Places to visit near Kainchi Dham & Nainital
A local's guide to the Kumaon region — temples, lakes and hill towns near Bhowali, each with distances and what to expect, so you can plan your days from Mayadeep Homestay.
Everywhere worth going, and how far it is from your room
Mayadeep Homestay sits in Farsoli, Bhowali — a central point for exploring Kainchi Dham, Nainital and the lakes of Kumaon. Most of the region's well-known spots are under an hour's drive, so you can fit two or three into a single day and still be back in time for dinner.
A quieter side of Kumaon
Bhowali sits close to some of the region's most visited spiritual sites, ideal for an early morning visit before the crowds arrive.
Kainchi Dham
The best-known ashram on the Bhowali–Almora road, built around the Neem Karoli Baba temple. Early mornings are calmest, before the day's traffic and crowds build up along the highway.
Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal
Known locally as Ghorakhal Temple, this regional shrine to the justice deity Golu Devta is covered in thousands of bells left by visitors. One of the closest attractions to the homestay.
Jageshwar Temples
A cluster of over a hundred ancient stone shrines set among tall deodar trees, one of Kumaon's most important heritage sites. Best planned as a full day trip or an overnight detour.
Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal & Naukuchiatal
This stretch of Kumaon is known as the Lake District of India — four of its best-known lakes are all within a 15 km radius of Mayadeep Homestay.
Nainital Lake & Mall Road
The crescent-shaped Naini Lake, coloured boats, and the shops and cafés along Mall Road. The most popular day trip from Bhowali, with a cable car up to Snow View Point for wider Himalayan views.
Bhimtal Lake
A quieter alternative to Nainital, with a small island aquarium at its centre and pedal-boat rides around the shoreline. Good for a relaxed hour without the crowds.
Sattal
Seven interconnected freshwater lakes tucked into oak and pine forest, well known among birdwatchers for the variety of Himalayan bird species that pass through the area.
Naukuchiatal
The "nine-cornered lake" — the deepest lake in the Kumaon region, with kayaking, paragliding and zip-lining options for those wanting something more active than a boat ride.
Quieter viewpoints and mountain towns
For days when the plan is fewer stops and longer views, these spots trade lake crowds for pine forest and open Himalayan skylines.
Mukteshwar
A hill town centred on an old Shiva temple, popular for its panoramic Himalayan views, orchards and quiet walking trails. Worth planning as a half-day or full-day trip.
Pangot
A small hamlet in the oak forest above Nainital, considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the Kumaon hills, with over 200 recorded bird species.
Ranikhet
A cantonment hill town with pine-lined roads, golf greens and clear views of the Nanda Devi range on a good day — a peaceful add-on if you have an extra day to spare.
For a longer day out
Further from Bhowali, but well worth the drive if wildlife or a proper trek is on your list.
Jim Corbett National Park
India's oldest national park, known for its tiger reserve and jeep safaris. Best booked in advance and planned as a full-day excursion or an overnight stay near the park.
Naina Peak (China Peak)
The highest point above Nainital, reached by a moderate trek or on horseback, with sweeping views over the lake town and, on clear days, the snow-capped Himalayan range.
Tea Gardens
Open tea estates on the way toward Bhimtal — a good short stop for photos and a walk between two bigger destinations, without adding much to your day's drive.
A simple 3-day route from Mayadeep Homestay
One way to cover the highlights without rushing. Tell us on WhatsApp and we can help adjust it to your dates.
Spiritual morning, lake evening
- Early visit to Kainchi Dham (9 km)
- Stop at Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal (5 km)
- Afternoon at Bhimtal Lake (7 km)
- Evening back at Mayadeep for a bonfire
Nainital & nearby lakes
- Morning at Naini Lake & Mall Road (14 km)
- Cable car to Snow View Point
- Afternoon at Sattal or Naukuchiatal
- Return for Kumaoni dinner
Hills & open views
- Drive to Mukteshwar (45 km)
- Walk to the Shiva temple viewpoint
- Stop at a tea garden on the way back
- Relaxed final evening at the homestay
Ready to explore Kumaon from Bhowali?
Tell us your travel dates and which places are on your list — we'll help you plan and confirm your stay.
Questions about exploring the area
From Kainchi Dham, nearby places worth visiting include Nainital (about 18 km away), Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal and Ghorakhal Temple, all within a short drive.
Bhowali is a convenient base for Kainchi Dham, Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Golu Devta Temple at Ghorakhal, and further afield, Mukteshwar and Jageshwar.
Two to three nights at a base like Bhowali is usually enough to cover Kainchi Dham, Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal at a relaxed pace, with an extra day if you want to add Mukteshwar.
Yes — Mayadeep Homestay in Farsoli, Bhowali is centrally placed for the main Kumaon lakes and Kainchi Dham, so most day trips stay under an hour's drive.
March to June and September to November are generally the most pleasant months, with clear mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Explore Kumaon, stay at Mayadeep
Share your travel dates and the places on your list — our team will help you plan a comfortable, well-paced trip.