Nainital, the hill resort town in the district of the same name, derives its name from the emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) which the town is built around. The British Sugar trader, P. Baron, founded the town in the year 1841 and thank God that he did! There could not be a better getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The moment you enter Nainital district, you step into a new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to scenic splendour of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through live experience.
No wonder then that the Kumaon Himalayas are regarded as “devbhoomi” ( land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of the most intricate natural laws, working for millennia, to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who remain standing as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s appeal comes across as no less than a dreamscape. The British elites had used the location as a retreat during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland once upon a time, and the tradition remains alive for native Indians, as well as our foreign guests to this day.
With the changing climatic patterns ushering in harsher summers, Nainital as an easily accessible and highly affordable getaway vacation spot appears as no less than a prayer answered. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the Naina Devi temple, St John in Wilderness, Hanuman Garhi for the pious ones, Mall road market,Tibetan market for the spendthrift ones, Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Jim Corbett National Park, Snow Viewpoint for the nature and adventure lovers, Nainital has a very inclusive agenda in terms of provisions - there is something for everyone.
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People Also Ask About Nainital
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What are the best things to do in Nainital at night?
1. Enjoy Sunset from the Tiffin Top:
Nightlife in Nainital begins with an awestruck feeling while enjoying the breath-taking view of setting sun from Tiffin Top. Tiffin top also known as Dorothy’s seat offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the town and surrounding hilly area. It is fascinating to view the daylight dim and the sparkling city lights glitter to welcome a pleasing evening ahead.
Location - Tiffin top, Ayarpatta hills, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing – 8 AM to 6 PM.
2. Sunset Boating at Naini Lake:
Enjoy a peaceful sunset view while boating at the Naini Lake. Boats are available for 30 minutes to 60 minutes ride. The sunset boat ride can be among the very first things to do in the list of Nainital nightlife.
Location – Naini Lake, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price –
-Gondola-like boats: INR 210 per hour.
-Boat ride through Nainital Boat Club: INR 350 per hour.
-Pedal boat: INR 150 per hour.
Timing – 6 AM to 6 PM.
3. Shop for local Souvenirs at the Tibetan Market:
Running parallel to the Naini Lake, mall road is synonymous with the city itself. Nightlife in Nainital begins here as it serves as the prime spot for culture, food, and shopping for the tourists.
Mall road is the go-to place for delicious food, especially heaven for momo-lovers. Other attractions include local craft, woolens, and artifacts. It is also the main market for Nainital’s special candles and other aromatic products.
Location – Mall Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
4. Mall road shopping:
A go-to place for shoppers, this is the most popular street market in town. With a wide range of winter wear, souvenirs like pine woodcraft, bamboo fabric, Tibetan ethnic wear, and delectable Tibetan food.
Location – Tibetan (Bhotia) Market, Nanda Devi Path, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
5. Visit the Pubs and Bars with family and friends:
A good serving bar and restaurant makes most of Nainital's nightlife. One can spend some quality time with family and friends here while enjoying drinks, good music, and tasty treats. These pubs and bars make sure that travelers coming can have a great time and create the buzz of nightlife in Nainital.
Location – Most of these bars and pubs are located at Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price – INR 2000 and above for 2 people.
Timing – Lunch hours and dinner hours (till 10:45 PM/ 11:00 PM).
6. Bonfire at Corbett national park:
Jim Corbett national park is one of the major highlights near Nainital and can be summed up as an entire trip. But, one can opt to have the best version of Nainital’s nightlife with a quiet and peaceful night stay or can enjoy the cultural shows and crackling bonfires that are hosted by the resort.
One can indulge in some sparking drinks to quench the thrust and have some great time with the group at the in-house discos.
Location – Jim Corbett National Park, Ramnagar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand.
Price – INR 3000 onwards. -
What are some famous places to visit in Nainital?
Nainital is home to a number of beautiful tourist attractions. Some of the must-visit places are:
1. Nainital Lake:
Nainital Lake is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and is flanked by lush green hills and the Naina Devi temple. This natural freshwater lake is the perfect spot to relax and spend quality time with loved ones.
Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the waters of the lake and even enjoy a pleasant picnic on the banks. The natural beauty of the place is truly breathtaking and offers the perfect respite from a hectic day.
Location: Nainital, Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
Entry Fee/Price: While there is no entry fee, you have to pay INR 150 for a 30-minute boat ride.
2. High Altitude Zoo:
Also known as the GB Pant High Altitude Zoo, this animal sanctuary sits 2,100 meters above sea level. Built in 1984 and spread across 4.6 acres of greenery, this zoo has a wide variety of exotic animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Bears, Hill Partridge, Red Jungle fowl, Kalij Pheasant and the Tibetan Wolves. This is also one of the three high altitude zoos to exist in all of India.
Location: Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India.
Entry Fee/Price: Adults- INR 50, Children- 20, Still camera- INR 25, Professional Videos Camera/ Senior citizen/ specially-abled individuals- INR 200.
3. Eco Cave Gardens:
The Eco Cave Gardens are a series of natural caves which together forms a cave garden. This cave garden consists of 6 animal shaped caves. This makes it ideal for tourists and children to see a wide number of animals in their natural environment. The cave garden is also decorated with a musical fountain and the caves itself are decorated with hanging gardens along the paths.
Location: Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001, India.
Entry Fee/Price: Adults- INR 60, Children- INR 25, camera- INR 25.
4. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:
The Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is the ultimate destination in Nainital for those who love bird watching. Placed in the middle of the reserved forest, this sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic birds in Nainital. Tourists and travellers often visit this ecological paradise to watch birds and spend time in the midst of pristine nature.
Location: Kilbury Road, Panghat Village, Uttarakhand.
5. Kainchi Dham:
Built in the year 1962 by Neem Karoli Baba, the Kainchi Dham serves as a popular place of pilgrimage in Nainital. The Kainchi Dham is surrounded by nature and lush greenery and is located by a sparkling river.
The temple is in dedication to the Hindu god Hanuman and is frequently visited by tourists and devotees. Each year, the temple hosts a fair on the 15th of June which is attended by locals and tourists alike.
Location: Nainital-Almora Road, Uttarakhand.
6. St. John’s Church:
Constructed in the 1800s, the St. John’s Church is one of the most visited tourist attractions there is in Nainital. Also known as St. John’s the Wilderness, this church was named by a Bishop from Kolkata and is best experienced during its prayer services and religious sermons.
The church grounds also consist of a cemetery that is dedicated to the victims of a landslide that occurred in Uttarakhand.
Location: Nainital - Kaladhungi Rd, Sherwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India. -
What are the different activities one can do in Nainital?
1. Visit the many viewpoints:
When it comes to sightseeing, Nainital has something to offer at every turn. Whether it is the scenic natural beauty of the Naini Lake at the heart of Nainital, or the elevated viewpoints like Tiffin Top from where you can catch the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Several tours operate from Nainital which you can avail to explore all the natural and historical wonders of Nainital city.
Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand.
2. Tour the Jim Corbett National Park:
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in the country and is home to a number of exotic India plants, birds and animals. When you are exploring the National park, you can come across free-roaming sloth bears, leopards, tigers, black bears, elephants, spotted deer and other animals.
Location: Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715.
Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indians; INR 1000 for foreigners for a 1-hour tour.
3. Shopping at the Bazaar:
Visit Nainital’s famous shopping stretch at Mall road. This 1.5 km long road connects the two ends of Nainital and passes through the heart of the town next to the Nainital Lake. You can shop from an abundance of different vendors and stores selling exquisite handmade products such as unique hand-knit woollen cardigans, all the while getting a breath-taking view of the Nainital Lake.
Location: Mall Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
4. Boating in Nainital Lake:
Nainital is famous for its natural beauty and the many activities that people can enjoy when they visit. Enjoy a relaxing and leisurely boat ride on the calm waters of the lake whilst checking out the rolling hills on either side. After you finish boating, you can also stroll along the banks of the lake and enjoy a quiet picnic.
Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price: INR 150 for 30 minutes of boating.
5. Horse Riding at Bara Pathar:
No hill station visit is complete without a horse ride on the sloping mountain roads. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, you can enjoy this activity with ease.
If you haven’t ridden a horse before, then you can also avail the services of a guide who will keep you and the horse steady while you ride along the winding mountain paths, taking in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Nainital city.
Location: Bara Pathar, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price: INR 150.
Also Checkout: Nainital Tour Packages From Delhi -
How can I reach Nainital?
Nainital is a very popular tourist city in India, and there are several ways in which you can travel to this beautiful city.
-By Road: Nainital has a lot of roads connecting it with cities of North India. If you are travelling to Nainital from Delhi, you have to go via Ghaziabad and the city of Hapur via NH24, after which you have to shift to NH121 from Moradabad. This is the easiest route by road. There are also frequent buses that leave from Delhi, Amritsar and other important cities. You can even hire a private car for the purpose.
-By Flight: There is no airport in Nainital, and the closest domestic airport is located at a 1-hour drive away from the city in Pantnagar. You can take a car from here to Nainital, or you can also travel to the city via road from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
-By Train: The nearest station to Nainital is the Kathgodam Railway Station located 34 km from the town with several trains connecting it to Delhi and Dehradun. -
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
The best time to visit Nainital is during the summer and spring seasons. Summer and spring occur in Nainital between the months of March and June, with the average temperature ranging between 13?C to 31?C. Nainital, being a hilly town, is best explored during the warmer months when you can avoid the biting cold of the winter season.
However, if you are a fan of cold weathers and snowfall, then you could also consider visiting during November to February when the scenic beauty of the place reaches its peak and you can experience white winters. -
Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Nainital?
Nainital offers a taste of its local cuisines both in street side stalls as well as proper restaurants. Sonam Fast food centre, for example, is famous for its mutton momos. It is located in the Tibetan Market.
A few other places that offer local cuisine are :
Embassy Restaurant
Zooby’s Kitchen
Machan Restaurant, Bhimtal
Boat House Club
Sher-e Punjab
You Can Also Book: Nainital Tour Plan From Kolkata -
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Nainital?
Nainital with its marvellous view tempts one to explore on foot most of the time. Nothing like a nice long stroll along the markets in Mall road with a clear view of the lake to keep company. However there are cycle rickshaws available to travel from one end of the town to the other from 8 am in the morning to 6 pm in the evening. One can also avail of taxi services to explore the city. However it is to be noted that taxis are not allowed to enter Mall road after 6 pm in the evening.
You May Also Book: Nainital Trip From Mumbai -
How many days are enough for Nainital?
3-4 days is enough to explore all the scenic beauty and tourist attractions that Nainital has to offer. This will give you enough time to visit all the important spots, go shopping, eat local food and have a good time exploring the city. However, if you want to explore the natural surroundings of the city, go on short excursion trips, hikes and treks to nearby viewpoints, then you should spend at least a week in the city. -
What can I buy in Nainital?
Nainital is a treasure trove of handmade items that are unique and make for the perfect souvenir that you can take home. Here are some items you can buy when you are in Nainital:
Scented candles
Handcrafted pine cone decorations
Locally crafted woollens
Popular fruit products like exotic jams concentrate and squashes
Also Checkout & Book: Nainital Packages From Lucknow -
What is famous in Nainital?
Nainital is quite famous for its tourist attractions like the Nainital Lake, Naina Devi temple, the Jim Corbett National Park, etc. It is also known as an adventure lover’s paradise, where you can enjoy trekking, camping and other adventure sports in the rocky, mountainous terrains.
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Nainital Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Nainital
Nainital Lake is one of the best natural freshwater bodies in the state of Uttarakhand. Being a lake in midst of a bustling township, it receives huge tourist attraction. It is a crescent shaped lake with Naina Devi Temple at one end. Location: It is located in the city of Nainital which lies in Uttarakhand. The Sukhatal and Tallital bustands are nearby and thus you can choose to opt for roadways while travelling to the place in public transport. Highlights: There is a famous Nainital Boat Club which offers yachting facilities at the lake. You can enjoy boating through the lake with the calm and serene atmosphere. Price: The Nainital Boat club charges Rs. 350 for boating you around the lake. If you want to pedal the boat yourselves, you will get them for Rs. 150 per hour. Other boatmens will boat you for Rs. 210 in the Nainital Lake.
This observatory known as the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences is a place for doing astronomical studies. It was built in the year 1955 to enhance the study in this field. This institute is funded by Department of Science and Technology. Location: The observatory is at a 4.5 KM distance from Nainital which you can easily reach through any means of transportation. Highlights: If you are interested in astrophysics and related domains, this place is something you must surely visit. With proper permission, you can have a look at the various celestial bodies through the telescope in the observatory. Best time to visit: The observatory is only open from 7 to 9 in the evening. If you want to visit the place, make sure that you visit it in the given times. You must plan your trip accordingly so that you don't miss out on this amazing place.
Among the various picnic spots in Nainital, this is one of the most loved spots for tourists and residents alike. The Tiffin top is also famously known as the Dorothy's Seat. This place was built by the British Army officer Col J.P. Kellet. The name of the place was decided as such because people used to come here to have their food. Location: It is located at a height of around 2300 meters on the Ayarpatta hills. The place is around 4 KM drive from the Nainital town and it is quite convenient to get there. Highlights: From the place, you can have a look of the Nainital town in a 360 degree view. Also, you get a stunning view of the Kumaon hills from the Dorothy's seat. Best time to visit: You can visit the place any time you want as it has no time restrictions. You must consider the climatic conditions before going to the place.
The High Altitude zoo is a place every animal lover must visit. It has some of the most endangered as well as reserved animals which you can't see elsewhere. It was opened in the year 1995 and receives around 125,000 annual visitors. Location: It is located at a distance of just 2 KM from the Tallital bus stand but many visitors chose to climb up the hill without any transportation. Highlights: You will see there are many endangered animals from the Himalayas. Some of the famous animals include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Tibetan wolf, sambar, leopard cat and Himalayan bear. It was also home to India's only Siberian tiger but he died in the year 2011. Best time to visit: The zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday and the timings are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Plan your trip accordingly so that you can visit the place while it stays open.
It is a famous lake located in the town of Bhimtal. The reason why it is so famous is because of the masonry dam built in the year 1883 which enabled a good storage facility. It has a catchment area of around 17.12 sq km which is quite large. Location: The lake is located in Bhimtal, which is a famous town in Nainital. It is more than 22 km away from Nainital. If you want to reach a railway station from here, the nearest one is Kathgodam which is at a distance of 20 km from the lake. Highlights: The Bhimtal lake is the largest lake in the region of Kumaon, which is popularly known as the lake district of India owing to the density of lakes present here. This lake helps in providing drinking water as well as makes sure that the different species of fishes are habitable here.
It is one of the most famous ashrams in our country. There are many followers of Kaninchi Maharaj who believe in his teachings. If you want to go through a spiritual journey, this place is a must visit. Location: It is at a distance of 9 KM from Bhowali and 17 KM from the town of Nainital. Highlights: The place was visited by tech legend Steve Jobs in his earlier days. He also advised Mark Zuckerberg to have a visit here. It is believed that the place enhances spiritual enlightenment of oneself and thus most of the people visit for the same reason. In the annual Bhandara held on June 15, more than 1 lakh people are fed at the place. Best time to visit: You can visit the place during anytime of the year however, if you want to stay inside Kanchi Maharaj-ji's ashram, you have to personally write a letter to the manager.
If you want to have a stunning view from a mountain top, Lands end is probably one of the best places to head. The best part about this spot is that visitors don’t need to climb much and can reach the place which is rightly named as Lands end. Location: Lands end is at a distance of around 4 KM from the town. Transportation and reaching there is not a hassle and you can easily get to the place. You can walk up to the top or simply ride on a horse back to reach the Lands end. Highlights: The view is something which people visit the place for. The top view from the mountain is exhilarating and lets you view the plains and the Khurpa Tal. Overall, the mountain is surrounded by beautiful villages and pine forests all over. The place will get you a nice touch with nature if you haven't had it lately.
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Want a stunning view of the snow capped Himalayas from Nainital? Naina peak is the place you must head to. The road which gets you there is through a pleasant forest of deodar, cypresses and rhododendrons. It is quite a beautiful experience both reaching there as well as on top of the mountain. Location: The peak is at a distance of 6 KM from Mallital where you can get a bus or some other public transportation facilities to take you to the top. Highlights: What people love most about the place is the view of snow capped Himalayas from Naina peak. It is something which makes the whole experience worthwhile. Naina peak is also the highest peak of Nainital through which you get a bird's eye view of the whole city, the Himalayas and the Kumaon hills. The atmosphere there is calm and serene which makes the experience even better.
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