Essential Activities and Experiences in Nainital – Your Ultimate Travel Guide.

Things to Do in Nainital

Beyond the well-known attractions, here are some unique activities to enhance your holiday experience:

Explore Hidden Gems: Embark on a heritage walk through Nainital to uncover its hidden treasures. Discover old bungalows, colonial buildings, ancient temples, and more. Alternatively, take a bicycle tour (avoiding the steep slopes) to experience the Himalayan town like a local.
Cable Car Ride: Take the cable car from Mallital to Snow View Point for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the town, Naini Lake, and the surrounding valleys.
Stroll Along the Promenade: Enjoy a walk along the lake promenade and Mall Road. Shop for souvenirs, trinkets, and local art and crafts. For a romantic evening, plan a boat ride on the lake followed by a dinner with a stunning view.

Best Places to Visit in Nainital

Nainital, a picturesque town known for its serene lakes and lush forests, offers an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. Whether you’re on a short trip or an extended stay, there are numerous attractions to explore. Here are some of the best tourist places to add to your itinerary.

Naini Lake The jewel of Nainital, Naini Lake, is a crescent-shaped body of water surrounded by hills. It’s perfect for a serene boat ride, evening stroll, or simply sitting by its banks and soaking in the tranquility.

Naina Devi Temple Located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, this sacred Hindu temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. The temple is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also offers stunning views of the lake.

Snow View Point Accessible via a cable car from Mallital, Snow View Point offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

The Mall Road A bustling promenade along the lake, The Mall Road is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, enjoy local delicacies, and experience the vibrant local culture.

Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) A popular picnic spot, Tiffin Top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s named after Dorothy Kellet, an English artist, and provides an excellent vantage point for nature photography.

Eco Cave Gardens An interesting network of interconnected caves and hanging gardens, Eco Cave Gardens offers a unique adventure for children and adults alike. It gives insight into the Himalayan wildlife and is a fun place to explore.

Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House) Built in the Gothic style, Raj Bhawan is the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. The estate features beautiful gardens and a golf course, and visitors can take guided tours of the property.

Nainital Zoo (Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo) Home to several endangered species, Nainital Zoo is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo houses animals like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and various bird species.

Bhimtal Lake A larger and quieter alternative to Naini Lake, Bhimtal Lake is located around 22 kilometers from Nainital. It’s perfect for boating and offers stunning views, particularly from the island in the center of the lake.

Sattal A cluster of seven interconnected lakes, Sattal is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. The serene environment and abundant flora and fauna make it a perfect spot for a day trip.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Located about 12 kilometers from Nainital, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. It is home to over 580 species of birds, making it one of the best birding spots in India.

Pangot A quaint village about 15 kilometers from Nainital, Pangot is known for its dense forests and birdlife. It’s an ideal destination for trekking, bird watching, and experiencing the tranquility of nature.

These attractions highlight the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nainital. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, these spots will ensure a memorable experience in this charming hill station.

Popular Places to Visit Nearby

Beyond the popular attractions within Nainital, several scenic hill stations and tourist spots nearby offer even more to explore. These destinations can easily be added to your Nainital travel package. You can find Nainital tourism packages on various travel portals or through your local travel agent for the best deals.

Nearby Tourist Places Within 50 km

Pangot (18 KM)

A paradise for bird lovers, Pangot is a haven for bird watchers. Stay at cozy hill retreats and enjoy birdwatching at Snow View Point and along Kilbury Road, or embark on a wildlife safari. Pangot is home to various species, including woodpeckers, the famous Khalij pheasant, thrushes, kingfishers, forktails, and more. You might also spot wild animals like the Himalayan Goral, Wild Boar, Yellow-bellied Himalayan weasel, red fox, civets, and jungle cats.

Mukhteshwar (46 KM)

This idyllic town is surrounded by a vast deodar forest covering 15 square miles and offers views of 22 snow-capped mountain peaks. Mukhteshwar is famous for its pilgrimage site, Mukteshwar Dham, as well as outdoor sports like trekking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Other Interesting Places Near Nainital

Ranikhet (58 KM)

A quaint hamlet in the Almora district, Ranikhet is a picture-perfect settlement with lush meadows, cozy cottages, and terraced grasslands. Known for its colonial past, Ranikhet boasts vintage bungalows. Stay at one of the bungalow-turned-resorts for a taste of classic charm.

Jim Corbett National Park (69 KM)

The oldest national park in India, Jim Corbett covers 520 sq. km. of hills, rivers, marshes, grasslands, natural reservoirs, and dense forests. It is home to about 110 species of trees, 50 species of animals, 580 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles. Enjoy day safaris or camp overnight at the forest lodges.

Places to Eat in Nainital

Indulge in the local flavors at these must-visit restaurants in Nainital:

Machaan Restaurant
Papa’s Grill Restaurant
Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop
Zooby’s Kitchen
Simz Café
Boat House Club
Café Lakeside
Giannis Pure Veg Restaurant
Cafe Chica, Abbotsford Heritage Hotel

These dining spots offer a variety of culinary delights, ensuring you experience the best of Nainital’s food scene.

About Nainital The Jewel of Kumaon

Introduction

Nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a picturesque hill station renowned for its beautiful lakes, lush greenery, and pleasant climate. Often referred to as the “Lake District of India,” Nainital offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and colonial charm, making it a favorite destination for travelers.

History and Legend

Nainital’s history is steeped in myth and legend. The town derives its name from the Naini Lake, which is believed to have been formed when the left eye (nain) of the Hindu goddess Sati fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva. This gave rise to the name ‘Nainital,’ meaning ‘the lake of the eye.’ The town gained prominence during the British colonial period when it was developed as a summer retreat for British officers, leading to the construction of several colonial-style buildings and bungalows.

Main Attractions

Naini Lake At the heart of Nainital lies the serene Naini Lake, a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills. Visitors can enjoy boating, paddling, and yachting on the lake. The Naina Devi Temple, situated on the northern shore, is a significant religious site.
Snow View Point Accessible by a cable car from Mallital, Snow View Point offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot peaks. It is one of the best spots for photography and to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The Mall Road The Mall Road runs parallel to Naini Lake and is the town’s commercial hub. Lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, shopping for souvenirs, and sampling local delicacies.
Nainital Zoo (Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo) This zoo is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and various pheasants. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts and families.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) A popular picnic spot, Tiffin Top offers spectacular views of Nainital and the surrounding mountains. It’s named after Dorothy Kellet, an English artist, and provides a great vantage point for photographers and nature lovers.

Activities and Adventures

Nainital offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Boating on Naini Lake, trekking to Tiffin Top, and birdwatching in Pangot are popular activities. The surrounding hills provide excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping.

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Culinary Delights

Nainital boasts a vibrant food scene with numerous cafes and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Some must-visit eateries include Machaan Restaurant, Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop, Zooby’s Kitchen, and the Boat House Club. Don’t miss the chance to try local Kumaoni dishes like bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, and ras.

Best Time to Visit

Nainital is a year-round destination. The summer months (March to June) offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery, but some activities may be restricted due to heavy rainfall. The winter months (October to February) are perfect for those who enjoy cold weather and the possibility of snowfall.

Conclusion

Nainital, with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and array of activities, is a perfect getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you are exploring the colonial charm, boating on the serene lake, or trekking through the lush forests, Nainital promises an unforgettable experience.

How to Plan a Trip to Nainital

Nainital, nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a popular hill station well connected to Delhi and other parts of northern India. Here’s how you can reach this scenic town:

By Train

Nainital does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Kathgodam, about 34 km away. There are regular trains from Delhi to Kathgodam, with a travel time of around 5.5 hours. You can also find trains from other major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. From Kathgodam, you can reach Nainital by local bus or cab.

By Road

Nainital is well-connected by national and state highways. The nearest major junction is Delhi, about 350 km away. You can take NH 9 to reach Nainital from Delhi. Regular state-run and private bus services operate from Delhi, NCR, Agra, Allahabad, Bareilly, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Meerut, and Faridabad. Alternatively, you can book a private cab or rent a car to drive from these cities to Nainital.

By Flight

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 65 km from Nainital. There are frequent flights to Pantnagar from Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. From Pantnagar, you can book an airport taxi to reach Nainital. If flying from other cities, you can first fly to Delhi or Chandigarh and then drive to Nainital.

Best Time to Visit Nainital

Nainital experiences classic mountain weather, with cool and pleasant summers and cold winters, with temperatures sometimes dropping below zero. The best time to visit is from March to June, when the weather is comfortable for indoor and outdoor activities.

Hotels & Resorts in Nainital

To make your vacation truly comfortable and memorable, here are some of the best places to stay in Nainital:

Season’s Hotel by Xperience
Hotel Chevron Fairhavens
The Naini Retreat
The Earl’s Court
Alka The Lake Side Hotel
Hotel Shivraj
Ayar Jungle Resort
Emily Heritage Villa
Lakeside Inn

Experience the magic of Nainital by booking a car rental to explore these places with a local driver. Install the Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.

Budget Friendly Explore Nainital Adventure with the NGU Travel Guide Team