walks where you hear more birds than humans. It’s the kind of place where even your phone feels quieter.

A Little Background

Mukteshwar gets its name from the Mukteshwar Dham, a 350-year-old Shiva temple perched on a hilltop. The town sits around 2,285 meters, which is why the air feels lighter, the views wider, and the sunsets sharper.
During the British era, it was developed as a research center (IVRI), and the colonial influence is still visible in a few stone buildings scattered around town.

Why People Visit

For the cliffs – The famous Chauli Ki Jali viewpoint gives you a full sweep of the valley below. On a clear day, the Himalayan wall looks unreal.
For the peace – Few cars, fewer people, and long walks that actually feel meditative.
For the weather – Even in peak summer, Mukteshwar stays pleasant.
For the slow cafés – The kind where a cup of coffee comes with a view worth staring at.

Mukteshwar works especially well if you want a break from Nainital’s bustle without driving too far.

What to Do in Mukteshwar

Visit Chauli Ki Jali – Cliffside viewpoint with sweeping valley views. Best around 9-11 AM.
Mukteshwar Dham Temple – Simple, quiet, and perfectly placed on the hilltop.
Sunset Walks – Every homestay seems to have its own “sunset behind the ridge” moment.
Forest Trails – Oak, pine, deodar… even a short 1 km walk feels refreshing here.
Café-hopping – Small mountain cafés serving wood-fired pizza, local teas, and great views.
Adventure Activities – Rock climbing & rappelling near Chauli Ki Jali (only if you trust the operator).

Distance From Nainital

Approx. 47-50 km
Travel time: 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
The drive is scenic – forests, bends, and those small Himalayan villages where life moves slowly.

Best For

Couples
Weekend escapes
Writers, readers, remote workers
Trekking and short-hike lovers
Anyone chasing big views without heavy trekking

Not Ideal For

People who need nightlife / markets
Travelers expecting long lists of “must-do tourist spots”
Those who dislike narrow hill roads

6. Ramgarh – The Quiet Orchard Town (Nature, Writers & Himalayan Silence)

Ramgarh is often called “The Fruit Bowl of Kumaon”, thanks to the orchards planted during the British era. Writers and thinkers loved this silence – Rabindranath Tagore spent time here, and some believe he began drafting Gitanjali in this region. The Ashram of Narain Swami and a few old colonial bungalows still remind you of that era.

Why People Visit

For orchard stays – proper wooden cottages tucked between apple, plum and peach trees.
For sunrise points that feel unreal on a clear winter morning.
For slow cafés, reading spots, and walks where you barely meet anyone.
For the view — on a good day, you’ll see a full Himalayan wall: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli… all in one frame.

What to Do in Ramgarh

Walk the orchards (best in April – June and September – November).
Sunrise drive to Malla Ramgarh viewpoint – crisp, golden and almost crowd-free.
Visit Poet’s Ashram (Tagore Top / Tagore House) for history lovers.
Stop at simple, local cafés serving pahadi chai, mandua rotis and homemade plum jam.
Plan a reading day – Ramgarh is one of those places that makes you want to open a book.

Distance From Nainital

Approx. 25-30 km depending on the route.
It takes 45-60 minutes, and the drive is scenic through forest curves and ridge roads.
Perfect for a half-day escape or a night in a hillside homestay.

Best For

Couples
Solo travellers
Writers/creatives
Anyone needing a break from Mall Road crowds

Not Ideal For

People expecting mall culture / markets / nightlife
Travellers who prefer touristy “quick-checklist spots”

7. Almora – Culture, Old Hills & That Slow Kumaoni Rhythm

Almora doesn’t try to impress you with one big viewpoint or a “must-do” list – its charm is quieter. It’s an old Kumaoni town built along a ridge, with curving bazaar lanes, stone houses, ancient temples, and sunsets that make the entire sky turn copper.

If Nainital feels like a lake-town vacation, Almora feels like a heritage mountain town you gradually grow into.

A Little History

Almora has been the cultural heart of Kumaon for centuries. It was once the capital of the Chand dynasty, and a lot of that architecture still survives in the old bazaars.
Swami Vivekananda spent time here in the late 1800s and famously said he felt a deep spiritual calm in the town’s air.
Even today, Almora doesn’t rush – it breathes.

Why People Visit

Old bazaars: Especially Lala Bazaar – narrow lanes, copperware, local spices, and that timeless mountain-town vibe.
Heritage temples: Chitai Golu Devta Temple (famous for people writing petitions), Nanda Devi Temple, and Kasar Devi Temple (linked to the “Hippie Trail”).
Views: The ridge gives you long, wide Himalayan panoramas – not just one peak.
Local sweets: Bal Mithai and Singauri – both originally from Almora, and still best eaten fresh here.
Peace: It’s less touristy than Nainital, more lived-in, more authentic.

What to Do in Almora

Walk Lala Bazaar: Wooden houses with carved window frames, tiny shops selling copper utensils, and locals bargaining for spices – it’s Almora in one stretch.
Visit Kasar Devi Temple: Apart from the spiritual appeal, the ridge here has a strange magnetic field anomaly (NASA once studied it) – the view is incredible at sunrise.
Taste Bal Mithai: Get it from the old local shops – this is the hometown of the sweet.
Explore Deer Park: A quiet forest stretch perfect for an evening walk.
Watch sunset from Bright End Corner: The light hits the valley just right here; it’s a soft, golden, slow moment.

Distance From Nainital

About 60 km (roughly 2 hours).
The drive curves through oak and pine forests, small villages, and open ridges – very scenic and not too tiring.

Best For

Culture lovers
Slow travellers
Anyone who loves bazaars that still feel local
Photography lovers (golden-hour views are unmatched)

Not Ideal For

People expecting lake activities
Travellers looking for nightlife
Anyone wanting a “quick touristy day trip” – Almora is better when you give it time

8. Kausani – The Big Himalayan Balcony (Panoramas & Slow Days)

Kausani is one of those places where you don’t do much – you just look up.
The whole town feels like a long balcony facing the Himalayas. On a clear day, you get a 300-km Himalayan view with Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli lined up like a postcard you didn’t expect to be real.

A Little History

Kausani was first called the “Switzerland of India” by Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed at the Anashakti Ashram. The hills here are gentler, the forests are deeper, and the village rhythm hasn’t changed much over the years.

Why People Visit

For sunrises where the Himalayan peaks turn orange before the town wakes up.
For tea gardens – Kausani Tea Estate is peaceful, photogenic and perfect for a slow walk.
For quiet homestays with pine-forest balconies.
For night skies – fewer lights mean actual starry nights.

What to Do in Kausani

Visit Anashakti Ashram for the views and some history.
Walk through the tea gardens (best light: early morning).
Visit the small Rudradhari Waterfall trail – foresty and refreshing.
Explore handicraft shops with local woollens, copper items and herbal products.

Distance From Nainital

About 115 km – roughly 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
The drive is scenic and easy, making it a perfect overnight getaway if you’re staying longer in Kumaon.

Best For

Couples
Photographers
Peace seekers
People who love mountain sunrises

Not Ideal For

Travellers expecting cafés, nightlife or Mall Road-style energy.

9. Jim Corbett – Forest Trails, Tigers & That Wild Stillness

Jim Corbett is where the hills suddenly turn into deep forest – tall sal trees, faint sunlight lines, and that quiet hum you only hear inside a national park. If Nainital feels cosy and lived-in, Corbett feels raw and alive.

A Quick Backstory

Established in 1936, Corbett is India’s oldest national park and home to Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and over 500 bird species. The landscape changes every few kilometres – grasslands, riverbeds, dense forest – so even one safari feels like moving through different worlds.

Why People Love It

Morning safaris that start in the cold blue light, with deer grazing and birds everywhere.
Riverside resorts where you fall asleep to the sound of the Kosi.
Easy nature trails where you don’t need a guide — just slow walking and wide eyes.
Chance (never guaranteed) tiger spotting, which keeps first-timers excited every minute.

What to Do

Jeep Safari (Jhirna all year; Bijrani & Dhikala seasonal).
Walk along the Kosi River in the early morning – soft light, great for photos.
Visit Garjiya Devi Temple on the river rock – short, peaceful stop.
Birdwatching (Corbett is insanely good for this in winter).
Sit by the riverside at sunset – the forest cools down and the soundscape changes completely.

Distance from Nainital

About 65-75 km, depending on your gate.
Travel time: 2-2.5 hours.

Best For

Families
Wildlife lovers
Photographers
Anyone who needs “forest silence” instead of crowds

Not Great For

People expecting nightlife
Those who don’t like early mornings (safaris start very early)

10. Bhowali – Pine Air, Fruit Markets & The Slowest Kind of Calm

Bhowali is the place you pass on the way to Nainital… and then realise later that you should’ve stopped. It’s quieter, wider, and has that clean pine-scented air you only get in small Himalayan junction towns.

A little background

Bhowali sits at the crossroads connecting Nainital, Bhimtal, Ramgarh and Almora – which is why it grew as a fruit and market town during the British days. Even today, its fruit mandi is famous across Kumaon for apples, peaches, plums and local herbs.

Why people visit

For the open roads and calm neighbourhoods – great for long walks.
For the famous fruit market where locals buy jams, pickles and seasonal produce.
For the wellness/spa resorts tucked into the hills.
For the Golu Devta Temple nearby, visited by people from across the region.

What to do in Bhowali

Stop at the fruit market and pick up organic juices, rhododendron squash and local herbs.
Take a slow walk towards Khubiatal Road — quiet, tree-lined, no tourist chaos.
Visit Kainchi Dham (12–15 minutes away) if you’re already in the area.
Try small local dhabas serving aloo ke gutke, pahadi raita, and badri ghee rotis.

Distance from Nainital

About 10 km, usually 20-25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Best for

Travellers who prefer peaceful stays, clean air, and a more local, lived-in version of Kumaon.

11. Pangot – The Forest Village for Bird Lovers

Pangot feels like Nainital’s quieter cousin – same forests, same mountain air, but without the lake-town rush. The moment you leave Barapathar and enter the wooded road, the noise drops and the forest takes over.

A Little About Pangot

Pangot is part of the Kilbury Forest area, known worldwide among birders. More than 250+ species have been recorded here – from woodpeckers and koklass pheasants to the Himalayan griffon circling overhead. The village itself is tiny: a handful of homestays, forest trails, and views that change with light and clouds.

Why People Visit

For the forest silence – the kind that feels rare now.
For birdwatching (serious photographers spend days here).
For misty pine trails, especially early morning.
For peaceful homestays with simple food and valley views.

What to Do

Walk the Kilbury-Pangot forest trail – no shops, just pines, oaks and birds.
Spend a morning at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
Sip tea at a local homestay balcony while clouds drift by.
Visit nearby Naina Peak if you want a short hike with a rewarding panorama.

Distance From Nainital

Roughly 15 km
Takes 35-40 minutes, depending on fog and traffic near Barapathar.

Best For

Nature lovers
Bird photographers
Couples wanting quiet
Anyone tired of Mall Road crowds

Not For

People expecting cafés and markets
Families looking for kid-friendly attractions
Travellers who prefer in-town convenience

12. Bhowali – Pine Forests, Markets & the Junction Town

Bhowali feels like the calm midway stop between “touristy Nainital” and the quieter lake towns. The first thing you notice is the smell – pine, resin, a bit of dust from its busy little market, and sometimes the sweetness of fresh fruit from roadside stalls.

A Little Background

Bhowali has been a wellness retreat for decades. The old tuberculosis sanatorium here (British era) was built because of the clean, dry mountain air. Over time, orchards, tea estates and small temples grew around it. It also sits at a strategic road junction – connecting Nainital to Bhimtal, Ramgarh, Almora and Mukteshwar – which is why you’ll always see movement here, but not chaos.

Why People Visit

Fruit stalls with seasonal apples, peaches, plums, strawberries – the real stuff from local farms.
Smooth, photogenic drives towards Ramgarh/Mukteshwar.
Tea estates in the nearby Shyamkhet area (quiet, pretty and perfect for a short walk).
Small cafés and eateries where locals hang out – less curated, more real.

What to Do in Bhowali

Stop at the Bhowali Fruit Market (great for jams, pickles, local pulses).
Visit Kainchi Dham (just 8 km away – usually clubbed with Bhowali).
Walk around the Shyamkhet Tea Garden and buy local pahadi tea.
Try street-side momos, bun-omelette stalls, and simple Tibetan joints.
Visit the Golu Devta Temple nearby if you’re heading toward Almora.

Distance From Nainital

10-12 km depending on your starting point.
It’s a 20-25 minute drive, mostly smooth and green.

Best For

Travellers looking to escape Nainital’s rush without going too far
Foodies who want local produce
People planning a circuit: Nainital → Bhowali → Ramgarh/Mukteshwar
Photographers (pine forests + clean light)

Not Ideal For

Those expecting lakeside views
Tourists who want a “packed attractions” list

13. Ghorakhal – Temples, Hills & the Famous Sainik School Viewpoint

Ghorakhal is one of those places you pass on the way to Bhowali… and then realise you should’ve actually stopped. It’s quieter than Nainital, greener than the main highway stretch, and has a very “small-town Kumaon” feel – calm roads, tall pines, and sudden wide-open valley views.

A Little About the Place

Ghorakhal literally means “lake of the horses”. Legends say horses of local rulers once drank from a natural water source here. Today it’s known for two things:

The famous Golu Devta Temple
The Ghorakhal Sainik School, set on a beautiful ridge

The air is cooler, the crowds thin out, and the valley opens up on both sides.

Why People Visit

Golu Devta Temple – Locals believe this is where wishes come true. You’ll see thousands of bells tied around the temple as offerings. Even if you’re not spiritual, it’s worth a quiet visit.
Panoramic viewpoints – The area around the Sainik School gives you stunning valley drops and Himalayan glimpses on clear days.
Calm cafés and tiny fruit stalls – No big chains, just small local setups serving chai, momos and fresh fruit.
Photography – Golden hour here is beautiful… soft light on pine forests and orchard slopes.

Distance From Nainital

Around 15 km, roughly 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Easy half-day trip combined with Bhowali or Ghorakhal Tea Gardens.

Best For

Quick scenic detours
Temple visits
Photography stops
People who like calm, non-touristy places

Not Ideal For

Those looking for big cafés / restaurants
Heavy sightseeing plans
Nightlife seekers

14. Kaladhungi – Jim Corbett’s Hometown & Forest Edge Charm

Kaladhungi feels like the foothills warming up before they rise into Kumaon. It’s quieter than Nainital and Corbett, but surprisingly rich in stories – especially because this is where Jim Corbett actually lived.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a stop on the way to the tiger reserve – Kaladhungi is home to the Jim Corbett Museum, set inside the actual house where Corbett wrote his books. The place still has an old, lived-in feeling: the verandah, the photographs, the rifles, the handwritten notes… all preserved simply.

Step outside and the landscape shifts – wide roads, sal forests, and small village homes. It’s not crowded, not commercial, and that’s what makes it nice.

What to Do

Visit Jim Corbett Museum – The best place to understand Corbett beyond “the tiger guy”.
Forest-side walks – Early mornings have that dry-leaf smell you only get in the foothill forests.
Local food halt – Simple pahadi thali, chai, and fresh pakoras from roadside dhabas.

Distance From Nainital

Around 25-30 km (45-50 minutes).
A good half-day outing if you enjoy history, forests and quiet roads.

Best For

Families
History lovers
Anyone curious about Corbett’s life

15. Jeolikot – The Florist’s Hamlet Before Nainital (Quiet, Green & Slow)

Jeolikot is the place you pass on the way to Nainital – but the people who stop here always end up saying, “Wish we stayed a night.” It’s a warm little hamlet known for butterflies, flowers, and quiet homestays tucked inside dense greenery.

A Little Backstory

Jeolikot used to be a favourite retreat for British-era botanists and scholars because of its fertile soil and perfect climate for flowers. Even today, you’ll notice old nurseries, wild blooms along the road, and airy verandahs of old cottages.

Why People Visit

For calm, bird-filled mornings before the Nainital crowd starts.
For homestays with gardens, fresh fruit, and slow breakfasts.
For the weather – slightly warmer than Nainital, perfect in winter.
For a quiet base if you want to explore Nainital without staying inside it.

What to Do in Jeolikot

Sit in garden cafés, read, journal, or just slow down.
Walk around the nurseries (you’ll find seasonal flowers everywhere).
Spot butterflies – the area is known for its diversity.
Visit local tea stalls for pahadi chai and snacks.
Use it as a base for day trips: Nainital (20 min), Bhimtal (15-20 min), Ghorakhal (25 min).

Distance From Nainital

About 18 km (20-25 minutes).
A super easy drive – great if you want peace and easy access to the lake town.

Best For

Couples
Families
Solo travellers
Nature lovers
(Anyone who likes quiet places and garden homestays)

Not Ideal For

People looking for markets, cafés, or “things to do” every hour.

16. Haridatta Waterfall – A Quiet Forest Escape (Nature, Silence & Short Trails)

Haridatta Waterfall isn’t one of those “big dramatic” falls – it’s the opposite. It’s the kind of spot locals mention casually, almost like a secret they don’t want to lose. The walk to it is the best part: pine-scented air, narrow forest paths, and that faint sound of water long before you see it.

The waterfall itself feels tucked away, framed by rocks and mossy green patches. If you go early morning or just after the monsoon, the flow is stronger and the whole place feels cooler and fresher.

Why people go:

For a quiet break from Nainital’s movement.
For small forest trails you can explore without crowds.
For quick photos and that soft, misty coolness around the falls.

Distance from Nainital

~18-22 km depending on the route.

Best time

July – November for good flow; winter is pretty but drier.

Good for

Couples, friends, anyone looking for a peaceful hour in nature.

Not ideal for

People expecting a commercialized “tourist” waterfall.

Final Note

If you think Nainital is the whole story, the places around it quietly prove you wrong. Every village, every bend in the road, every little valley outside town carries its own mood – sometimes quieter, sometimes greener, sometimes completely unexpected. Whether it’s the orchards of Ramgarh, the seven lakes of Sattal, the calm of Jeolikot, or the wild energy of Corbett, these smaller circles around Nainital are where most travellers fall in love with Kumaon for real.

Go slow. Stop where the road feels right. Talk to the shopkeeper who asks where you’re from. Sip chai at a random hillside stall. These little detours often become the part of the trip you remember longest.

And if you end up discovering a new corner we missed – even better. Kumaon rewards the ones who wander without a tight plan.