Nainital Ranikhet Almora Kausani

On arrival, meet our representative/driver at Dehradun airport /Kathgodam railway station and transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check into the hotel after freshening up, and head straight to the famous Naini Lake, a picturesque freshwater body surrounded by hills. Spend some time soaking in the tranquil views, or opt for a relaxing boating session on the lake. Later, take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, Nainital’s vibrant promenade, lined with shops, cafés, and local eateries. Overnight stay.

Experience:

Food: Nainital offers a delightful mix of street food and cozy cafés. For a true local taste:

• Tibetan specialties: Try freshly steamed momos, thukpa (noodle soup), and tingmo at Chandni Chowk Momo Point or Sakley’s Restaurant, both favorites among locals.
• Cafés with a view: Stop at Zooby’s Café or Sher-e-Punjab Bakery for freshly baked pastries, cakes, and local desserts while enjoying a view of Naini Lake.
• Street eats: Don’t miss roasted corn, spicy chaat, samosas, and local sweets sold by vendors along the lake promenade and Mall Road.

Shopping: Mall Road and the nearby Tibetan Market are perfect for picking up local treasures:

• Handicrafts & Souvenirs: Intricately carved wooden artifacts, traditional jewelry, and Tibetan-themed décor.
• Woollens & Garments: Soft scarves, sweaters, gloves, and caps, handcrafted by local artisans.
• Traditional & Gourmet Items: Herbal teas, jams, spices, pickles, and home-ground flours that reflect Kumaoni flavors.
• Unique Finds: Tibetan paintings, singing bowls, prayer flags, and eco-friendly gifts that make perfect mementos.

Activities:

• Enjoy an evening boating session at Naini Lake; the golden sunset over the hills makes it a magical experience.
• Take a leisurely Mall Road stroll, discovering hidden cafés, street performers, and local vendors—perfect for photography or casual people-watching.
• Pause at a lakeside café for a cup of local tea or coffee, soaking in the serene ambiance of Nainital as evening falls.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Naini Devi Temple by the beautiful Naini Lake for spiritual vibes and scenic views. Then, head to Hanuman Garhi, a hilltop temple with panoramic views of the town. Next, explore the Cave Garden, a charming spot with natural caves and landscaped gardens, perfect for a leisurely walk. Later proceed for Lake Tour of Bhimtal Sattal & Naukuchiatal. Start at Bhimtal, with its calm waters and a small island—enjoy a boat ride or relax by the shore. Then visit Naukuchiatal, the lake with nine corners, perfect for both adventure and relaxation. If time allows, stop at Sattal, a group of seven lakes surrounded by forests, great for birdwatching and photography. End the day by returning to Nainital, refreshed by the peaceful lakes and beautiful scenery. Overnight stay.

Experiences:

Food: Nainital is great for food lovers, especially traditional Kumaoni dishes. Try Bhatt ki Churkani (black gram with rice) and the local sweet Bal Mithai. For snacks, enjoy momos, chowmein, and local tea at cafés on Mall Road. Evening walks by the lake are perfect with roasted corn, jalebi, or pakoras.

Shopping: For souvenirs and handicrafts, visit Bara Bazaar and Mall Road. Pick up woollens (sweaters, mufflers, socks), wooden carvings, Kumaoni jewelry, and scented candles. You can also find embroidered fabrics, pickles, spices, and unique handcrafted items in small artisan shops.

Activities: Adventure and relaxation blend perfectly in Nainital. Take the cable car to Snow View Point, where the stunning panorama of the Himalayas and the town below will leave you mesmerized. At Tiffin Top, enjoy a scenic horse ride or a short trek while breathing in the crisp mountain air. Photography enthusiasts will find countless spots for sunrise or sunset captures, and boating in Naini Lake adds a tranquil experience to the day.

After breakfast, start your journey from Nainital and visit Kainchi Dham, the peaceful ashram of Neem Karoli Baba. Continue to Almora to seek blessings at the ancient Nanda Devi Temple. Next, explore the 9th-century Katarmal Sun Temple with its beautiful stone carvings and hill views. Visit Kasar Devi Temple, a serene spot popular among mystics and travellers. Finally, arrive in Kausani and enjoy a walk through the Kausani Tea Estate, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning Himalayan views.

Additional Experience:

Food:

Pine Cottage Café – A cozy place near the estate offering local as well as Indian dinner options.

Estate-side Tea Kiosks – Small stalls serving local tea, pakoras, and Maggi with unbeatable sunset views.

Try freshly brewed Kausani Herbal Tea (rhododendron, lemongrass, tulsi, ginger).Classic Masala Chai with mountain spices. Fresh Coffee (locally ground).

Shopping:

• Woollen Treasures: Handwoven shawls, stoles, and blankets crafted by local women’s cooperatives.
• Organic Produce: Locally grown herbal teas, rhododendron squash, honey, and fruit preserves.
• Crafts & Copperware: Traditional brass and copper utensils, wooden carvings, and locally made souvenirs that reflect Kumauni artistry.
• Spices & Herbs: Authentic Mountain turmeric, cardamom, and wild herbs unique to this region.

Evening Walk Trail:

• Begin from Kausani Tea Estate and wander amidst fragrant tea bushes as the sun lowers.
• Stroll further to the Kausani Viewpoint, one of the best vantage points in Kumaon, and watch as the mighty Himalayan peaks glow pink and orange at sunset. The calm and unhurried pace of this walk makes it an unforgettable end to the day.

Activities:

• Sunset Photography: Capture the Himalayan range bathed in golden light.
• Village Walk: Interact with locals, learn about farming practices, and experience authentic rural life.
• Tea Tasting Session: Sip different varieties of freshly brewed local teas while learning about cultivation.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Kausani is a stargazer’s delight—witness the Milky Way on clear nights.

Start your day in Kausani with a visit to Anashakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed, enjoying peaceful Himalayan views. Then, explore the Shawl Factory to see traditional handloom weaving and shop for woollens. Visit the Pant Museum, dedicated to poet Sumitranandan Pant, to see his manuscripts and belongings. On the way, stop at the Baijnath Temple, a 12th-century temple by the Gomti River with beautiful stone carvings. In the afternoon, drive to Ranikhet, a quiet hill station with colonial charm and pine forests. End your day at Ranijheel, a scenic lake ideal for a walk or paddle boating.

Experiences: 

Food:

Street-Style Snacks in Ranikhet

• Samosa & Bread Pakora – Found at tea stalls in Gandhi Chowk and Mall Road.
• Aloo Tikki Chaat – Crisp patties with chutneys and curd in local markets.
• Momos & Maggi – Popular at stalls near Sadar Bazar and Ranijheel.
• Bhutta (Roasted Corn) – Evening favorite with salt & lemon.



Best Snack Spots

• Mayur Restaurant (Main Market) – Samosa, pakoras & Kumaoni bites.
• Prem Restaurant (Gandhi Chowk) – Famous for parathas, samosas & chai.
• Tea Stalls on Mall Road – Maggi, pakoras & tea with local chatter.
• Chevron Rosemount Café – Cozy stop for cakes, bakes & coffee.
• Singodi – A conical sweet wrapped in Malu leaf, made with khoya and coconut.
• Small local restaurants in Ranikhet serve thalis with these specialties—perfect for an authentic meal

Shopping:

Ranikhet and Kausani offer quiet markets with unique finds:

• Woollens & Handloom – Pick up authentic handwoven shawls, stoles, and mufflers directly from local cooperatives.
• Organic Products – Herbal teas grown in Kausani, wild honey, and apricot oil for skin care.
• Wooden Handicrafts & Copperware – Intricately carved boxes, utensils, and décor items.
• Traditional Kumaoni Products – Locally produced pulses, pickles, spices, and fruit preserves.
• Shopping here not only gives you souvenirs but also supports village artisans and farmers.

Evening walk trail:

Start your walk near Ranikhet Cantonment, where old British-era bungalows and pine avenues set a nostalgic tone. Continue through winding lanes lined with deodars and rhododendrons, listening to bird calls and soaking in mountain views. As the sun sets, head towards Ranijheel, a calm lake surrounded by greenery. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere, try paddle boating, or simply sit by the water as the lights reflect in the stillness of the lake—a perfect way to unwind after a day of travel and exploration.

Activities:

• Boating at Ranijheel – A gentle paddle across the lake surrounded by pine forests.
• Nature Trails in Ranikhet – Short hikes around Jhula Devi Temple or Chaubatia orchards, offering fruit gardens and sweeping views.
• Photography – Capture snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul at sunrise or sunset.
• Stargazing – With clear skies and minimal pollution, Ranikhet offers a magical night sky view.

Start your day at Jhoola Devi Temple, set in the scenic Kumaon hills with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Then visit the Kumaon Regimental Museum to see military history, weapons, and memorabilia of the Kumaon Regiment. Continue to Haidakhand Babaji Temple, a quiet spot surrounded by forests, ideal for meditation. Later, take a relaxing walk at Ranikhet Golf Course, known for its lush greens and rolling hills. End your day with a departure to Kathgodam, taking with you memories of this serene hill station.

Experience:

Food: Kumaoni Lunch Thali for a wholesome experience, all made with local ingredients- Steamed rice, Jwari or wheat rotis, Dal Tadka or Bhatt ki Churdkani, Kafuli, Allo ke gutke, aloo ke tama, seasonal vegetable, curd, chutneys in sweet Arsa.

Shopping: Explore small handicraft shops in Ranikhet for:

• Handicrafts & Souvenirs: Wooden artifacts, carved toys, and brass items.
• Local Specialties: Kumaoni jams, pickles, spices, and herbal teas.
• Woollens & Handlooms: Hand-knitted scarves, sweaters, and shawls.