A complete guide to the best Hill Stations mountain getaways near the gateway of Kumaon
Whether you’re stepping off the overnight train from Delhi or starting your Uttarakhand adventure by road, Kathgodam often marks the beginning of the journey — not the destination. But beyond this well-connected railhead lies a network of breathtaking hill stations, each offering something a little different: quiet lakes, Himalayan views, forest walks, bustling bazaars, or absolute solitude.
In this detailed guide, we uncover the top 10 hill stations near Kathgodam, ideal for all kinds of travellers — from weekenders to honeymooners, trekkers to families. Whether you’re travelling in spring bloom, monsoon mist, or autumn calm, these hill escapes provide just the right dose of mountain magic.
Let’s begin.
Where Is Kathgodam, and Why Start Here?
Kathgodam is located in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, on the banks of the Gaula River. It’s the last major railway station before the Himalayan ascent begins.
- From Delhi: 280 km (~6 hrs by road/train)
- From Nainital: 34 km
- Rail access: Frequent trains from Delhi, including the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi
Kathgodam serves as a springboard to the Kumaon region, connecting you to hill stations, lakes, trekking routes, and forest reserves across Uttarakhand.
For tips on reaching here, see our full Delhi to Nainital travel guide.
1. Nainital – The Queen of Kumaon
- Distance from Kathgodam: 34 km
- Travel time: ~1 hour
- Best for: First-time visitors, families, lake views, boating, café culture
No list is complete without Nainital, the region’s most celebrated hill town. With its crescent-shaped lake surrounded by ridges, a British colonial history, and bustling Mall Road, it’s a classic for a reason.
- Enjoy boat rides on Naini Lake
- Visit Snow View Point and Tiffin Top for panoramic Himalayan vistas
- Discover local stories at Naina Devi Temple and Gurney House
When to visit: March to June for cool weather, or December for snow dustings
Explore more: Best time to visit Nainital
In April? Read our Nainital in April travel guide
2. Bhimtal – Quieter, Lake-Lover’s Delight
- Distance from Kathgodam: 22 km
- Travel time: 45 minutes
- Best for: Couples, laid-back travellers, peaceful stays by the lake
Smaller and quieter than Nainital, Bhimtal is ideal for those who want the lake vibes without the tourist rush. The shimmering lake is edged by forested slopes, with paddle boats drifting past a small island aquarium. Explore more:
- Birdwatching at dawn around the lakeshore
- Visit Hidimba Parvat and Folk Culture Museum
- Stay in homestays and boutique retreats with lake views
Why go: Bhimtal is a perfect base for slow travellers and nature lovers
Budget tip: It’s also featured in our list of budget-friendly destinations near Delhi
3. Mukteshwar – For Quiet Peaks and Forest Air
- Distance from Kathgodam: 50 km
- Travel time: ~2.5 hours
- Best for: Writers, hikers, clear Himalayan views, spiritual quiet
Perched at over 2,200 metres, Mukteshwar is about mood — early sunrises, apple orchards, and the scent of pine. It’s where people come to write books, hike slow trails, and breathe mountain silence.
- Climb to the Mukteshwar Temple for panoramic views
- Spot peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli on a clear day
- Go rock climbing and rappelling at Chauli Ki Jali
Best time to visit: March–May or October–November
Related read: Best places to visit in Uttarakhand during summer
4. Ranikhet – Misty Meadows and Colonial Charm
- Distance from Kathgodam: 75 km
- Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
- Best for: Families, quiet nature walks, military history buffs
Often bypassed in favour of more famous spots, Ranikhet rewards those who take the road less travelled. With pine woods, rolling meadows, and British-era bungalows, it feels like a chapter from a Kipling novel.
- Visit the Jhula Devi Temple and Chaubatia Orchards
- Walk the cantonment golf course — one of India’s highest
- Stay in heritage lodges or forest-view cottages
Ideal for: Those looking to disconnect in elegant quietude
Bonus: Great for a combined trip with Almora or Kausani
5. Kausani – Wide Horizon Views & Tea Gardens
- Distance from Kathgodam: 140 km
- Travel time: 5 hours
- Best for: Panoramic Himalayan views, sunrise chasers, offbeat seekers
Called the “Switzerland of India”, Kausani sits on a ridge, offering unbroken views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks. On clear days, the sunrise feels sacred, spreading gold across the snowy summits.
- Visit Anasakti Ashram, once home to Gandhi
- Walk through Kausani Tea Estate
- Ideal base for day trips to Baijnath temples
Season tip: Go in April–June for clear skies and spring flowers
More inspiration: Reasons to visit Uttarakhand
6. Almora – The Cultural Capital of Kumaon
- Distance from Kathgodam: 82 km
- Travel time: ~3 hours
- Best for: Culture, handicrafts, local life, heritage walks
Unlike the resort-town feel of some hill stations, Almora is a working hill town — bustling, vibrant, steeped in history. It’s perfect for travellers who want more than just pretty views.
- Explore the old bazaar and try local sweets like bal mithai
- Visit Bright End Corner and Kasar Devi Temple
- Shop for handwoven woolens and copperware
Why visit: Almora is where you feel the pulse of Kumaoni life
7. Pangot – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
- Distance from Kathgodam: 45 km
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Best for: Birding, forest stays, wildlife photographers
Nestled inside a dense oak and rhododendron forest, Pangot is a tiny village with massive biodiversity. With over 200 bird species, it’s a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.
- Spot monals, barbets, woodpeckers, and even leopards
- Stay in cozy cottages with birding trails right outside
- Perfect day trip or overnight stay from Nainital
Best time: October–May for birding
8. Jageshwar – Temples in the Pines
- Distance from Kathgodam: 100 km
- Travel time: ~3.5 hours
- Best for: Heritage travellers, spiritual seekers, photography
Set in a mystical deodar forest, Jageshwar is home to over 100 ancient stone temples, many from the 8th–12th century. It’s a place for stillness and stories — best explored on foot.
- See Jageshwar Mahadev, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (disputed)
- Explore archaeological remains and stone carvings
- Stay in forest guesthouses or basic ashrams
Combine with: Almora or Kausani for a culturally rich circuit
Related guide: Uttarakhand May travel insights
9. Binsar – Wildlife, Forest Retreats & Himalayan Silence
- Distance from Kathgodam: 95 km
- Travel time: ~3.5 hours
- Best for: Wildlife, solitude, luxury eco-stays
Inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, this hill station is less a town and more an experience in stillness. It offers forest hikes, panoramic viewpoints, and a rare chance to spot Himalayan wildlife. Explore also: What’s the Best Time to Visit Binsar, Uttarakhand?
- Visit Zero Point for 300° views of the Himalayas
- Trek to Jhandi Dhar and Golu Devta Temple
- Stay inside the sanctuary in eco-lodges
Wildlife sightings: Barking deer, porcupines, leopards, monals
Best season: March to June or post-monsoon
10. Ramgarh – The Orchard Retreat
- Distance from Kathgodam: 45 km
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Best for: Couples, orchard stays, creative retreats
Known for its apple, peach, and plum orchards, Ramgarh is a poetic little place — once the muse of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Today, it’s perfect for a quiet weekend away from screens.
- Walk among blossoming orchards
- Stay in stone cottages with library views
- Visit Tagore Top and Mahadevi Verma’s home
Why go: For a quiet, poetic interlude on your Kumaon journey
Compare other getaways: Nainital vs Mussoorie
Final Travel Tips from Kathgodam
- Transport options: Taxis, shared jeeps, and buses available outside the station
- Best time to explore: March–June and September–November
- Pre-book stays in peak season (especially April–June)
- Try slow travel: Spend 2–3 nights per location instead of rushing
What Is the Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand With Family?
Final Thoughts: The Mountains Are Calling — Take the Route Less Travelled
Kathgodam is not the end of the line — it’s the beginning of a hundred different Himalayan stories. Whether you choose Nainital’s shimmering lake, Mukteshwar’s morning peaks, or the temple hush of Jageshwar, you’ll find that each hill station offers its own rhythm — some fast, some timeless.
The magic lies in choosing your pace and letting the hills unfold at their own.
Looking to plan a multi-stop hill station itinerary from Kathgodam? We can help you design a smooth-flowing trip with the right mix of nature, heritage, and rest.
👉 Start by exploring the best time to visit Nainital or dive into a budget-friendly trip near Delhi — and let the Himalayas do the rest.
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