Nainital district · Kumaon

A homestay near Nainital, without the crowds.

Joie de Vivre is a boutique homestay and 3 BHK villa about 40 km from Nainital, near Mukteshwar. Snow peaks from the windows, orchard walks from the door, and the lake an easy day out.

Stay where it's quiet, visit the lake for the day.

Joie de Vivre is in Sashbani–Letibunga village, near Mukteshwar in Nainital district, about 1¼–1½ hours from Nainital town. Guests come for the Panchachuli range from the windows, walks through terrace farms, fireplace evenings and Kumaoni food. Nainital's lake and Mall Road are an easy day trip.

~40 kmfrom Nainital via Bhowali & Ramgarh
2,286 mMukteshwar, higher and cooler than Nainital
~1¼ hrto Kainchi Dham
₹6,500+per night, breakfast included

Nainital to Joie de Vivre: distance and route

Mukteshwar town is about 51 km from Nainital by road, through Bhowali and Ramgarh. We are about 11–12 km before Mukteshwar, beyond Bhatelia market, so from Nainital it's roughly 40 km, or 1¼–1½ hours. From Kathgodam station allow about 2 hours, and from Haldwani it's 62 km. We send a location pin when you book and can arrange a cab.

Why stay near Mukteshwar instead of in Nainital

  • Higher and cooler: Mukteshwar sits at about 2,286 m, well above Naini Lake (about 1,938 m).
  • Peaks from the property: the Panchachuli range is visible from the house, and a 100 m walk uphill brings Nanda Devi into view on clear days.
  • Quieter: no Mall Road traffic queues, and no weekend crowds at the door.
  • Village life: Aunty Ji's dhaba at Double Daat, a waterfall and small dam, terrace farms, and stars from the glass conservatory.
  • Room for families and groups: a private 3 BHK villa and attic rooms, breakfast included, plus an all-inclusive retreat for groups of six or more.
Brick fireplace and pine staircase in the villa near Nainital
Inside the villa: brick fireplace, stone walls and pine stairs.

Places to visit near Nainital, from our door

  • Kainchi Dham, Neem Karoli Baba's ashram, 9 km beyond Bhowali: roughly 1¼ hours from us. Busiest on 15 June. See staying near Kainchi Dham.
  • Mukteshwar Temple and Chauli ki Jali: about 12 km.
  • Ramgarh: orchards, Tagore Top and the Mahadevi Verma museum.
  • Bhimtal, Sat Tal and Naukuchiatal: each roughly 1¼–1½ hours.
  • Jageshwar's valley of about 124 stone temples: a full day trip.

See our full guide to things to do in Mukteshwar.

A day in Nainital from Joie de Vivre

Boats on Naini Lake, Nainital
Naini Lake, Nainital.Photo: Praveen Singh Bisht, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Leave by 7:30 am. Start at Naina Devi temple at the north end of the lake, then take the ropeway from Mallital up to Snow View. Walk or ride up to Tiffin Top, have lunch and stroll the Mall Road. Finish with a boat on Naini Lake and be home before dark. Weekdays are far calmer than weekends.

Offbeat places near Nainital worth the drive

The forest walk down to Sitla, the villages of Dhanachuli and Nathuakhan, Bhalu Gaad waterfall near Dhari, and the terrace-farm paths around Letibunga are the quiet side of Nainital district. Most are within an hour of us.

When to come

October to February is clearest, with cold nights and occasional snow in December–January. March to June brings blossom and fruit, and July to September is green and misty.

FAQs

How far is Joie de Vivre from Nainital?

About 40 km via Bhowali and Ramgarh, roughly 1¼–1½ hours by car. Mukteshwar town itself is about 51 km from Nainital.

Is Mukteshwar better than Nainital?

It depends on what you want. Mukteshwar is higher, quieter and has snow-peak views; Nainital has the lake, boating and shopping. Many guests stay near Mukteshwar and visit Nainital for a day.

How far is Kainchi Dham from the homestay?

Roughly 37–40 km, about 1¼ hours. Kainchi Dham is 9 km beyond Bhowali on the Nainital–Almora road.

How do I reach the homestay from Kathgodam?

By taxi, about 2 hours via Bhimtal or Bhowali. We can arrange a cab when you book.

Is it good for families or groups?

Yes. It is a private 3 BHK villa (₹18,000 a night, breakfast included) with attic rooms, a fireplace, bonfires and long dinners. Groups of six or more can choose our all-inclusive retreat.

Guest reviews

Far from the tourist crowd.

Read all reviews on Google ↗
★★★★★
Making a house in the hills is very different from making a home in the hills… Joie De Vivre is a home. And you feel that with every breath, every glance and every touch. You can visualise happy families huddled near the fireplace, excited cackles wafting out into the nippy night.
Satyajit M.Google review
★★★★★
Beautiful and awestruck property surrounded by serene nature… The place is extremely neat, clean, and peaceful — perfect for a relaxing staycation. Special thanks to Naresh, the cook and caretaker… His healthy and delicious food truly feels homely.
Shivani S.Google review · Holiday · Friends
★★★★★
This was our second stay at Joie de Vivre in Mukteshwar, and it was just as wonderful as the first. The property is beautifully located amidst serene hills and forest, far from the usual tourist crowd… Reema, the owner, was warm and helpful—she suggested some nice trekking spots and local places to eat.
Anoop T.Google review · Holiday · Family
★★★★★
The best place to stay in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand… Every room has been carefully curated and tastefully done… They even do Barbeque with Veg and Non veg freshly sourced food from the local market.
Anosh M.Google review · Holiday · Friends
★★★★★
We stayed for 11 days at Joie de Vivre and it was all the things we needed .. a break , a staycation, a quiet time , a home away from home… If you are looking for a home to stay and work or even relax in , this is the place !
Kavita A.Google review · 11-night stay
★★★★★
There are so many things to love about the property, the Attic room, glass room, ample sunlight in the rooms with glass ceiling, rustic interior, lawn outside the cottage, board games, books and above all peace and tranquility.
Umesh G.Google review · Friends & kids
★★★★★
We had a fantastic experience staying at Joie de Vivre homestay. Starting from the home cooked food, to the cosy tastefully done interiors and ofcourse the fantastic surroundings made our short but sweet stay memorable.
Kanchan S.Google review · Holiday · Family
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