Bhowali

Bhowali is a picturesque hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of 1,706 meters, it lies just 11 km from Nainital on the road to Ranikhet. Because of its central location, Bhowali serves as the vital gateway and main transport junction to all major Kumaon hill stations, including Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, and Almora. Historically known for its highly oxygenated pine forest air, it is famous for the revered Golu Devta Temple at Ghorakhal, the prestigious Sainik School, and its bustling regional fruit market.

Bhowali is well-connected by road to the plains, acting as the primary junction for the Nainital district.

The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam (about 35–45 km away), which serves as the railhead for the Kumaon region and is well-connected to major Indian cities.

• Ranikhet Express (15013) is a popular daily overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam.
• Bagh Express (13019) connects Kathgodam with major eastern and northern cities including Kolkata, Asansol, Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur, and Lucknow.
• Kathgodam Shatabdi Express runs daily from New Delhi, offering a fast daytime seating option.

From Kathgodam station, you can easily hire a shared or private taxi directly to Bhowali (a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive).

Regular state-run (UTC) and private Volvo buses run overnight from ISBT Anand Vihar in New Delhi to Haldwani. From the Haldwani bus stand, you can catch a local bus or a shared mountain jeep directly to Bhowali.

The nearest domestic airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) (about 65 km away). Most international travelers fly into New Delhi (DEL) and take a train or taxi up to the hills.

Bhowali is a compact town best explored on foot. For nearby excursions, the local taxi stand at the main crossroads is the hub for shared jeeps and private taxis that run to all surrounding lakes and hill stations.

• 29.346179.55191 Bhimtal Lake, Bhimtal (11 km from Bhowali.). Named after Bhima from the Mahabharata, this lake sits at 1,370 meters. It offers boat rides and an island at the center with an aquarium. Near the 40-foot dam is the historic 17th-century Bhimeshwar temple. Free.  
• 29.3679.542 Butterfly Research Centre, Jones Estate, Bhimtal (7 km from Naukuchiatal.). A modest museum housing one of India's largest collections of preserved moths and butterflies, offering educational courses and guided tours.  
• 29.351279.53193 Sattal Lake, Sattal Road (12 km from Bhowali.). An interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes set amidst dense oak and pine forests. A paradise for migratory birds and nature photographers. Free.  
• 29.422579.51244 Neem Karoli Baba Ashram (Kainchi Dham), Nainital-Almora Road (9 km from Bhowali.). A world-renowned ashram established in 1964. It famously inspired Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Annual Mela held every June 15. Free.  
• 29.373279.53585 Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal (3 km from Bhowali market.). Dedicated to the "God of Justice" in Kumaon. Famous for thousands of brass bells hung by devotees. Free.  
• 29.373679.5356 Sainik School Ghorakhal, Ghorakhal (Adjacent to Golu Devta Temple.). One of India's most prestigious military boarding schools, situated on the historic estate of the Nawab of Rampur.  
• 29.3979.537 Shyamkhet Tea Gardens, Shyamkhet (On the Bhowali-Mukteshwar Road.). A lush, serene tea estate offering a peaceful escape and locally produced organic tea. Free.  
• 29.38279.5218 Bhowali T.B. Sanatorium, Sanatorium Road. Established in 1912, this is one of India's oldest sanatoriums. Kamala Nehru was famously treated here.  
• 29.4479.559 Madhuban Ashram, Talla Gethia. A peaceful spiritual retreat dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Free.  

• Pine Forest Nature Walks, Bhowali Hills. Walk the forested roads toward Shyamkhet or Gethia, known for oxygenated air and bird watching. Free. 
• Orchard Visits, Ramgarh Road. Visit local orchards in season (May-Aug) to pick apples, peaches, and apricots. 
• Boating and Kayaking, Bhimtal and Sattal Lakes. Sattal is perfect for quiet kayaking; Bhimtal offers larger rowboats. ₹200-500. 
• Paragliding, Naukuchiatal. Tandem paragliding offering aerial views of the Kumaoni hills. ₹1500-2500. 

• 29.38528379.5152441 Prince and Sanjay Jewellers, New Market, Gajraj Hotel, ☏ +91 9897132577, mypsjewellers@gmail.com. Daily 10:00-19:00. Established in 1956. Heritage jeweller specializing in traditional Kumaoni and Garhwali jewellery (Tehri Nath, Gulband). Sustainable gold recycling.  
• Bhowali Fruit Market, Main Market. Daytime. Famous Kumaon fruit hub. Buy fresh Himalayan apples, peaches, and plums in season. 

• Local Dhabas, Main Market Crossroads. Try Aloo Gutke (spicy potatoes) and hot chai at these authentic local eateries. Budget. 
• Sweet Shops, Main Market. Taste authentic Bal Mithai (chocolate-like fudge) and Singhauri (wrapped in Mallu leaf). 

• Pahadi Tea Stalls, Highway junctions. Enjoy steaming Masala Chai while overlooking the valley. 

• Sarthak Inn, Ramgarh road. Offers rooms, dormitories, and cottages. 
• Kainchi Dham Hotels, Nainital-Bhowali Rd. Provides comfortable amenities in a mountainous setting. 

Bhowali has strong 4G coverage (Jio/Airtel). BSNL is also reliable. Most hotels provide Wi-Fi.

• Nainital (11 km) — The famous lake city.
• Bhimtal (11 km) — Famous for its large lake and island restaurant.
• Ramgarh (14 km) — The "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon."
• Mukteshwar (40 km) — Panoramic Himalayan views.
• Ranikhet (47 km) — Cantonment town with historic golf course.
• Almora (55 km) — Cultural heart of Kumaon.