The home is a good starting point for exploring the Kumaon region. Nainital, the popular lake town and once the summer capital of the United Provinces, is the main hub. From here, you can visit the surrounding ‘tal’ or lakes - Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal are all within a short drive.
A little further out, you can visit the Mukteshwar Temple, a 350-year-old Shiva temple that sits on a cliff’s edge about 50 km from Nainital. The views of the Himalayan range from here are wide and clear on a good day.
For wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park is a major draw. The Ramnagar gate is the most common entry point. The park is open from October to June and is one of the best places in India to spot a tiger in the wild.
By air: The nearest airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). Taxis are available from the airport to Bhimtal and Nainital.
By rail: The main railhead for Kumaon is Kathgodam. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, it’s a short taxi ride up to the lake region.
By road: Nainital is the primary road hub in Kumaon, with regular bus and taxi services connecting it to cities across North India.
The Kumaon hills are accessible year-round, but different seasons offer different experiences. The clearest skies and most pleasant weather are from March to June and again from September to November. This is the best time for views and outdoor activities.
The monsoon months of July and August bring lush greenery but also the risk of landslides, which can disrupt travel plans. The high-altitude destinations in the region, like Auli and Chopta in Garhwal, close due to heavy snow from December to February, but the lower lake region around Bhimtal remains open and quiet.