Nainital, a well known hill station in Uttarakhand that is known to be the home to the eye-shaped lake that attracts thousands of visitors every year, throughout the year. While the hill station is truly magical, it has become a mainstream one. If you’ve lived in an around the northern parts of the country for over 10 years, chances are, you have already been to Nainital. Even if that isn’t the case, Nainital is the kind of destination that is best experienced during a weekend.
Those that are over the routine visits to the same old hill station Nainital, or those that are looking to extend their visit to the picturesque hill station, you’re in luck. The region surrounding Nainital is blessed with some truly wondrous natural tourist attractions like waterfalls. In this article, we will be talking about the most thrilling and beautiful waterfalls near Nainital.
4 Best Waterfalls Near Nainital
Here is an overview of the top waterfalls near Nainital that dare to give you the perfect natural experience you so rightly desire:
1. Corbett Falls – 39 Km From Nainital
2. Rudradhari Waterfalls – 123 Km From Nainital
3. Dhokane Waterfall – 48 Km From Nainital
4. Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls – 40 Km From Nainital
1. Corbett Falls
Regarded as a must-have addition to all trips to Nainital, Corbett Falls are a picturesque but quiet getaway near Nainital. The waterfalls have garnered quite a bit of reputation among the tourists visiting the region. Accessible after a short walk, the waterfalls are housed within the boundaries of Jim Corbett National Park. Hence, if you spot a couple of rare birds of plants during your walk to the waterfall, consider yourself very lucky.
Things To Do:
- The waterfall is a well-known picnic spot in the region
- While taking a sip in the water is NOT PERMITTED, the area is great for quaint nature walks
Distance from Nainital: 39 km
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 40 per person
Must Read: 12 Adventure Sports In Nainital That Are A Perfect Remedy For Your Adventurous Soul
2. Rudradhari Waterfalls
While the Rudradhari Waterfalls are a bit of a drive from Nainital, visiting this place is well worth the effort and time you will put into travelling. The waterfalls are also home to a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and have a long mythological history associated with them. Those that don’t call themselves religious will also find something interesting at the Rudradhari Waterfalls. We’re referring to the many caves that have been discovered in the region, and are believed to be a spot for meditation for Lord Shiva.
Things To Do:
- Explore the intricate cave system of the area
- Visit the Shiva Temple
- Have a picnic around the waterfall
Distance from Nainital: 123 km
Timings: While the waterfall is open 24 hours a day, nighttime is not considered fit for a visit
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Suggested Read: 10 Gorgeous Cottages In Nainital For Different Budgets
3. Dhokane Waterfall
NOTE: Image is for repesentation purpose only
Located alongside National Highway 109, connecting Almora with Nainital, the Dhokane Waterfall becomes a mandatory pit stop for anyone that knows about the spot and is travelling along the highway. For others, it is simply an unexplored treasure. If you find yourself among the second group, you must visit this gem of a waterfall hidden among the pines of Dhokaney Village. The water creates a perfectly temperate pool at the bottom of falls, offering a perfect opportunity for a dip on a hot sunny afternoon.
If you really are visiting during afternoon time, you may find yourself to be the only tourist present at the spot. Talk about finding an unexplored hidden gem!
Things To Do:
- Take a dip in the water
- Visit the famous Kaichi Dham Temple situated near the waterfall
- Shop for local jams and pickles from the neighbouring village of Ninglat
- Distance from Nainital: 48 km
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 20 per head
Suggested Read: Snowfall In Nainital: 6 Experiences To Savor In This Winter Wonderland
4. Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls
Bhalu Gaad, which literally translates to Bear Stream, is a quaint waterfall located near the town of Mukteshwar. The waterfall gets its name from the abundant bear population in the area. The Bhalu Gaad Waterfall switches between a horseshoe waterfall and a plunge-style waterfall, depending on the flow of water. The waterfall spot is also great for bear sightings. However, for the same reason, entry of visitors near the waterfall is closed during the nighttime.
Things To Do:
- Spot and photograph a bear
- Spend a quiet afternoon listening to the calming sounds of gushing waters
Distance from Nainital: 40 km
Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Suggested Read: Your Guide To Paragliding In Nainital For Thrill-Seekers & Adventure Junkies!
Uttarakhand is a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. These waterfalls near Nainital are just a few of the many wonders to be found across the state. However, the trick to finding these gems lies in looking beyond the mainstream tourist destinations and hill stations like Nainital. By willing to go the extra mile and book a customized trip to Nainital, you will be surprised at what you find. With that said, going the extra mile on the unbeaten path may come with some unpleasant surprises as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Nainital
Why can’t I visit Rudradhari Waterfalls at night?
The wilderness surrounding the waterfalls becomes extremely unsafe during the nighttime, especially for inexperienced tourists.
Is parking available near Corbett Falls?
Yes, the Corbett Falls premises boast ample parking space for all kinds of private and tourist vehicles.
Can I find accommodation near Dhokhane Waterfalls?
Yes, the surrounding villages are dotted with a collection of homestays.
How is a waterfall formed?
Waterfalls are formed as streams flow from soft to hard rock. This happens laterally as well as vertically. In either case, the soft rock erodes down leaving a hard ledge over which the water falls.
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
The largest waterfall by volume of water that flows down is the Shivasamudram Falls in Karnataka. However, the highest waterfall by height is the Nohkalikai Waterfalls located in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya at a height of 340 metres.
How do waterfalls not run out?
The power of the sun is what makes this astonishing natural miracle. Sun provides all the energy that is required to lift water from the ocean to the head of a river valley so that you experience the flow of waterfalls. It is a natural phenomenon that doesn’t run out on its own.
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