Top 6 Offbeat Places in Kumaon for Your Next Adventure

Take a break from the daily chaos of urban life by visiting these offbeat places in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, perfect for your family trips in the Himalayas.

While most hill stations are flanked by conifers and draped in green, Kumaon changes its coat of blooms several times a year. From a soft pink in early winter to scarlet rhododendrons erupting like brownish on the slopes during summer, Kumaon offers a delightful experience for travelers.

You can include all these offbeat places on your next trip to Uttarakhand. We have selected our top 6 picks to help you include them in your Uttarakhand offbeat places itinerary.

The next time you visit Uttarakhand, here are the top 10 offbeat places in Kumaon that you must consider:

1. Myths and Mysteries of Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a fascinating limestone cave temple located 14 km from Gangolihat in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. Situated at a height of 1350 meters above sea level, this cave is not just a single cave but a city of caves. The main cave extends 160 meters in length and is 90 feet deep, located 90 feet below ground level.

How to Reach:

• From Chaukori , take a right turn at Udaiyari Bend (2 km).
• Continue via Berinag (10 km) and Raiagar (18 km).
• At Guptari (29 km), take a left turn towards Patal Bhuvaneshwar (8 km).

The total distance from Chaukori to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is 37 km.

2. Shitalakhet: The Soul of Kumaon

Tucked away from the tourist gaze, Shitalakhet offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. This cosy town is rich in natural beauty and adventure activities.

Major Attraction:

• Katarmal Sun Temple: A 7th-century Sun Temple and one of the few in India.
• You can also drive around the Binsar Sanctuary and explore places near Ranikhet.

How to Reach:

• Shitalakhet is 35 km from Ranikhet, located on the highway.
• It can also be reached directly from Almora.

3. Munsiyari – Gateway to Johar Valley

Nestled in the Kumaon Hills, Munsiyari is a serene and untouched gem. Often compared to Kashmir for its natural beauty, this picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district sits at 2298 meters. Munsiyari offers breathtaking views of the Panchachuli Peaks, including Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot.

Major Attractions:

• Maheshwari Kund
• Tribal Heritage Museum
• Birthi Falls
• Kalamuni Top
• Thamari Kund
• Panchachuli Peak

You can also enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and trekking.

How to Reach:

• Munsiyari is 135 km from Pithoragarh.
• It is 200 km from Almora.
• This location serves as the gateway to the Johar region of the inner Himalayas.

4. Chaukori – A Secret Hamlet of Kumaon

Chaukori is a hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, set among the lofty peaks of the western Himalayas in the Kumaon Division. Known for its aromatic tea estates, luxuriant deodar, alpine forests, and fruit orchards, Chaukori is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. With a stunning backdrop of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks, Chaukori promises spellbinding views.

Major Attractions:

Photogenic sunrise and sunset views
Trekking to Musk Deer Park, Dharampur, Berinag, and Patal Bhuvaneshwar

How to Reach:

• Chaukori is situated at a height of 2010 meters and is 173 km from Nainital.
• The nearest railhead is Kathgodam.

5. Dhaulchina – Lose Yourself in the Quietness

Dhaulchina is a small village in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, surrounded by lush green forests. Situated at approximately 5983 feet above sea level, this village offers majestic and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, rich in flora and fauna, making it perfect for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Major Attractions:

• Patal Bhuvaneshwar: Approx. 80 km from Dhaulchina
• Jageshwar Mandir: Approx. 31 km from Dhaulchina
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Approx. 23 km from Dhaulchina
• Almora: Approx. 39 km from Dhaulchina

How to Reach:

• The nearest railway station is Kathgodam.
• Distance from Kathgodam to Dhaulchina is approximately 118 km.
• Local taxis and buses are available from Kathgodam.

6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Almora

Perched at an elevation of 2420 meters and located 95 km from Nainital, Binsar is a spectacular hill station nestled within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. This lush green forest offers picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges, making it a paradise for holiday seekers, nature lovers, and trekking enthusiasts.

The thick foliage, vibrant flower-strewn meadows, and dense cover of oak, pine, and rhododendron forests entice every visitor to fall in love with the serene and calm beauty of this place. The sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of birds and is famous for its 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks.

Major Attractions:

• Kasar Devi Temple
• Zero Point
• Golu Devta Temple
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy jeep safaris and jungle treks, and spot endangered wildlife and birds.

How to Reach:

• Distance from Almora: 30 km
• Distance from Nainital: 96 km
• Distance from Delhi: 410 km