Kumaon - also spelled Kumaun - is an eastern region of the state of Uttarakhand in north India. This remote area boasts some fantastic Himalayan destinations, offering unique sights and spectacular natural scenery. Usually accessed from Haldwani, Kumaon is home to the hill station of Almora, where you can enjoy the amazing views of Bright End Corner and hike to the Nanda Devi Temple; Nainital, with its famous lake; the ancient temples of Jageshwar, some of which date back to the 7th century; the Jim Corbett National Park, where you can view bengal tigers and over 1,000 bird species; the lush Kausani Tea Estate, which offers interesting tours; and the gorgeous Bhimtal Lake. Plan your itinerary carefully: there is much to see and do in this area, but the high altitudes can make travelling quite tiring.
This picturesque district in Kumaun offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas and is considered the cultural heart of the state of Uttarakhand. It was here in Almora that choreographer and dancer Uday Shankar set up his dance academy in 1938 that attracted many famous Indian and French dancers. Nature lovers can enjoy day trips to the Deer Park and Martola, both ideal picnicking sites, or take part in the Village Walk, which will introduce them to a slice of Almora village life as it winds through the town, along streams and through cedar and pine forests.
Kausani is located in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in northern India. This small hill station - once dubbed ‘the Switzerland of India’ by Mahatma Gandhi - is known for its incredible mountain views: sweeping panoramas which encompass more than 300 kilometres of the Nanda Devi Range. There are, in addition, a number of attractions to check out in the village, including Kausani Tea Estate - which offers popular tours - and the Anasakti Ashram, which contains an on-site museum commemorating Gandhi’s historic 1929 stay in Kausani. Active travellers will relish the hike to the Rudradhari Waterfall, a beautiful area which features a small temple and some explorable caves. Trips to Kausani are most easily organised from the relative hub of Nainital, which lies about 120 kilometres away.
Resting high up in the lush, green Kumaon hills, Ranikhet is one of the most beautiful hill towns in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town attracts visitors with its wonderfully cool climate, exquisite ancient temples, and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, particularly the impressive Nanda Devi Peak. Must-see visitor sights in and around Ranikhet include the Jhula Devi temple dedicated to the Hindu deity of Durga, the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum showcasing an array of interesting military paraphernalia, the Chaubatia gardens filled with fruit orchards and flowery meadows, and the Bhalu Dam, an artificial lake blessed with spectacularly scenic surroundings and a small but beautiful garden.
