The scenic hill station of Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. In this article, we look at the 10 best tourist places to visit in Nainital, things to do in this charming hill station and places to visit near Nainital for an enjoyable trip.
Aptly called the ‘lake district of India’, Nainital is surrounded by several lakes. There are huge snow-capped peaks all around the hill station that are spread across 7,000 ft. above sea level.
How to reach Nainital?
By air: The nearest domestic airport from Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, Pantnagar, roughly one-hour drive from the city, as it its 55 kms away. This airport is well-connected to New Delhi and Mumbai. Dehradun airport is 283 kms from away from Nainital. The distance between Delhi International Airport and Nainital is 248 km.
By train: The nearest railway station, Kathgodam Railway Station, is 23 kms away from Nainital. There are many direct trains running daily from the metro cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Agra and Lucknow to Kathgodam.
By road: Nainital is well-connected by motorable roads with major destinations of northern India.
See also: Darjeeling places to visit
Best time to visit Nainital
Nainital is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit is from March to June, during the summer and spring season. The weather during this period is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 28°C, perfect for sightseeing. Keep in mind that it’s the peak season, so plan your accommodation wisely as discounts may be limited.
Top Nainital tourist places to visit
Here are the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital you should definitely visit.
Places to visit in Nainital #1: Nainital Lake
Naini or Nainital is a natural fresh lake in the centre of Nainital. This crescent (eye)-shaped lake is one of the most famous lakes in the Kumaon region. It is an ideal spot for boating, picnic and evening walk. The Nainital Lake is an enchanting place surrounded by seven different peaks. The lake is divided into two distinct sections, the northern part called Mallital and the southern region called Tallital. Take a boat ride to enjoy the lofty mountains, especially the lovely sunsets over the mountains.
The lake is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Naini Lake is a mere 1 km away from the Tallital Bus Stand of Nainital. From the Kathgodam Railway station, it is 25 kms away.
Places to visit in Nainital #2: Tiffin Top
With a 360-degree view of the Nainital Lake District, the top of the Ayarpatta Hill Tiffin Top, also called Dorothy’s Seat, is 2292 meters above sea level and a must-visit tourist place in Nainital. The Kumaon Hills surround this location and enhance its tranquillity. The beautiful Tiffin Top is surrounded by cher, oak and deodar. Tiffin Top hike is a must for all adventure lovers. About 4 km from the main city, you can either reach the spot on foot or hire a pony.
If you are traveling by road, the nearest bus stand is the Tallital Bus Stand. Nainital is 6 kms away from Tiffin Top.
See also: 15 places to visit and things to do in Dehradun
Places to visit in Nainital #3: Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Pangot and Kilbury sanctuary is situated in the reserve forest of Nainital, covered with oak, pine and rhododendron apart from other species of the Nainital reserve forest. This bird sanctuary has a variety of birds and mammals. The most sighted birds, among the 580 species, are the lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, spotted and slaty-backed forktail, white-throated laughing thrushes, rufous-bellied woodpecker, brown wood owl, little pied flycatcher, Himalayan bulbul, Altai accentor, chestnut-bellied nuthatch, green-backed tit and dollarbird. The Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is also home to various mammals such as leopard, Himalayan palm civet, yellow-throated Himalayan marten, ghoral, barking deer and sambar.
Pangot is approximately 14 kms away from Nainital city and a tourist can take a bus or a car. It is well-connected by road. From Nainital railway station it is at a distance of 40 kms.
Places to visit in Nainital #4: Naina Peak
Naina Peak is the highest hilltop and one of the most beautiful places in Nainital. The peak was renamed from China Peak to Naina Peak after the 1962 Indo-Chinese war. Due to its high altitude and lush green forest path, Naina Peak is a favourite place for trekking. You can also reach the peak by riding on a pony or a horse. The trek down the slopes gives you a vibrant view of nature along with the amazing city and Naini Lake. At an altitude of 2611 m above sea level, this peak is around 6 km from the road to Naina Peak and leads to a pleasant forest of rhododendrons, deodars and cypresses. Naina Peak offers inviting views of the surrounding landscape. You get a 360-degree view of the snow-cloaked Himalayan peaks.
The Naina peak is located about 10 kms from the Mallital area of the Mall Road Nainital and about 17 kms away from the Tallital Bus Stand Nainital.
See also: Top Ooty tourist sightseeing places
Places to visit in Nainital #5: Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Gardens is a group of interconnected caves and hanging gardens that is one of the most popular tourist places in Nainital. There are six underground caves connected through tunnels. A musical fountain, with audio and visual effects, adds to the beauty. The garden is lit with old petroleum lamps to maintain the authenticity of the place. The six caves are shaped like animals, namely bat, tiger, flying fox, panther, squirrel and porcupine. Hanging gardens line the pathways alongside the caves. Some of the caves are too narrow to pass but that is what adds to the adventure. These natural caves are maintained by the local administration.
Eco Cave Garden is situated in Sukhatal. It is almost 3 kms away from the Nainital Bus stand. You can take a taxi from bus stop, to reach cave garden.
Timing: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry: Rs 60 per person for adults; Rs 25 per person for children.
Places to visit in Nainital #6: Pt GB Pant High Altitude Zoo
Nainital Zoo is one of the best tourist places in Nainital to enjoy wildlife. Also called Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, this is the only zoo in Uttarakhand. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo stands at an elevation of 2100 m above sea level. It is only the second of its kind, the other being in Darjeeling. It is home to animals who live only at high altitudes, including the Siberian tiger, serao, goat, antelope and snow leopard. The animals are kept in their natural habitat altitude. The Nainital Zoo is spread across 4.6 hectares (11 acres). It also has various birds like golden pheasant, rose-ringed parakeet, kalij pheasant, hill partridge, white peafowl, blossom-headed parakeet and red junglefowl.
The zoo is located at a distance of 1.8 kms from the Nainital bus stand at the Sher Ka Danda hilltop.
Entry: Rs 50 per person for adults (between 13 and 60 years); Rs 20 per person for children (between 5 and 12 years)
Timing: 10:30 AM to 4:30 AM every day except Monday
See also: Places to visit in Shimla
Places to visit in Nainital #7: Gurney House
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Gurney House is an old, historic building built in 1881 that was once the residence of hunter, conservationist and avid story writer of stories, Jim Corbett. A visit to Gurney House is a journey back in time. Even seven decades after Corbett’s departure, the colonial impression and charm of Victorian-style living are intact in Gurney House. It is now a private home (and named after the property owner as Dalmia’s Gurney), however, the residents welcome Corbett-lovers (by appointment) for a complimentary tour of this heritage property. It continues to house several of Corbett’s furniture and possessions.
The Gurney house is just 4 kms away from the Tallital bus stand
Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM.
Free entry.
Places to visit in Nainital #8: Snow View Point
Nainital’s Snow Point View is one of the most visited tourist places to see the Himalayan peaks. An early morning trek to this place provides some of the best views of the great Himalayan ranges. The peaks are covered in white snow at the top and descend into brown or green plains. Snow View Point has breathtaking views of the snow-capped Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. It also offers great views of the Nainital Lake and the town. The Snow View Point is well-connected through the road, however, a ride in the aerial ropeway from Mallital is the best way to reach this place. A small temple dedicated to Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and other deities is located on the peak. The Tibetan monastery, Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa, of the Gelukpa order, situated near Snow View Point, is also a must-visit spot.
The nearest railway station to Snow View Point is the Kathgodam Railway Station which is 35 kms from the Mallital Mall Road. Take a private taxi or board a bus from the railway station to reach Mallital. From there, hire a taxi cab or take the ropeway.
Entry: Snow View Point offers free entry. However, you will have to pay for reaching there (via cab or ropeway).
Timing: Snow View Point is open on all days of the week from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Saturday.
Places to visit in Nainital #9: St John Church
Saint John, a beautiful church in the Nainital wilderness, is a well-known tourist spot. The church was founded in 1844 during British rule. It is located on the northern end of the city of Nainital, adjacent to the high court of Uttarakhand. The church is set amidst the wilderness and isolation of the mountains and is designed in the traditional European style. Its architecture displays neo-Gothic style with beautiful stained-glass windows. A peaceful place of worship and perched atop a beautiful hill lined with pine and deodar trees, it makes for a beautiful sight.
St. John in the Wilderness Church is just 2 kms away from the Nainital Mall Road.
Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the church.
Timing: You can visit on all days of the week. The timings for Monday to Saturday are 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM and for Sunday 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Places to visit in Nainital #10: Naina Devi Temple
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Naina Devi Temple, on the banks of the Naini Lake, is one of the most revered religious places in Uttarakhand and one of the most popular tourist places in Nainital. The Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple gets its name from the mythological legend that Goddess Sati’s eyes (Nayan) fell at this place when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 different parts. The whole town (Nainital), the lake (Naini Lake) and the Naini temple are named after the legend. Within the temple premises is an old Peepal tree and further down stands an idol of Lord Hanuman, showering blessings. The inner sanctum has sculptures of Mata Kali Devi and Lord Ganesha as well. The temple complex is enormous and is believed to have been constructed during the 15th century. The temple was destroyed by invaders and was rebuilt and renovated in the late 19th century.
Naina Devi Temple is about 3 kms from the city bus stand and can be easily accessible via rickshaw or walking.
Timing: Naina Devi Temple open from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Places to visit in Nainital #11: Lands End
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For a breathtaking view from a mountain top, Lands End is a must-visit destination. Surrounded by charming villages and picturesque pine forests, this spot offers stunning vistas. The best part is that reaching Lands End doesn’t require much climbing; it’s conveniently located about 4 kilometers from the town. Transportation is easy, and visitors can either walk up or enjoy a horseback ride to reach this rightly named viewpoint.
Places to visit in Nainital #12: Kainchi Dham
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Another religiously significant site among the famous places to visit in Nainital is Kainchi Dham. Founded in 1962 by Neem Karoli Baba, the temple and ashram are nestled amidst lush greenery and majestic hills. Located alongside a sparkling river, this temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman and attracts numerous devotees and worshippers regularly. The temple gained global fame when it was visited by Ex-Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, in the 1970s, followed by Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Every year on June 15th, the temple hosts a grand fair, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Best things to do in Nainital
A tourist can enjoy various fun-filled activities in Nainital, depending on one’s interest. Here are some of the most enjoyable activities to indulge in during your trip to Nainital.
Things to do in Nainital #1: Boating
The best way to enjoy the natural beauty of Nainital is a tour of the serene lakes. You can enjoy boating in several lakes, including Naini, Naukuchiyatal, Bhimtal, Sattal and Khurpatal.
Things to do in Nainital #2: Rock climbing and trekking
Rock climbing is one of the most popular sports in Nainital for adventure enthusiasts. You can enrol at the Nainital Mountaineering Club for a rock-climbing course. Trekking is one of the most famous and best activities to enjoy on your Nainital trip. The Cheena Peak is the highest point of Nainital and offers a breathtaking view. You can also trek up to the beautiful Land’s End to enjoy a spectacular view.
Things to do in Nainital #3: Ride in a cable car
To get a bird’s-eye view of Nainital, you must take a cable car or aerial ropeway ride. It starts at Mallital and connects to Snow View Point. A one-way journey takes less than three minutes.
Things to do in Nainital #4: Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular thrilling things to do in Nainital. Paragliding can be done in Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal in the presence of professional trainers. The months of March to June and October to December are best-suited for these thrilling activities when the skies are clear.
Things to do in Nainital #5: Camping
Nainital offers more than just hills and lakes; it also boasts meadows and ridges, providing ample opportunities for camping in the Kumaon region. Thanks to its pleasant weather all year round, camping in Nainital can be a perfect escape from the busy city life. Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views in the morning, trek and birdwatch during the day, warm up by the bonfire while singing and dancing around it, and sleep under the starry sky at night. Pitch your tent at a suitable spot, and you can experience all of this and more.
See also: Things to do and places to visit in Mussoorie
Best tourist places near Nainital
Places to visit near Nainital are ideal for rejuvenating and exploring oneself through nature. Whether you are looking for a laid-back weekend or some adventure, there are several places to choose from.
Places near Nainital #1: Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park (around 140 km from Nainital) is the oldest national park in Nainital. Known for the endangered Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park has more than 650 species of birds too.
Places near Nainital #2: Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a scenic hill station around 22 km from Nainital. The beautiful Bhimtal Lake is a popular attraction for paddle boating, birding watching and nature walks. A small island located in the middle of the lake is accessible by boat and has an aquarium with several species of marine creatures. Bhimtal is also famous for paragliding.
Places near Nainital #3: Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a small hill town around 50 km from Nainital. Mukteshwar is surrounded by a magnificent oak and rhododendron forest. It is known for adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing and rappelling. It has the Mukteshwar Temple (a Shiv Temple) and Mukteshwar Dham, which are religious centres situated at a height of 7000 feet above sea level.
Places near Nainital #4: Ranikhet
Ranikhet, in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, stands at an elevation of 1,829 m above sea level. Literally meaning The Queen’s Land, Ranikhet is an all-season tourist spot for nature lovers. It is also the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and has the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum. Ranikhet is popular for its views of the Nanda Devi Peak, trekking ranges, mountainous climbs, golf courses, orchards and temples. The best places to visit in Ranikhet are Bhalu Dam, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Jhoola Devi Ram Mandir, Golf Ground Ranikhet and Mankameshwar.
Places near Nainital #5: Sattal
Sattal, 23 km from Nainital, is a must-visit relaxing place made up of a group of freshwater lakes. The biodiversity is unique with 500 species of natural and migratory birds and more than 500 varieties of butterflies. The hills of Sattal attract tourists to pursue trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, river-crossing and night camping.
Shopping in Nainital
For tourists who love shopping, Nainital is a place of appeal. Nainital is known for aromatic, decorative, handmade candles in fancy shapes, homemade jams, juice concentrates, bamboo fabrics, and pine cone decorative items. You can buy fresh cherries, apples, strawberries, mulberries, peaches and blueberries. Bhotia Bazar is the best place for shopping in Nainital for colourful woollens and scarves. Tibetan market also has stalls for scarves, shawls and mufflers. A tourist can shop from Bara Bazaar, The Mall Road, Bhotia Bazaar and Mallitaal.
Must-have food in Nainital
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Nainital, like any other tourist place in India, has various cuisine, restaurants and street food for tourists to satisfy their taste buds. Nainital has its unique combination of spices, which makes its local cuisine special. A tourist must try the traditional Ras, a dish made with various lentils, and Baadi, a popular dish from Garhwal made with buckwheat flour and served with ghee. Other dishes from this region are Bhatt ki Churkani, a traditional Kumaoni dish made from black beans, Aloo ke Gutke, a spicy preparation of boiled potatoes, Kumaoni Raita and Bhang ki Chutney. The special black and white rotis of Uttarakhand are made from a combination of wheat and mandua flour and topped with a large serving of desi ghee. Gulgula is a popular sweet snack. Bal Mithai is the speciality of Uttarakhand that is made from khoya. The chocolate-brown colour delicacy is decorated and coated with white sugar balls. Arsa is a must-have in Nainital. It is made from jaggery, rice and mustard oil and served on special occasions. Besides the usual, a tourist must have momo, pastries, bun tikki and bun omelettes in Nainital.
FAQs
Can Nainital be visited during snow?
Nainital attracts tourists throughout the year but it is best to visit between March and June. The snowclad hill station looks stunning during winter. It receives heavy snowfall and turns into a white wonderland. Tourists prefer to visit it during Christmas and New Year.
What are the Haldwani tourist places to visit near Nainital?
Halwani in Uttarakhand is known for its scenic views and pleasant climate. About 32 km from Nainital, popular tourist places in Haldwani include Haldwani-Kali Chaur, Shitla Mandir, Gaula Barrage (on the Gaula river) and Sanjay Van.
How many days are needed to visit tourist places in Nainital?
To enjoy Nainital and its nearby tourist places at a relaxed pace, you would need three days minimum.
Dhwani is a content management expert with over five years of professional experience. She has authored articles spanning diverse domains, including real estate, finance, business, health, taxation, education and more. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dhwani’s interests encompass reading and travelling. She is dedicated to staying updated on the latest real estate advancements in India.
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