24 Hill Stations Near Nainital To Make Your 2024 Mountain Trip A Longer Escape

The town of Nainital has always been a reflection of what hill station holiday must look like. But when it comes to a holiday, there is still the worry of too many tourists — a crowd making your vacation destination a crowded and busy place. The city of Nainital is fortunately located right in the middle of all the action. Within a couple of hours, drive once can hop-skip and jump into different hill stations near Nainital with a whole new backdrop.

24 Hill Stations Near Nainital

Here are some of the most comfortable destinations next to the main town of Nainital. Each one of these places is more distinct than the other. You can explore plenty of peace, lush greens and valleys that comfort you on your next vacation. If you are looking to hike or just relax, there is a spot for each of these moods.

Sattal: For The Iconic Lakes
Haldwani: For A Sophisticated Stay
Ranikhet: With Multiple Cherished Spots
Kumaon: With Significant Hiking Spots
Mukteshwar: With Enchanting Beauty
Almora: For A Laid Back Vacation
Kasauli: For Green Patches Of Lush
Bageshwar: For Nature Hikes
Gwaldam: For A Cultural Experience
Pithoragarh: A Serene Destination
Bhimtal: For Splendid Views
Naukuchiatal: Lush And Green Valleys
Ramgarh: The Fruit Heaven
Nathuakhan: A Secluded Village
Jalna: For A Satisfying Visit
Majkhali: With Numerous Picnic Spots
Binsar: Get A Majestic View
Berinag: Famous For Snake Temples
Didihat: Of Hills And Verdant Valleys
Kausani: A Writer’s Paradise
Manila: For Breathtaking Panoramas
Bhowali: A Peaceful Retreat
Sitla: An Unspoiled Paradise
Kalika: Uninterrupted Views Of Snowy Peaks

1. Sattal: For The Iconic Lakes

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The town of Sattal gets its name because it is the home to seven iconic lakes. This town is one of the closest hill stations near Nainital. Many prefer to come to this hill because it is not as densely populated as the other tourist places that surround Sattal. Apart from lakes, there are also many places of interest, like the Nimb Karoli Ashram or the Ghorakhal Temple.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Ideal for: Families and Couples
Stay options: V Resorts, Country Inn Hotel
Must See: Sattal Lake, Naukuchia Lake
Best time to Visit: October-June

Must Read: 6 Exotic Villas In Nainital To Let You Be In Touch With Nature In A Luxurious Way

Uttarakhand Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

2. Haldwani: For A Sophisticated Stay

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The city of Haldwani is the second most popular commercial district in the state of Uttarakhand. There are both budget-friendly and sophisticated stay options for tourists in this hill station. The city has many great resorts for you to sit back with a book and enjoy the cold weather, which is why people attribute it to being one of the best hill stations near Nainital. There are also many pilgrim spots like Dental Devi Mandir and the Kadi Chaur Temple.

Ideal for: Families
Stay options: Hotels Castle Inn, Hotel Blue Saphire
Must See: Flora and Fauna
Best time to Visit: March-September

3. Ranikhet: With Multiple Cherished Spots

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From think green-filled vegetation to the stunning views of the valley hills, this town of Ranikhet has a lot to offer for travelers. The Chaubatia gardens and the Nanda Devi peak are some of the most cherished spots in Ranikhet. There is also the Jhula Devi temple, an ancient site with hundreds of stories embodied within it. Other than Nainital, this is also one of the best places to visit near Delhi.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Things To Do: Have some family fun at the jungle-themed Ashiyana Park, Enjoy a spiritual experience at Jhula Devi Temple, Go for a refreshing walk through the orchards at Chaubatia Gardens, Soak in the tranquillity at Bhalu Dam
Ideal for: Friends and Family groups.
Stay options: Queen’s Meadow Hotel, Hotel Chevron Rosemount
Must See: Jhula Devi Temple, Bhalu Dam
Best time to Visit: April-June

4. Kumaon: With Significant Hiking Spots

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This is one of the hill stations near Nainital that gets its popularity because of the many essential spots that surround it. The town is in proximity to the Panchachuli Glacier, which is one of the most significant hiking spots for in Uttarakhand. Other than the many things to do in Mukteshwar, this city is also a hub for travelers who want to visit the Jim Corbett National Park or the Bhimtal Lake.

Ideal Duration: Throughout the year
Ideal for: Transit between hill stations
Stay options: The Kumaon, Kumaon Roop Resort
Must See: Nanda Devi temple, Narayan Ashram
Best time to Visit: October-December

5. Mukteshwar: With Enchanting Beauty

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Located very close to Nainital, the hill station is at a very high altitude making it a great getaway in the summers. The town is home to the Chauli Ki Jali, which is the hub for a lot of adventure sports like climbing and cliff walking etc. The Mujtesgwar Dham is a temple in the middle of the forest with enchanting beauty during the time of mist. There is also the Bhalu Gaad falls, the waterfall with low currents, and calmer waters. There are plenty of resorts in Mukteshwar where you can choose to stay at while on a vacation.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Things To Do: Trekking – Breathe In The Mountain Air, Paragliding – Fly Above The World So High Rock Climbing – Take The Upwards Challenge, Sunrise Above Nanda Devi Peak – Behold The Sight
Ideal for: Adventure, Hiking
Stay options: Jaswi Himalayan Resorts, Dyo- The organic village
Must See: Bhalu Gaad Waterfall
Best time to Visit: All year long

6. Almora: For A Laid Back Vacation

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Although one of the smaller hill stations near Nainital , this town has a lot to offer for both nature lovers and the laid back tourists. The winding roads of the city have a different beautiful location around every turn. Simtola in Almora is one of the most visited picnic spots. It’s a large patch of green hills overlooking a valley. The Nanda Devi temple is an ancient temple that attracts many pilgrims from across the state.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Things To Do: Trek To The Zero Point, Getting A Glimpse Of The Past At Lakhudiyar Cave, Shop At Thana Bazar, Re-discover Simplicity At Dwarahat Village
Ideal for: Friends and family groups
Stay options: Hotel Shikhar, The Himalayan Woods
Must See: Simtola Hill
Best time to Visit: April-November

7. Kasauli: For Green Patches Of Lush

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This is a small village located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The warm, welcoming nature of the people of this town has given it the popularity it deserves. There are many green patches and hilltops to hike in Kasauli. The Gilbert Nature Trail has been on the top of the list of nature enthusiasts who come to the town. The trail offers a view of the many green pastures, and one can spot rare birds and insects all along.

Ideal Duration: Throughout the year
Things To Do: Trekking Tours – For Adventure Buffs, Toy Train Ride – A Unique Experience, Hangout Bar – For Party Animals, Christ Church – Serene Ambiance
Ideal for: Nature trails, hiking
Stay options: Kasauli Exotica, Bird View Resort.
Must See: Manki Point
Best time to Visit: April-June

8. Bageshwar: For Nature Hikes

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Located along the banks of the Saryu River, this town has a ton of nature hikes and hilltop views. The Badrinath Temple and the Chandika Mandir are mesmerizing spiritual centers with unique temple structures. The city is also a gateway to the Pindari Glacier. For travelers who wish to scale this peak, the ideal starting point is the rest and recuperation period.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Ideal for: Friends and family groups, Hiking
Stay options: Hotel Ashish, Pratiksha Himalayan Retreat
Must See: Pindari Glacier
Best time to Visit: April-November

9. Gwaldam: For A Cultural Experience

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Tucked away between the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, this is a cozy little village that offers the calm and the quiet ones needed on holiday. Because of its placement, the city is bustling with cultural and spiritual experiences. One can see the Trishul Peak, Nanda Devi Mountains, and much more such views from all over the city. The River Pindari runs right by the town.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Ideal for: hiking, Sightseeing, Relaxation
Stay options: Nature’s Treat Resort, Saffron Stays
Must See: Badhanaggri temple, Angora Farm
Best time to Visit: March-July

10. Pithoragarh: A Serene Destination

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Puthoragh has both the urban lifestyle of a city and the serene beauty of the hills. Located centrally making it one of the famous hill stations near Nainital , the city has a series of small hits and village living that bends perfectly with its many resorts. The Pithoragarh fort is a historic castle built during the Chand period by the King Peru Pritwi Gusain. Kapileshwar Mahadev temple within a small cave is also an exceptional sight.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Ideal for: Staycation, History buffs
Stay options: Misty Mountains Hotel, B.N Resorts
Must See: Pithoragarh Fort, Mosthamanu Temple
Best time to Visit: April-November

11. Bhimtal: For Splendid Views

One of the most popular hill stations close to Nainital, Bhimtal has pioneered itself to be a great holiday destination over the years. Get splendid views of the mountains and hills nearby which offer an amazing treat to your eyes. In contrast to Nainital, you will witness less crowds and enjoy multiple activities like boating, nature walks, hiking and trekking. Victoria Dam, Folk Culture Museum, Hidimba Parvat and Nal Damyanti Tal are some of the best places to visit in Bhimtal.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Boating And Fishing, Camping And Stargazing, Picnic, Hiking And Trekking
Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: V Resorts Monolith Bhimtal, Tag Resorts Lavanya Bhimtal
Must See: Bhimtal Lake
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year

12. Naukuchiatal: Lush And Green Valleys

Also known as the “lake of nine corners” is one of the popular hill stations close to Nainital. Around the lush and green valleys of Naukuchiatal, you can find opportunities for angling, hiking and bird watching. A hill station can not be better than this, as expected, you have the fewest crowds and with a serene atmosphere, you can expect to roam around multiple places. Some of the best places to visit in Naukuchiatal include Junglia Gaon, Hanuman Temple and Tibet Market.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: Pura Stays, The Allure Hotel, The Lake Resort
Must See: Naukuchiatal Lake
Best time to Visit: March-June,September-November

13. Ramgarh: The Fruit Heaven

a bench in a garden overlooking the mountains

Ramgarh is not a prominent hill station, yet its location within the mountains and breadth of fresh air makes it an important and one of the best hill stations near Nainital. Located in a secluded region, Ramgarh is a serene and cool hill station known for its wide range of fruits and orchards. For this reason, it is called the “Fruit Bowl of Kumaon” with vast vegetation covering pears, apples, peach, apples and apricots.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: Hotel J. B palace, Hotel Manohar Residency, Hotel Raj Heritage
Must See: Bhalu Gaad Falls
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year

14. Nathuakhan: A Secluded Village

One of the closest hill stations from Nainital is Nathuakhan, a secluded village located at an adorning height of 1,940 meters above sea level. The village has been divided into multiple hamlets including Mallatanda, Kafaldhari, Tallatanda, and Navada. To experience a traditional life, you are free to roam around in these hamlets. We are more than sure that it will have a memorable impact on your vacation.

Ideal for: Friends and Couples
Stay options: Whispering Heights, Bob’s Place, Keanna Village Home
Must See: Dhokaney Waterfall
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year

15. Jalna: For A Satisfying Visit

Jalna is one of the most popular and nearest hill stations to Nainital, otherwise, also known as “a window to the Himalayas.” Nestled amid the hills of Almora and Binsar, Jalna makes for more than a satisfying visit to Uttarakhand and has a few temples to discover. Apart from that, you can explore the range of guest houses, village life, cottages and lots of privacy. We do recommend this place to be a top priority for honeymooners. Sure, there won’t be that many attractions around but you will get a lot of privacy and some memorable times to spend with your loved one.

Ideal for: Couples
Stay options: Saffron Hotel, Hotel Galaxy Deluxe
Must See: Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year

16. Majkhali: With Numerous Picnic Spots

One of the popular and nearest hill stations to Nainital, known for attracting few crowds yet offering scenic views, a serene environment and located on top of a mountain is Majkhali. Majkhali is one of the best places with numerous picnic spots where you can enjoy a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. A very ideal destination for nature lovers, you get some absolutely gorgeous views of Mount Trisul, a group of 3 mountain peaks in western Kumaon.

Ideal Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Ideal for: Families, Friends
Stay options: Roseville Cottage, Vimoksha Resorts, Rhodo Retreat and Resorts
Must See: Army Golf Course
Best time to Visit: April-May

17. Binsar: Get A Majestic View

Binsar is one of the popular and closest hill stations from Nainital offering a set of lush surroundings. Nestled in the Kumaon region, and sitting at an elevation of 2,420 meters, Binsar is known for offering majestic views of the Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Some major attractions of Binsar include the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kasar Devi Temple, Goril Devata, and much more.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Things To Do: Trekking, Paragliding, Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: Binsar Forest Retreat, Binsar Adventure Camp, Club Mahindra Binsar Valley
Must See: Binsar Zero Point and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Best time to Visit: October-November

18. Berinag: Famous For Snake Temples

One of the best hill stations near Nainital, Berinag is very popular for its snake temples. The place is one of nature’s ethereal beauty and a perfect destination for getting away from the hustle and soaking the beauty to rejuvenate your mind and soul. On top of that, you get some refreshing views of the Panchachuli peaks in the Himalayas. You will also get to experience the traditional culture of Berinag as it is a cultural rich zone with its own folk songs and dances.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Ideal for: Families, Friends
Stay options: Hotel Himalaya Darshan Berinag, The Misty Mountains, Summit Parwati Resort
Must See: Nag Devta Temple
Best time to Visit: April to June

Suggested Read: Top 44 Amazing Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

19. Didihat: Of Hills And Verdant Valleys

A very small hill station located near Nainital, Didihat is a truly offbeat destination that is exquisitely rich in flora and fauna offering picturesque views of the verdant valleys surrounded by ridges. You can expect to tour the temples, streams, forests, mountainous peaks which just add to the glory of the hills. Some top areas to venture around Didihat include Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary and the Narayan Swamy Ashram.

Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: Askotias Himalayan Guest House, KMVN Tourist Rest House Chaukori
Must See: Sherakot Temple
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year

20. Kausani: A Writer’s Paradise

Kausani is the ideal place to visit if you are a backpacker, as it is very popular for the several mountains and hills within its borders. This a quaint hill station, and we are going to stereotype this, but it deserves the distinction of being a writer’s paradise. Sip a cup of hot tea or coffee with your notebook and ideas will just flow through your mind. Take your notepad to visit around the hill station and interact with the locals, learn about their culture, and explore the many refreshing places to visit in Kausani.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Things To Do: Dine at the Garden restaurant, Shop at the Mall Road in Kausani, Visit the famous temples in Kausani, Tour the famous ashrams and museums in Kausani
Ideal for: Families, Friends and Couples
Stay options: Hotel Kausani Retreat, Chevron Eco Lodge
Must See: Anashakti Ashram, Rudradhari Waterfall
Best time to Visit: April-June, September-November

21. Manila: For Breathtaking Panoramas

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This ancient town is home to the revered Maa Manila Devi Temple that brings pilgrims, worshippers, and architecture lovers from around the country. Though small in size, this town is a truly mesmerizing locale that offers stunning panoramas of the Himalayas and a blissful weather that makes people want to stay here forever.

It’s not just one of the best hill stations near Nainital but also among the most beautiful places near Rishikesh that echoes age-old folklore and keeps its charming heritage intact.

Ideal for: Couples, families, pilgrims, nature lovers
Stay options: Hotel Shiv Ganga, Hotel Lake Inn
Must See: Manila Devi Temple
Best time to Visit: anytime of the year

22. Bhowali: A Peaceful Retreat

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This little hill station is tucked on the close to many popular hill stations like Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal, and Mukteshwar other than Nainital. It makes up for a wonderful getaway for those seeking peace and solitude far from urban chaos and clutter. It’s unlike any other hill station near Nainital owing to its natural beauty and untouched splendor that lures in wanderers looking for offbeat experiences in Uttarakhand.

Situated at a height of 1706 meters above sea level, Bhowali offers stunning panoramas that tend to instill a sense of calm in one’s soul! And when you’re here, don’t miss its expansive orchards of apples, peaches, strawberries, plums, and apricots!

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Ideal for: Families, nature lovers
Stay options: Tulip Hotel, The Raikwals Hotel and Restaurant
Must See: Fruit Market
Best time to Visit: February to April and September to October

23. Sitla: An Unspoiled Paradise

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Located at an elevation of 6000 ft above mean sea level, the small yet chirpy town of Sitla is famed for its peculiar colonial style bungalows and villas. A simple glance at its European-looking mansions is sure to transport you into that bygone era!

Just like any other hill station near Nainital, tourists here have the opportunity to engage in trekking tours of different difficulty levels, both self-guided and those organised by the resorts and homestays here. What really sets it apart is the fact that these treks and hikes will let you explore the totally untouched and unspoilt part of Uttarakhand’s hills and forests!

Ideal for: Couples, adventure seekers
Stay options: Ojaswi Himalayan Resort
Must See: Colonial bungalows
Best time to Visit: February to May

24. Kalika: Uninterrupted Views Of Snowy Peaks

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Kalika is located just 40 km away from the delightful hill station of Nainital, and almost 6 km away from Ranikhet, the other hill station near Nainital in Uttarakhand. While for many it’s another hill station in Uttarakhand, but it holds a very special place in the hearts of pilgrims and nature lovers.

The Kalika Temple is what draws peace seekers and spiritual souls from around North India to this tiny hill town. Enveloped in the goodness of dense green jungles and snow-capped mountains, this charming hill station cannot be missed on your Uttarakhand holiday.

Ideal for: Couples, families, peace seekers
Stay options: Himtop Hotel Dharchula
Must See: Golf Course and Kalika Temple
Best time to Visit:

Further Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Nainital For An Amazing Holiday

So, which one of these enchanting hill stations near Nainital will you visit first? We bet it’ll be difficult to pick just one since they all offer everything from amazing weather, stunning views, peace, hospitality, and good food! Let us know all about your vacation in Uttarakhand once you’re back!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Nainital

Is Nainital hilly area?

The town of Nainital is located 2,085 meters above sea level. This makes it the perfect climate for cold hill-station weather. The region of Nainital is definitely hilly in nature and has a varied train of lush greenery and rocky hills.

What is the best time to visit Nainital?

Between the months of March and June, then the rest of the country is burning in the summer sun, the city of Nainital has a calm envelope of cold air. In the monsoon and post-monsoon times of the year, the hills are filled with mist making it a picture-perfect sight.

What is special about Nainital hill station?

The city of Nainital is an ideal spot for all kinds of holidays because of the perfect infrastructure that it has to support it. It feeds all the basic needs of a perfect tourist destination and if the city gets too cramped there are always the many hill stations near Nainital.

Is Nainital good for a honeymoon?

The city of Nainital is ideal for couples and honeymooners. They are quiet and peaceful yet very cost-effective to newly-weds. The city has enough choices for hotels and resorts that one can book easily too.

How far is Nainital from Delhi by road?

The two cities are at a distance of 299 kilometers from each other. The journey can be done easily using government and private buses. The most preferred mode of transport is, however, a personal car.