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Uttarakhand is a beautiful state with several significant temples and tourist attractions. The state is one of the most with domestic and foreign visits and not without a cause. Uttarakhand is divided into two divisions- Garhwal and Kumaon. These two are further divided into 13 districts. 

Kumaon divisions comprise some of the most notable regions, towns, and cities including Nainital, Almora, Udham Singh Nagar, Haldwani, Rudrapur, and Kashipur. The division is home to several tourist attractions which one must surely check out while visiting Uttarakhand.

Let us check out the top 12 places to visit in the Kumaon region-

1. Jim Corbett National Park

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Established in 1936, the national park is one of the most renowned parks in the country. Located in the Nainital district, it is home to 433 species of flora and fauna with 50 mammal species, 580 bird species, 110 tree species, and 25 reptile species. Popular as an eco-tourism destination, Corbett Park is one of the places to visit in Kumaon.

2. Naini Lake

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Naini Lake is famously known as the Lake District of India and is one of the main lakes in the Kumaon region. A natural freshwater body, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, and yachting. The lake provides a scenic 360-degree view of the seven surrounding peaks. These are- Cheena Peak, Laria Kanta, Deopata, Alma, Ayarpatta, Sher-ka-Danda, and Handi Bandi. A place also popular amongst couples, the lake is one of the best places to visit in the Kumaon region. 

3. Panchachuli Glacier

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Located in the Pithoragarh district, the glacier is just 40 km from Sobla village. The glacier is popular for the Panchachuli Glacier trek. It is one of the most breathtaking and unique trek experiences one should certainly undertake. The bonus point? You are offered to stay with the locals for a better understanding and experience. 

4. Abbott Mount

A hidden gem, Abbott Mount is one of the most underrated places in the Kumaon region. Named after John Abbott, the hill station has a European vibe with its rustic bungalows and a colonial church. The hamlet is blessed with a dense forest cover and a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Abbott Mount is also a base for the Pancheshwar. The hill station also attracts adventure seekers and brave hearts. It is believed to be one of India’s most haunted places due to the former bungalow of Morrison, a mad scientist who conducted experiments on locals in the 1920s. All this makes Abbott Mount one of the most interesting places to visit in the Kumaon region. 

5. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Located just 54 km from Pithoragarh, the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986 for the protection of musk deers. The sanctuary is blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna including Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Teak, Sheesham, Spotted deer, Snowcock, Kakkar, and Pheasants. It is one of the best places to visit in the Kumaon region and can be experienced in April- September. 

6. Milam Glacier

A prominent glacier in Kumaon, the Milam Glacier is located in Munsiyari. It is the largest, remotest yet accessible glacier in Kumaon. The glacier is 16 km in length and is the origin of the Gor Ganga River. The trek to this glacier is a fulfilling experience with a panoramic view of the mountains, a vast variety of flora and fauna, and refreshing greenery. The glacier is a popular choice for trekkers here. The best time to visit Milam is in the months of March-May. All this makes Milam one of the best places to visit in Kumaon for trekkers and adventure lovers. 

7. Patal Bhuvaneshwar

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A limestone cave temple located in the Pithoragarh district, the Patal Bhuvaneshwar is 160 m in length and 90 m in depth. The legend here is that the cave is home to Lord Shiva and 33 demi-gods. The cave temple has received attention in recent times and has become one of the attraction places to visit in Kumaon.  

8. Mukteshwar 

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A village tucked away in the Nainital district, Mukteshwar earns its name from the Mukteshwar Dam dedicated to Lord Shiva. The village is perched on top of a mountain, providing a 360-degree view of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar is also popular for adventure activities including rock climbing, paragliding, trekking, and camping. 

9. Kausani

A tiny hill station located in the Bageshwar district, Kausani is a cosy vacation option if you want the panoramic Himalayan view and chir and blue fine forest cover. It is a paradise for bird watchers as they can come across over 50 species of birds. The Bollywood film- Koi Mil Gaya was also shot in Kausani. It is one of the non-commercial yet scenic places to visit in Kumaon. 

10. Ranikhet

Located in the Almora district lays the charming hill station of Ranikhet. Literally translating to Queen’s land, Ranikhet can be best described as a reflection of the great Himalayas. Fishing at the Bhalu Dam is one of the most popular activities to undertake here.

11. Almora

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A renowned district in Uttarakhand, Almora has its own unique charm. Apart from providing a majestic view of the mountains, it also offers a great deal in the form of its heritage, culture, food, and handicraft products. The Chitai and Nanda Devi temples are the highlights of Almora. It is undoubtedly one of the must places to visit in Kumaon. 

12. Adi Kailash

Located in the Pithoragarh district, the Adi Kailash bears a similarity to the Kailash Parvat. Hence the name ‘Adi’ Kailash or Chota Kailash. It is also known as Shiva Kailash, Baba Kailash or Jonglingkong Peak. It is considered sacred by Hindus. 

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Paromita Gupta is a final year MA. Journalism student at the University of Delhi. She is an avid reader with her favourite authors being Khaled Hosseini and Chitra Divakaruni Banerjee. In the meantime and pre-covid days, she liked to play tennis and football. Also, she paints in her free time.