Nainital, often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Surrounded by majestic mountains and serene lakes, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. This guide will take you through the best places to visit in Nainital, travel tips, local cuisine, and everything you need to plan your trip.Whether you’re exploring the serene lakes, indulging in local cuisine, or seeking adventure, Nainital has something for everyone. In this guide, you’ll discover the top reasons to visit Nainital, the various modes of travel to reach this hill station, the must-visit attractions, the best local dishes to try, answers to frequently asked questions for first-time visitors, and essential travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Why Visit Nainital?
Nainital is an all-season destination offering something for everyone:
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush green hills and pristine lakes, Nainital is a nature lover’s paradise.
- Adventure Activities: Enjoy trekking, boating, paragliding, and cable car rides.
- Cultural Charm: Explore colonial-era architecture, temples, and vibrant local markets.
- Relaxation: A serene getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Modes of Travel to Nainital
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away. Taxis are available from the airport to Nainital.
- By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station, located 35 km from Nainital, is well-connected to major cities like Delhi and Lucknow.
- By Road: Nainital is easily accessible via road from Delhi (approx. 300 km) and other cities in Uttarakhand. Buses and private taxis are readily available.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are common modes of transport within the town.
Top Attractions in Nainital
Naini Lake
Naini Lake lies at the heart of Nainital, a shimmering natural freshwater body that has captivated the hearts of travelers and locals alike for centuries. When you are in Nainital, you will hear a lot about Tallital and Mallital. Well, they are localities around the lake, but it’s good to be familiar with these two names.Coming back to our Naini Lake, when you are in Nainital, it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, you will surely find the lake dotted with boats.The Naini lake is nothing less than fresh out of dreams. The crescent-shaped freshwater lake is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. The lake is surrounded by snowy peaks at the north, Tiffin point at the south-west and Naini peak (after which the town and the lake are named) at the North-west.
- Location: Heart of Nainital
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free (Boating charges vary, approx. ₹150–₹500)
- Best Time: Morning or evening during summer or autumn
Naina Devi Temple
A well known Shakti Peeths of Hindu religion, Naini Devi Temple is sacred place of great devotion in Nainital. Goddess Naini Devi is the diety of Naini Devi Temple and located at northern end of famous Nainital Lake. Goddess in this holy temple is represented by her two eyes. Devotees from far away place comes here to take blessing of Maa Naina Devi.The temple is located atop the Naina hillock near the Naini Lake, and draws thousands of devotees every year. There are many shops in close proximity to the Naina Devi Temple from where one can buy the prasad and pooja items.
- Location: Northern end of Naini Lake
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time: Early morning for prayers
Snow View Point
Offers panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Accessible by cable car or a short trek.If you wish to witness snow-covered mountain tops emerging from clouds, offering different shades of sunlight and a mirror-like glare from far away, Snow View Point is your destination. Located just 2 km away from the Nainital city center is the Snow View Point offering its visitors an exceptional and bewitching view of the snow-covered Nanda Devi peak, Nanda Kot peak and the Trishul peak.
The Snow View Point does justice to its name and offers a majestic view of these hilltops making it one of the most visited sightseeing places in Nainital. The 2,270 m high altitude makes this destination a gateway to the snowy valleys and mountains of the Great Himalayas. If you look on the other side, you will have a helicopter view of the Nainital city and Naini Lake.
- Location: 2 km from Mall Road (accessible by cable car or trek)
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Cable car charges: ₹300–₹500 (round trip)
- Best Time: Clear mornings in winter for snow-covered peaks
Mall Road
The bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants is perfect for shopping and evening strolls.The Mall Road in Nainital is synonymous to the city itself. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Nainital city and most visited one too. Running parallel to the Naini Lake, the Mall Road is 1.5 km long and connects the two ends of Nainital town, Mallital and Tallital. It serves as the prime location for culture, food and shopping for the visitors coming from different ends of the world.
Mall road is your go-to place for some delicious food, especially if you are a momo-lover, it is heaven for you. Other attractions include local craft, woollens and candles. If, after the exceptional scenic beauty Nainital has something to offer to its visitors, it’s the candles and other aromatic products.The Mall road was originally built by Britishers as a go-to place for the families residing in British colonies between 1841 to 1885. The road has now officially been named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg but is still referred to with its old and famous name, Mall Road.
- Location: Runs alongside Naini Lake
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time: Evening for shopping and lakeside strolls
Eco Cave Garden
Eco Cave Garden is a cluster of natural rocky caves which are developed into a garden. This destination is gaining popularity off-late due to its close proximity to the Nainital city also commonly known as Mall Road. The garden is maintained by Nainital Tourism and is located in the Mallital area on the Kaladungi Road. The garden offers a majestic view of 6 caves formed in the shape of animals. It is a great adventure for children to experience the natural-like habitat of various animals first-hand.
A musical fountain enhances the beauty of the place with audio and visual effects. The garden is lit with old-school petroleum lamps to keep the authenticity of the place. The popular caves are Panther Cave, Tiger Cave, Bat Cave, Apes Cave, and Flying fox Cave. Along with caves throughout the pathway, there are hanging gardens which add to its beauty – Going through the caves is an experience which you would not want to miss.
Eco Cave Garden is an intrinsic and essential component to the Nainital Tourism. It is an excellent example of nature-and-man’s combined effort. Also, since it depicts the wildlife habitat of the Kumaon region, it holds a great deal of educational and informative significance. If you are planning a visit to Nainital, do spare a few hours for the Eco Cave Garden to get soaked in the beauty of wildlife.
Location: 1 km from Mall Road
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹60 for adults, ₹25 for children
Best Time: Afternoon for exploring caves
Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
A popular picnic spot offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.A romantic Gem in the crown on Nainital city is the Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat. This famous attraction is a hilltop which offers the most splendid 360-degree view of Nainital city and surrounding Kumaon mountains.Located 2290 m above sea level, this hilltop is a photographer’s heaven and a perfect spot for a family picnic. As a matter of fact, the name Tiffin Top was kept after people started taking their tiffin and lunch boxes to this hilltop to enjoy a family picnic.One of the most sought after places to visit in Nainital, the Tiffin top is located on the Ayarpatta hills surrounding Nainital city. It is a terraced hilltop that welcomes a lot of tourists. You can find professional photographers capturing the beauty that this hilltop offers.
- Location: 4 km from Mall Road
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free (pony rides may cost ₹200–₹500)
- Best Time: Morning for panoramic views
Nainital Zoo
Home to various endangered species like the snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.The Nainital Zoo is a high- altitude zoo located on the Sher Ka Danda hill at a height of 2,100m or 6900 ft above sea level. The zoo was officially named as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in 2002. This zoo is one of the three high altitude zoos in India, the other two being in Sikkim and Darjeeling.The Nainital zoo is a home to various endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Japanese Macaque and the Himalayan bear. The zoo also houses various birds like Golden Pheasant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Steppe Eagle, Hill Partridge, White Peafowl, Blossom Headed Parakeet and Red Junglefowl. Most of the animals are adopted by either people or animal organizations.
- Location: 2 km from Mall Road
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children, ₹25 for camera
- Best Time: Morning or early afternoon for active animal sightings
Bhimtal Lake
A serene lake located about 22 km from Nainital, known for its small island and water sports.Bhimtal, another lake town adjoining the popular hill-station Nainital, is an idyllic vacation spot. In monsoon, the lake fills up to the brim and makes for a beautiful picture set against the green hills. Dotted with pretty houses along the slopes, Bhimtal is perfect for a serene holiday. In winters, Bhimtal becomes a bird-watchers paradise, with the arrival of migratory birds. Legends say that Bhima, one of the Pandava princes from Mahabharata, created the picturesque lake and hence, its name. Historians believe that Bhimtal was used as a stoppage en route to Nepal and Tibet from India and may have been a part of the ancient silk route. The town is also home to several educational institutions.
- Location: Bhimtal, 22 km from Nainital
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free (Boating charges vary, approx. ₹150–₹400)
- Best Time: Winter or spring for clear skies and peaceful surroundings
Best Food to Try in Nainital
- Aloo Ke Gutke: A spicy potato dish served with local spices.
- Bal Mithai: A sweet made of roasted khoya coated with sugar balls.
- Bhatt Ki Churkani: A traditional Kumaoni lentil curry.
- Gulgula: Sweet fritters made from jaggery and wheat flour.
- Ras: A flavorful curry made from a mix of local lentils.
FAQs About Nainital
March to June (summer) and October to February (winter) are ideal for visiting Nainital.
March to June (summer) and October to February (winter) are ideal for visiting Nainital.
Yes, Nainital is considered safe for solo travelers, including women.
Yes, Nainital offers a range of options, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels.
While monsoon enhances the natural beauty, landslides may occur, so travel with cauti
Conclusion
Nainital is a destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, the City of Lakes has something for everyone. With this guide, you’re all set to explore the best places to visit in Nainital and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Plan Your Nainital Journey Today!
Start planning your trip now and dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of this iconic city. Share your experiences and let us know your favorite places in Nainital in the comments below!
📅 Book your journey today and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Nainital !
