The beautiful hill station, Nainital, is situated in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. It is also known for its gorgeous Naini Lake, encircled by green mountains, and provides peaceful boating adventures. Nainital enchants tourists with its pristine natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere thanks to its comfortable climate, stunning vistas, and spiritual sites.
There are many places in Nainital that one can explore, and many guides are also available for Nainital sightseeing.
Looking for the best places to visit in Nainital
Here is the list of things to do in Nainital:
|
Places |
Timing |
|
Naini
Lake |
06:00
AM - 06:00 PM |
|
Naina
Devi Temple |
06:00
AM - 10:00 PM |
|
Tiffin
Top |
24
hours |
|
Snow
View Point |
10:30
AM - 05:00 PM |
|
Eco
Cave Gardens |
10:00
AM - 04:30 PM |
|
Mall
Road |
09:00
AM - 10:00 PM |
|
Nainital
Zoo |
10:00
AM - 04:30 PM (Thursday closed) |
|
Pangot
and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary |
till
before sunset |
|
Hanuman
Garhi |
05:00 AM - 12:00 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM |
|
Naini
Peak |
24 hours. Best time: 11:00
AM to 01:00 PM |
Top 10 places to visit in Nainital
Here are the best Nainital tourist places:
1-Naini Lake
The peaceful and lovely Naini Lake is the focal point of Nainital. It provides boating activities and breathtaking sunset views, surrounded by beautiful green hills. Additionally, visitors wander along the promenade surrounding the lake and delight in the expansive views and cold wind.
Timings: 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
2-Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple is a renowned Hindu religious destination devoted to the Goddess Naina Devi and is located on the northern edge of Naini Lake. Both visitors and devotees are drawn to the temple by its peaceful atmosphere and elegant architecture. For a spiritual experience, visitors participate in the evening prayer ceremony.
Timings: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
3-Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top, situated 2,292 meters above sea level, offers stunning panoramic views of the nearby mountains and Nainital town. For photographers and nature enthusiasts, it's the perfect location. To get to the viewpoint, consider a lovely hike or horseback ride, and then have a picnic amid the beauty of nature.
Timings: 24 hours
4-Snow View Point
Snow View Point, located at a height of 2,270 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Kot, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. This viewpoint, reachable by cable car or a brief hike, is ideal for taking breathtaking pictures.
Timings: 10:30 AM - 05:00 PM
5-Eco Cave Gardens
Tourists may embark on an adventure trip at the Eco Cave Gardens, a network of connected natural caves and hanging gardens. Exploring these underground spaces gives an exciting and informative tour through nature's wonders which resembles the home of many creatures.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 60 per adult
Rs. 25 per kid
6-Mall Road
The crowded Mall Road, famous in Nainital, is a bustling center for food, shopping, and entertainment. Enjoy shopping at various stores selling woollen clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Try tasty street food, stop by appealing cafés, or enjoy a leisurely walk and delight in the lovely atmosphere of the town.
Timings: 09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
7-Nainital Zoo
Several endangered Himalayan animals, notably the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and the Royal Bengal Tiger, can be found in the high-altitude zoo in Nainital. At this properly maintained zoo, spend a fun-filled day viewing the incredible animals while discovering conservation initiatives.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM (Fri - Wed)
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 per adult
8-Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
The Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is a must-see location for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. This peaceful location is well-known for the numerous birds that live there, including colourful Himalayan and migratory species. Enjoy a leisurely walk over the paths while capturing spectacular bird sightings and the surrounding scenery.
Timings: till before sunset
9-Hanuman Garhi
A popular tourist attraction in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is called Hanuman Garhi. It is located on a hill in the center of Shimla and is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The temple delivers magnificent views of the nearby hills and the charming town of Shimla.
Timings: 05:00 AM - 12:00 PM
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
10-Naini Peak (China Peak)
Visit Naini Peak, formally known as China Peak, for an incredible view of Nainital and its surroundings. This elevation, which rises to a height of 2,615 meters, offers stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayas and the charming village below. Enjoy a challenging hike to the top, or pick a fascinating journey on horseback.
Timings: 24 hours. Best time: 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
With plenty of natural beauty, religious experiences, excitement, and historical exploration, Nainital is a great place to visit for an unforgettable and enjoyable trip.
Also read: Best places to visit in Shimla
Activities to perform:
1. Boating: The Naini Lake is one of Nainital's finest lakes. Hire a paddle boat or a rowboat to enjoy beautiful surroundings while enjoying a leisurely visit on the peaceful seas.
2. Naini Peak: Trek to Naini Peak.
3. Cable Car Ride: To get to Snow View Point, use a cable car, widely known as an aerial ropeway. On the summit, discover the viewpoint and walk to the beautiful temple.
4. Mall Road: Walk along Mall Road and explore shops, dining and surrounding views.
5. Trekking and Nature Walks: Adventure seekers can choose from several hiking and trekking paths in Nainital. Walks can be made to spots like Guano Hills and Tiffin Top.
6. Photography and Nature Appreciation: The natural beauty of Nainital offers plenty of opportunities for photographers. Take shots of the lovely scenery, peaceful lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the peace of nature while taking pictures of it to save your memories.
7. Horse Riding in Bara Pathar: Enjoy horseback riding in the stunning environment of Bara Pathar.
Also read: Best places to visit in Manali
Best time to visit Nainital
Here is a list of the seasons in Nainital:
Summer (April to June): It is the peak season in Nainital. With temperatures between 10°C and 27°C, the weather is perfect in summer for outdoor pursuits like boating and touring the neighbourhood sights.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings mild to substantial rainfall to Nainital. The persistent rain makes outdoor activities difficult. To travel during the monsoon, it's crucial to monitor weather developments as landslides may occur.
Autumn (September to November): Another excellent time to travel to Nainital is Autumn. The monsoon rain stops, and the weather returns to being lovely. Temperatures range from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Winter (December to February): In the winter, Nainital suffers chilly conditions with temperatures below zero. The coldest months are December and January, with temperatures between -3°C and 7°C. Experience snowfall and winter sports like skiing.
When all things considered, the summer months of April to June and the fall months of September to November are the finest times for most tourists to visit Nainital.
Also read: Best places to visit in India
Places to visit near Nainital
1. Bhimtal: This charming town, only 22 kilometers from Nainital, is well-known for its beautiful lake. Birdwatching, boating, and visiting the lake's Bhimtal Island Aquarium are all fun activities.
2. Sattal: Sattal is another collection of seven connected lakes, nearly 23 kilometers from Nainital. It's famous for hiking, bird viewing, and visual beauty.
3. Naukuchiatal: A stunning lake with nine corners, Naukuchiatal is around 26 kilometers from Nainital. It provides options for paragliding, boating, and fishing.
4. Mukteshwar: About 50 kilometers from Nainital, Mukteshwar is a popular tourist destination for its magnificent views of the Himalayas. Explore Mukteshwar Temple, delight in adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling, and enjoy hiking paths.
5. Ranikhet: About 55 kilometers from Nainital, Ranikhet is a peaceful hill station with the scenery of the snow-covered Himalayas. The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Chaubatia Gardens, and Jhula Devi Temple are some of its tourist attractions.
6. Almora: Almora, around 63 kilometers from Nainital, is renowned for its stunning beauty and extensive cultural legacy. Visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright End Corner, and Kasar Devi Temple.
7. Kausani: Situated around 120 km from Nainital, Kausani provides beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks of Panchachuli, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. It is referred to as the "Switzerland of India".
These are only a few of the places near Nainital. Every location in Uttarakhand has its distinct charm, making the state an ideal haven for explorers and environment enthusiasts.