Are you looking for running a cafe tucked away in the mountains, where the view is breathtaking and the vibe is peaceful? If so, you’re not alone in your pursuit. Many people dream of leaving behind the chaos of city life to start something meaningful, and what better place than Kumaon?
Kumaon, a scenic region in Uttarakhand with booming tourism, and buying land for a cafe in Kumaon might be one of the smartest decisions you can make. In this blog, we will discuss its significance and the best cafe concepts.
Why Choose Kumaon?
✅ Scenic Beauty: The Kumaon region is famous for its surroundings and perfect for a peaceful, nature-inspired café setting.
✅ Rising tourism: Throughout the year, the number of tourists, digital nomads, and wellness seekers has increased significantly.
✅ Affordable Land: Compared to other hill stations, land for a cafe in Kumaon is still reasonably priced in many areas.
✅ Future Growth Potential: Government focus on eco-tourism and infrastructure is boosting real estate value.
✅ Profitable Investment: It combines low entry costs with high tourism potential and long-term property appreciation.
Why Buying Land for a Café Is Important?
Purchasing a piece of land for a café is a smart decision for stability, growth, and future revenue. The land allows you full freedom over your space; build additional space, resize, decorate, and live however is more comfortable for you. ScrollView for the Full List of Possibilities! It also protects you from rent increases and gives you long-term financial security, because land values in Kumaon are rising. Land ownership also gives you the opportunity to expand your café.
Top Cafe Concept That Work in Hills
1. Rooftop or terrace cafes with valley views

Rooftop or terrace cafés that provide a panoramic view of the valleys are one of the major crowd pullers in Kumaon, it provides you customers with an unforgettable dining experience and sets your business different from the lot.
2. Book cafes for travellers
A bookcafe is a comfortable environment for travelers to have a coffee and enjoy a good book. It’s perfect for solo travelers, readers and remote workers. In areas with scenic backdrops like Kumaon, it will offer a quiet getaway with mountain
3. Pet- friendly cafes (increasingly trending)

Pet-friendly cafés are becoming increasingly popular, where many visitors bring their pets along. These cafés provide open spaces, pet menus, and a friendly environment for both humans and animals. It’s a great way to attract a niche yet growing audience of pet-loving travelers looking for inclusive, relaxing spots.
4. Cafes with small coworking spaces

Cafes with small co-working spaces are popular in places like Kumaon, catering to a growing community of remote workers and digital nomads seeking exciting work environments, better food, and better web access. By offering Wi-Fi, charging stations, and quiet corners which attract people who stay longer and spend more. It is the ideal formula for combining business and pleasure, which is especially tempting in this era of work from anywhere.
How to start a cafe in Kumaon?
- Define your concept: Firstly, define your concept of which type of cafe you want to open and understand your target audience. At the same time, choose a theme and menu that reflect the vibe of the hills and your concept.
- Finding and Buying Land for a Cafe: Look for land in popular and upcoming areas like Mukteshwar, Almora, Bhimtal, or Dhanachuli. You can easily buy land through the help of SquareFoot Investor. We’re offering land with good road access, water supply, electricity, and internet connectivity.
- Get Required Permissions and Licenses: Do land conversion for commercial use and register your business. After that, apply for local municipal permits, and a shop and establishment license.
- Design Your Café: Design with local materials like wood, stone, and mud for an eco-friendly, aesthetic look. Consider adding a terrace or rooftop seating with valley views. Add features like bookshelves, Wi-Fi zones, pet corners, or garden seating based on your concept.
- Hire Local Staff & Vendors: Hire local cooks, helpers, and waitstaff; they know the culture and language. Collaborate with local artists or craftspeople for décor and furniture.
- Plan Your Menu: Include local ingredients and comfort food tourists enjoy, and offer healthy and vegetarian options.
- Do a Soft Launch: Promote your cafe by offering discounts or free tastings to get initial feedback. Collect reviews and photos for marketing. List your café on food and travel platforms like Zomato, TripAdvisor, or Airbnb Experiences.
- Keep Innovating and Growing: Host small events like open mics, workshops, or weekend brunches.
Common Mistakes First-Time Café Investors Make
1. Underestimating the Importance of Location
Location plays a crucial role in the growth of cafes, and choosing land for a cafe that’s too remote or hard to access can limit footfall.
2. Not Checking Land Legalities
Failure to properly check it or get zoning permissions can result in legal trouble. Remember to verify clear titles, commercial use permissions, and land conversion status.
3. Ignoring Local Culture and Preferences
And if tourists aren’t the primary demographic, duplicating a metro-style café without tapping into the local vibe can off-put locals and tourists alike. Infuse your idea with Kumaon’s gorgeousness.
4. No backup for water or electricity.
Aside from hillside locations, outages can occur, so solar backup and water storage are a must but sometimes overlooked by first-time investors.
5. No Clear Business Plan
Jumping in without estimating setup costs, operational expenses, and break-even timelines often leads to burnout and financial strain.
Conclusion
Starting a café in Kumaon is more than just a business—it’s a lifestyle choice rooted in nature, creativity, and community. With the right location, a thoughtful concept, and smart planning, buying land for a café in Kumaon can become a profitable and fulfilling long-term investment. Whether it’s a rooftop café with valley views or a cozy book café for travellers, Kumaon offers the perfect backdrop to turn your dream into reality.
Can I build a hill-view cafe or eco-cafe in Kumaon?
Yes, you can. Kumaon allows commercial development in designated areas. With the right land zoning, permissions, and eco-friendly construction, building a scenic or sustainable cafe is very much possible.
How do I find land suitable for a cafe business in Kumaon?
Partnering with Squarefoot Investor makes this easy. We help you find legally verified land in tourist-friendly zones with road access, utility availability, and scenic views—perfect for a cafe setup.
What makes cafe investments in Kumaon better than in cities?
Lower land costs, rising tourism, peaceful locations, and high demand for unique experiences make Kumaon a better ROI destination than crowded city markets.
Is it better to lease or buy land for a cafe in Kumaon?
Buying is better for long-term value and stability, while leasing may suit short-term plans.