Nainital is a spectacular lake town cosily perched amidst seven hills (known as ‘Sapta Shring’) and snow-capped mountain ranges. Situated at 2000 metres above sea level, it is a favourite tourist destination for Indians and foreigners. While Nainital is almost always crowded with tourists who come to revel in its beauty, offbeat places near Nainital offer solace to explore solo. Here are the top offbeat destinations to awaken the wanderlust feeling in you.
Explore 8 Offbeat Places Near Nainital For A Thrilling Experience
Discover top offbeat places near Nainital for a unique travel experience. As outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike, you can enjoy exploring these hidden attractions.
1. Ramgarh
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Ramgarh is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. It is called Kumaon’s fruit bowl as it has apple, plum, peach, apricot, and more fruit orchards. The quiet place in the Himalayas is listed among the best offbeat places near Nainital. When you are tired of your office life, come to Ramgarh to forget about your worries and breathe in the fresh air. You will instantly feel refreshed and rejuvenated. You can partake in bird watching in Ramgarh as you can spot various Himalayan bird species.
Distance from Nainital: 36 km
Best time to visit: October to May
Top sights: Mahadevi Verma Museum, Tagore Top, Nathuakhan
Must Read: Things To Do In Nainital
2. Chaukori
Chaukori is among the offbeat places near Nainital for friends who like to enjoy their holidays together! You can get a glimpse of the Panchachuli peaks and spend your time walking to nearby villages to explore their culture. The place is replete with fruit orchards and magnificent tea gardens, giving you the best nature walks in your life. Watching the sunrise and sunset from here is a breathtaking experience as the colours of the sun behind the lush greenery and mountain peaks are just marvellous beyond words.
Distance from Nainital: 171 km
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Top sights: Chaukori Temple, Patal Bhubaneshwar, Thamri Kund, Dunkhola Waterfalls, Dharamgarh, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Naukuchiatal
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Its name translates to ‘lake of nine corners’, and it is believed that if anyone can view all of these nine corners, they will attain nirvana. Naukuchiatal’s lake has the most pristine waters you will ever see. It is believed to have been brought into existence by Brahma. You can enjoy birdwatching, boating, yachting, rowing, paragliding, and paddling. The lake is ravishing in all its glory, and you can view the Himalayan Mountain range from here. It can become your picnic spot with your family and friends as you can spend time in each other’s company.
Distance from Nainital: 28 km
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Top sights: Bhimtal Lake, Naukuchiatal Lake, Sattal Lake, Jungliagaon, Hanuman Temple, Mukteshwar
Suggested Read: Famous Lakes In India
4. Pithoragarh
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Looking for more offbeat places near Nainital for friends? Pithoragarh is a genius choice as it has plenty to offer. When the summer heat becomes unbearable, come to Pithoragarh where the temperature stays from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. Overlooking the Saur Valley, you can easily view the Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trishul mountain ranges. There are many trekking options here; Ralam Glacier, Khaliya Top, Nanda Devi Base Camp, and Milam Glacier treks are the most famous. Do not forget to explore the fruit orchards here.
Distance from Nainital: 175 km
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Top sights: Pithoragarh Fort, Chandak Hill, Maharaja War Memorial, Pithoragarh Fort, Mostamanu Temple
5. Kasar Devi
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Listed among the top offbeat places near Nainital for family, Kasar Devi was a tourist spot in the 70s, with many big names such as Guru Dutt, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison visiting it for its serene surroundings and views. Even though it has since faded into the background, those aware of the place frequent it. You can find foreigners in Kasar Devi as the hippie culture is common here. The famed Kasar Devi temple is one of the only 3 in the world with a geomagnetic pull.
Distance from Nainital: 72 km
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
Top sights: Kasar Devi Temple, Swami Vivekananda Rock, Himadri Hans Handloom, Drikung Kagyu Monastery
Suggested Read: Places To Visit With Family
6. Kausani
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Kausani is among the best offbeat places near Nainital. Mahatma Gandhi called it India’s Switzerland due to its picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. The vast tea estates that invigorate you, the cascading waterfalls with cool water, and the beautiful temples that make you rejoice are some wonders of this heaven on earth. It is full of dense forests that are a haven for nature lovers. Whether you go on a nature walk or explore the village up close, there is no dearth of what you can do here.
Distance from Nainital: 117 km
Best time to visit: April to June and October to mid-February
Top sights: Kausani Tea Estate, Anasakti Ashram, Starscapes Observatory, Rudradhari Waterfall, Pinath Mandir, Someshwar Valley, Sumitranandan Pant Museum
7. Mukteshwar
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Mukteshwar is one of the offbeat places near Nainital. Mukteshwar, perched over 2,100 meters above sea level, offers a good view of the Himalayan range. It is often considered a spiritual haven because you feel a sense of peace when you step there. Trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, rappelling, and camping are some activities you can do here. It is an idyllic spot to visit with your friends and family or by yourself.
Distance from Nainital: 49 km
Best time to visit: March to June
Top sights: Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Kainchi Dham, Jain Mandir
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Mukteshwar
8. Binsar
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Binsar is among the top offbeat places near Nainital for family. You can view the scenic Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Nanda Kot, and Trishul peaks from Zero Point. If you want to go on a spiritual sojourn, then visit the Golu Devata Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva to get his blessings. Binsar’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see as it houses various animals. The list includes chitals, barking deer, porcupines, leopards, jungle cars, flying squirrels, foxes, musk deer, gorals, and black bears. It is also known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Distance from Nainital: 88 km
Best time to visit: March to May, October, and November
Top sights: Crank’s Ridge, Golu Devta Temple, Binsar Nature Gift Shop, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Temple, Zero Point
Further Read: Places To Visit In Nainital
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These offbeat places near Nainital are intriguing, aren’t they? Book your trip to Uttarakhand and visit these amazing offbeat destinations for unique experiences. Go solo, with friends, or with family. These unexplored gems near Nainital are just waiting to be explored. Get there before the crowd for serenity and spiritual awakening like never before. Are you ready for a brand new adventure near Nainital?
Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places Near Nainital
When to visit Nainital and nearby offbeat areas?
Generally, March to June and September to November are ideal times to visit.
Which hill stations are close to Nainital?
Bhimtal, Ramgarh, Kausani, Berinag, Binsar, Ranikhet, Kasauli, and Haridwar are some hill stations near Nainital.
Is Nainital better than Kausani?
Kausani is great for sightseeing while Nainital is suited for activities.
Which place is the small Kashmir in Uttarakhand?
Pithoragarh is referred to as a small Kashmir.
Is solo travel recommended for offbeat destinations?
You can go on a solo trip to all the offbeat places provided you take safety precautions and are always aware of your surroundings.
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