Nainital: The Lake City of Uttarakhand

Located at an elevation of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate throughout the year and can truly be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers. So let's take you on a trip to Nainital today. In this article, we have tried to tell you everything you want to know about Nainital. Whether it is to see the breathtaking weather of Nainital, to do shopping, to enjoy adventure sports, or to eat food, there is something here for tourists fond of all these things. Naini Lake flows through the center of the city. There are other lakes that you can see.


Even if you do not want to go on a boat ride, you can take a walk through the banks and enjoy the beauty of the lakes. Nainital has some hilly terrain, which is a center of attraction for tourists in the city and its surrounding areas. These include Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, and Snow View Point, all of which are very popular tourist destinations. Travelers planning a trip to Nainital can visit Hanumangarhi, which is famous for a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. In addition, the Naina Devi Temple is an important religious site, which is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas of India.

Nainital: The Lake City of Uttarakhand

Nainital, a stunning hill station in Uttarakhand, sits at 1,938 meters above sea level in the Kumaon Himalayas, centered around the emerald-green Naini Lake. Known as the “Lake City,” Nainital captivates with its serene lakes, lush forests, and colonial charm. Famous for attractions like Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and Tiffin Top, it offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi. Just 310 km from Delhi, Nainital is a top choice for weekend getaways, drawing families, couples, and adventure seekers. This guide covers all Nainital tourist places, adventure activities, best time to visit, hotels, and travel tips for your Nainital tour.

Why Visit Nainital?

Nainital blends natural beauty with vibrant energy, making it one of Uttarakhand’s most loved hill stations. The bustling Mall Road offers shopping and dining, while Naini Lake invites boating and relaxation. Adventure lovers enjoy trekking, horse riding, and paragliding, and families flock to Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Garden. With snowfall in winter, cozy hotels, and proximity to Bhimtal (22 km) and Mukteshwar (47 km), Nainital suits all travelers. Whether you’re exploring lakes, savoring Kumaoni cuisine, or seeking Himalayan views, a Nainital tour promises a perfect escape.

Top Nainital Tourist Places

Nainital is packed with tourist places, from scenic lakes to spiritual and adventure spots. Here are the must-visit attractions:

  1. Naini Lake (Nainital) The heart of Nainital, this crescent-shaped lake offers boating (rowboats, paddleboats, ₹200–₹300) with Himalayan views. Surrounded by Mall Road, it’s a top Nainital tourist place.

  2. Naina Devi Temple (Nainital) A sacred temple on the northern shore of Naini Lake, dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, it’s a spiritual hub with serene vibes. It’s a must-visit Nainital tourist place for pilgrims.

  3. Snow View Point (Nainital) At 2,270 meters, reachable by a 2-km trek or ropeway (₹150 round trip), Snow View Point offers stunning views of Nanda Devi and Trishul. It’s a scenic Nainital tourist place.

  4. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) (Nainital) A hilltop 4 km from Nainital, Tiffin Top provides 360-degree Himalayan views. Reachable by trek or horse ride, it’s a popular Nainital tourist place for picnics.

  5. Nainital Zoo (G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo) (Nainital) Located 1 km from Mall Road, this zoo at 2,100 meters houses snow leopards, Himalayan bears, and rare birds. It’s a family-friendly Nainital tourist place (entry: ₹50).

  6. Eco Cave Garden (Nainital) A network of natural caves and hanging gardens, 1 km from Mall Road, this spot offers adventure and fun for kids. It’s an engaging Nainital tourist place (entry: ₹60).

  7. Mall Road (Nainital) The lively spine of Nainital, Mall Road is lined with shops, cafes, and colonial buildings. Enjoy Kumaoni snacks like bal mithai at this vibrant Nainital tourist place.

  8. Bhimtal Lake (Near Nainital) Located 22 km from Nainital, this serene lake has an island aquarium and offers boating. It’s a peaceful Nainital tourist place for day trips.

  9. Mukteshwar (Near Nainital) A scenic spot 47 km from Nainital, Mukteshwar features orchards, Mukteshwar Temple, and Himalayan views. It’s an offbeat Nainital tourist place for trekking.

  10. Kainchi Dham (Near Nainital) A spiritual retreat 17 km from Nainital, this ashram of Neem Karoli Baba attracts devotees, including global icons like Steve Jobs. It’s a serene Nainital tourist place.

Adventure Activities in Nainital

Nainital offers thrilling adventure activities set against its Himalayan and Kumaon landscapes:

  • Boating: Paddle or row boats on Naini Lake or Bhimtal Lake for a relaxing experience with mountain views (₹200–₹300 per ride).

  • Trekking: Hike to Tiffin Top (4 km, easy), Naina Peak (6 km, moderate), or Snow View Point for panoramic Himalayan vistas.

  • Paragliding: Soar over Nainital’s valleys at sites like Bhimtal or Naukuchiatal (25 km) with guided sessions (₹2,500–₹4,000).

  • Horse Riding: Ride horses to Tiffin Top or Lover’s Point for scenic trails, especially popular with families (₹500–₹1,000).

  • Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Try guided rock climbing or rappelling in Mukteshwar or near Bara Patthar (₹1,000–₹2,000).

  • Camping: Pitch tents in Mukteshwar, Sattal (23 km), or Pangot (15 km) for stargazing and forest views (₹1,500–₹3,000 per night).

  • Birdwatching: Spot Himalayan birds like monals and pheasants in Pangot or Kilimora, a haven for nature enthusiasts.

These adventure activities enhance the charm of your Nainital tour.

Best Time to Visit Nainital

The best time to visit Nainital varies by activity:

  • March to June: Summers (15–30°C) are ideal for boating, trekking, and sightseeing, with clear Himalayan views and pleasant weather.

  • September to November: Autumn (10–25°C) offers crisp air, perfect for trekking, paragliding, and Mall Road strolls.

  • December to February: Winters (0–15°C) bring snowfall (January–February), ideal for snow walks and cozy hotel stays. Snow View Point shines in winter.

  • July to August: Monsoons bring lush greenery but heavy rain and landslides make trekking risky. Indoor attractions like Mall Road are best.

March to June and December to February are peak seasons for a Nainital tour, offering diverse experiences.

How to Reach Nainital

Nainital is well-connected, making it a favorite weekend getaway:

  • By Road: Nainital is 310 km from Delhi (7–8 hours) via NH9 through Rampur and Haldwani. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses, private taxis, or Volvos connect Delhi, Dehradun (295 km), and Kathgodam (34 km). The Nainital-Haldwani road is scenic but winding.

  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (34 km), with trains like Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti from Delhi. Taxis or buses reach Nainital in 1–1.5 hours.

  • By Air: Pantnagar Airport (65 km) is the closest, with daily flights from Delhi and Lucknow. Taxis or buses take 2 hours to Nainital. Alternatively, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (295 km) is 7–8 hours away.

Note: Check road conditions in winter for snowfall and monsoons for landslides.

Nainital Hotels and Travel Tips

Nainital hotels range from budget guesthouses (₹1,000–₹2,000) near Mall Road to luxury resorts like The Naini Retreat or Shervani Hilltop (₹6,000–₹15,000). KMVN rest houses offer affordable stays (₹1,500+). Book early for winters and summers. Travel tips include:

  • Pack warm clothes for winters, trekking shoes, and rain gear for monsoons.

  • Carry cash for small shops on Mall Road; ATMs are available but busy in peak seasons.

  • Try Kumaoni dishes like bal mithai, ras bhaat, and aloo ke gutke at eateries like Sonam Fast Food or Machan Restaurant.

  • Use local taxis or rickshaws for short distances; walking is ideal on Mall Road.

  • Visit Naini Lake early for boating to avoid crowds; carry sunscreen for treks.

  • Respect local customs at Naina Devi Temple; remove shoes and dress modestly.

  • Check snowfall forecasts for winter visits to plan snow activities.

FAQ's: Nainital: The Lake City of Uttarakhand

Why is Nainital called the Lake City?

Nainital is named for Naini Lake, its central emerald-green lake, surrounded by Himalayan peaks and vibrant Mall Road.

What are the top Nainital tourist places?

Must-visit Nainital tourist places include Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Nainital Zoo, Eco Cave Garden, Mall Road, Bhimtal Lake, Mukteshwar, and Kainchi Dham.

When is the best time to visit Nainital?

March–June for boating and trekking; December–February for snowfall; September–November for clear views. Avoid monsoons (July–August) due to landslides.

What adventure activities can I do in Nainital?

Enjoy boating, trekking, paragliding, horse riding, rock climbing, camping, and birdwatching in Nainital and nearby Mukteshwar.

How do I reach Nainital by road?

Drive 310 km from Delhi via Haldwani (7–8 hours), or take buses/taxis from Dehradun (295 km) or Kathgodam (34 km).

What’s the nearest railway station to Nainital?

Kathgodam (34 km), with trains like Ranikhet Express from Delhi, followed by taxis or buses to Nainital.

Does Nainital have snowfall?

Yes, snowfall occurs from December to February, especially in January, ideal for snow walks and photography.

Where can I stay in Nainital?

Nainital hotels include guesthouses (₹1,000–₹2,000), KMVN rest houses, and luxury resorts like The Naini Retreat (₹6,000+). Book early for peak seasons.

What food is famous in Nainital?

Try Kumaoni dishes like bal mithai, ras bhaat, and aloo ke gutke at Sonam Fast Food or Machan Restaurant.

Is Nainital safe for families?

Yes, Nainital is family-friendly with tourist places like Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Garden. Stay in well-lit areas and follow safety guidelines.