Chasing Waterfalls Near Nainital: Two Contrasting Cascades and Your Perfect Stay

The mountains around Nainital hum with the sound of falling water — a rhythm that defines the soul of Kumaon. Hidden between ridges and fruit-laden valleys are two stunning waterfalls: the Bhaalugaad Waterfall near Mukteshwar, now one of the most visited natural attractions in the region, and the Dhokaney Waterfall near Ramgarh, still untouched and beautifully offbeat. Together, they offer travellers two different sides of the same mountain story — one lively and social, the other quiet and personal.

Bhaalugaad Waterfall — The Famous Heartbeat of Mukteshwar

The Bhaalugaad Waterfall, located near Dhari village about 10–12 kilometers from Mukteshwar town, has grown from a hidden gem into a popular Kumaon attraction. Set at an elevation of around 2,000 meters, the fall drops nearly 60 feet into a clear plunge pool surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests.

To reach it, travellers drive up to the Dhari entry point and then trek around 1.2 kilometers — a moderate 30–45 minute walk across rocky forest trails and small streams. The route is now well-marked and dotted with food stalls and small resting points, thanks to its growing visitor base. It’s an easy and family-friendly adventure for anyone staying around Mukteshwar or Ramgarh.

The best time to visit Bhaalugaad is from March to June and September to October, when the flow is steady, and the trek remains safe. The monsoon months bring spectacular volume and greenery but make the rocks slippery. The waterfall is known for its striking amphitheater-like setting, where water cascades into a deep pool, creating a natural echo.

While the spot has become more commercialized — with parking areas, snack vendors, and occasional crowds — it still retains its charm when visited early in the morning or on weekdays. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors to Mukteshwar, especially those who enjoy photography and the thrill of short nature walks.

Dhokaney Waterfall — Kumaon’s Quiet Secret

If Bhaalugaad is the social hub of waterfalls, Dhokaney Waterfall is its meditative counterpart. Tucked near Dhokaney village along the Nainital–Almora highway (NH 109), it lies about 45–50 kilometers from Nainital and roughly 25 minutes from Ramgarh. Despite being right off the main highway, Dhokaney remains offbeat, uncommercialized, and peaceful — a place where you can still hear the wind, the water, and not much else.

The waterfall drops into a beautiful natural pool surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The altitude is around 1,400 meters, and access requires a short walk from the parking area through forest cover. You won’t find food stalls or tourist shops here — just nature in its raw, unfiltered form.

Best visited between March and June or September and October, Dhokaney is ideal for those seeking solitude and slow exploration. During the monsoon, the fall turns dramatic, though it’s best admired from a safe distance due to slippery stones and deeper water currents. Unlike its popular cousin in Mukteshwar, Dhokaney offers true silence — no crowds, no commercialization, only the sound of water meeting stone.

Where to Stay — Comfort Close to Nature

Waterfalls are best experienced when you can return to a space that feels just as natural. That’s where Kusumith Retreats fits in — offering stays that connect comfort with authenticity, perfectly positioned near both waterfalls.

In Hartola (Mukteshwar), the Panorama Villa stands surrounded by orchards and endless views of the valley. It’s about a 60-minute drive to the Bhaalugaad trek start point, making it an ideal base for exploring the famous waterfall while enjoying the tranquility that Hartola is known for. The villa combines the warmth of a home with the sophistication of a boutique stay — modern amenities, personalized service, and a view that lives up to its name.

In Ramgarh, the Free Bird Cottage offers a more intimate, soulful experience, located about 90 minutes from Dhokaney Waterfall. It’s a quiet retreat for travelers who value simplicity, fresh mountain air, and long unhurried mornings. With its wooden interiors, open lawns, and pet-friendly environment, it’s perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the slower rhythm of the hills.

Both properties welcome pets, ensuring that your companions enjoy the mountain trails as much as you do. Whether you’re heading out for a morning trek to Bhaalugaad or a peaceful drive to Dhokaney, returning to a warm home-cooked meal and the comfort of your private villa completes the experience.

The Essence of the Experience

Waterfalls remind us that motion can be meditative. Whether it’s the roar of Bhaalugaad or the whisper of Dhokaney, both embody the same truth — nature doesn’t rush, yet everything happens perfectly in time. And when you anchor these experiences in a place that feels like home, the journey becomes not just scenic, but soulful.

Kusumith Retreats offers that perfect balance — stays that let you explore nature deeply, rest fully, and bring your loved ones, pets included, into the rhythm of the hills.

🌿 Explore more: www.kusumithretreats.com

📍 Locations: Hartola (Mukteshwar) & Ramgarh

🐾 Pet-friendly stays | Private villas | Waterfall experiences in Kumaon