🏞️ 4 Day Itinerary for Binsar, Kausani & Nainital: Best Scenic Hill Tour from Kathgodam
Trip Overview
Whether you are after Himalayan views, spiritual stops, local sweets like Baal Mithai, or authentic village markets—this route has it all.
In April 2025, I visited nanital with my family from Jaipur using this itinerary. It created unforgettable memories
📅 Day 1: Kathgodam to Binsar – Scenic Lakes & Spiritual Vibes
Reach Early morning to Kathgodam Railway Station Start your journey so you can utilize the complete day, the gateway to the Kumaon hills.
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Enroute Sightseeing:
- Bhimtal: A calm alternative place to Nainital, great place for relex from overnight journey and photos.
- Naukuchiatal: Known for its 9 cornered lake ideal for kayaking or bird watching.
- Dhokaney Waterfall: A lessercknown nature spot near Satoli, perfect for a quiet stop.
- Almora Zoo (Deer Park): Surrounded by pine forest, a short and refreshing break.
- Kasar Devi Temple: A magnet for spiritual seekers, known for its magnetic field and panoramic views. It being a popular destination for meditation & yoga.
Swami Vivekanandas’s connection with Kasar Devi
In the late 19th century,Its believed that Swami Vivekananda visited Kasar Devi and meditated for several months in a cave there. It is also believed that he had a mystical experience and gain knowledge during his time here, which had a profound impact on his spiritual beliefs and teachings.
Food & Culture Tip
Stop at Almora market to taste the iconic Baal Mithai—a local sweet made of khoya and sugar balls.
Overnight Stay
Choose a hotel or eco-lodge in Binsar. If possible, stay inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy the Zero Point sunset.
✅ Travel Tip: Book Binsar Sanctuary Forest Rest House or Eco Resorts in advance as entries are limited.
📅 Day 2: Kausani Local Sightseeing – Tea Gardens & Himalayan Views
Depart from Binsar after breakfast and reach to Kausani. It take approx. 2.5 hours drive. Kausani is often dubbed the ‘Switzerland of India’ due to its majestic 180-degree Himalayan views.
Want to check more about Kausani click here
Top Attractions in Kausani:
- Himalayan View Point: Catch the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks at sunrise.
- Anashakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram): A peaceful museum where Mahatma Gandhi stayed.
- Tea Garden Estate: Take a guided walk through aromatic tea plantations.
- Baijnath Temple: An ancient riverside Shiva temple (12th century) just 17 km away.
- Stargate Observatory: Don’t miss the night telescope show (check timings online).
Overnight Stay:
Hotel or homestay in Kausani with mountain views.
🧭 Insider Tip: The best Himalayan views are often early morning before 7 AM.
“At Kaichi Dham, the silence speaks louder than words, and the soul bows before grace.”
📅 Day 3: Kausani to Nainital via Ranikhet – Army Museum & Kaichi Dham
Start you day with drive to Nainital, break your journey at Ranikhet and Kaichi Dham.
Enroute Stops:
Ranikhet
- Army Museum: It is Run by the Indian Army, showcasing historical artefacts.
- Kaichi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba Ashram): A serene spiritual popular palace among spiritual seekers, including Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.
- Golu Devta Temple (Ghorakhal): It is known for its belief in wish fulfillment and bells.
Explor more about Kaichi Dham Click Here
Tip for Ghorakhal: Write your wish on a paper and take it to Golu Devta Temple
Overnight Stay:
Book a lakeside hotel in Nainital for easy access to Mall Road and lake.
📅 Day 4: Nainital Sightseeing + Kathgodam Drop
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Nainital’s iconic points before heading back to Kathgodam.
Local Sightseeing:
- Hanuman Garhi: Ideal for morning sunrise and spiritual vibes.
- Botanical Garden: A quiet escape for plant and garden lovers.
- Sariya & Khurpatal Lakes: Hidden gems perfect for short drives.
Walkable Points from Mall Road:
- Naina Devi Temple: Sacred lakeside temple.
- Tibetan Market: Affordable woollens and souvenirs.
- Boating on Naini Lake: Must-do activity for couples and families.
- Cable Car to Snow View Point (chargeable): Stunning panoramic views.
- Nainital Zoo: Take the shuttle from Mall Road to visit exotic Himalayan wildlife.
Evening Drop:
Return to Kathgodam Railway Station for onward travel.
“In the stillness of Naini Lake, the heart finds what the mind often forgets—peace.”
🧳 Packing Tip
Carry light woollens, power bank, water bottle, and binoculars for birdwatching and views.
✅ Final Travel Tips:
- Best time to travel: March to June (spring/summer) and October to November (autumn).
- Ideal for: Couples, nature photographers, slow travelers, families.
- Roads are scenic but winding—carry motion sickness remedies if needed.
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Akash Agrawal is a Full Stack Software Engineer who writes about technology and travel. With hands-on experience in both frontend and backend development, he shares practical insights, tutorials, and stories that inspire fellow tech enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
