Nainital, the “Lake District of India,” is a scenic hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Set around the emerald Naini Lake and surrounded by seven lush hills, it offers a blend of colonial nostalgia, nature walks, adventure, and local Kumaoni culture. Discovered by the British in 1841, Nainital continues to charm travellers with its temperate climate and tranquil atmosphere.
Top Attractions in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
The heart and soul of Nainital.
Enjoy boating, yachting, and evening strolls by the promenade.
Don’t miss the reflection of the surrounding hills on the shimmering waters at sunset.
2. Naina Devi Temple
Located on the northern end of Naini Lake.
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
Offers spiritual peace and panoramic lake views.
3. Snow View Point
Accessible via the Ropeway from Mallital.
Stunning views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot peaks.
Adventure seekers can hike up early morning for sunrise views.
4. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
A perfect picnic spot offering 360° views of Nainital and the Himalayas.
4 km trek or horse ride from the town center.
5. The Mall Road
Bustling with colonial-era architecture, shops, cafes, and local street food.
Great for evening walks and lakeside dining.
6. Eco Cave Gardens
Series of natural caves themed after animals.
Fun and educational for families and kids.
7. Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan)
A Gothic-style mansion inspired by Buckingham Palace.
Set amidst lush golf lawns and pine trees; open for public tours.
8. Nainital Zoo (High Altitude Zoo)
Home to Himalayan black bears, leopards, snow leopards, and barking deer.
Located at 2,100 m above sea level.
9. Hanuman Garhi
Sunset viewpoint with a Hanuman temple.
Offers a panoramic view of the Tarai plains and the Naini Lake below.
10. Kilbury and Pangot Bird Sanctuary
Birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 580 species.
Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Time to Visit
Season Months Highlights
Summer March – June Pleasant weather, ideal for boating & sightseeing.
Monsoon July – September Lush greenery, fewer crowds (avoid landslide-prone routes).
Winter October – February Snowfall, cozy stays, Christmas & New Year charm.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Naini Retreat – Heritage luxury, former residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit.
Shervani Hilltop – Boutique resort with garden views.
WelcomHeritage Ashdale – Victorian-style manor with old-world charm.
Mid-Range
Hotel Himalaya – Classic lakeside property.
Manu Maharani – Great location, scenic views.
Vikram Vintage Inn – Modern amenities with colonial vibes.
Budget
Hotel ChanniRaja – Centrally located near the Mall Road.
Emily Lodge – Quiet homestay with local hospitality.
Zostel Nainital – Perfect for solo and youth travellers.
Where to Eat
Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop – Swiss-inspired café, must-try apple pie.
Machan Restaurant – Popular family restaurant near the Mall Road.
Zooby’s Kitchen – Multi-cuisine with lake views.
Café de Mall – Ideal for brunches and coffee by the lake.
Chandi Chowk – North Indian & Kumaoni thalis.
Street eats: Try momos, roasted corn, and fruit chaat near the Boat House Club.
Shopping in Nainital
Mall Road Market: Woollens, candles, wooden handicrafts.
Tibetan Market (Bhotia Bazaar): Shawls, accessories, souvenirs.
Bara Bazaar: Spices, homemade jams, and local pickles.
Eco Cave Road shops: Handmade jewellery and Himalayan herbs.
How to Reach
By Air:
Pantnagar Airport (70 km away) is the nearest.
Taxis and shared cabs available to Nainital (2 hours).
By Train:
Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km away) – well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
Regular taxis and buses to Nainital.
By Road:
From Delhi: 320 km (~7 hours) via NH9.
From Dehradun: 280 km (~6 hours).
Regular Uttarakhand Transport and Volvo buses operate daily.
Travel Essentials
Currency: Indian Rupee (₹).
Language: Hindi, English, Kumaoni.
Mobile Networks: Airtel, Jio, VI – good connectivity.
Emergency: Police 100, Ambulance 108, Tourist Helpline 1364.
Local SIM for International Travellers: Available at Pantnagar airport and major markets.
Forex Exchange: Available at Mall Road and Kathgodam.
Travel Tips
Always carry warm clothes — temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Book hotels in advance during summer and Christmas/New Year season.
Avoid plastic and littering near lakes and viewpoints.
For treks, hire local guides from certified agencies.
Try the local Aloo ke Gutke, Bal Mithai, and Ras.
Here’s a list of top attractions in Uttarakhand that can be explored from Nainital, covering nearby lakes, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, wildlife zones, and adventure hubs — all within scenic driving distance:
Hill Stations & Scenic Getaways
1. Ranikhet (56 km / 2 hrs)
Quiet army town known for golf courses, apple orchards, and Kumaoni temples.
Highlights: Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
2. Almora (65 km / 3 hrs)
A cultural and spiritual hub known for its traditional architecture and handicrafts.
Highlights: Kasar Devi Temple (spiritual energy spot), Bright End Corner, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (30 km).
3. Mukteshwar (47 km / 2 hrs)
Peaceful mountain town with panoramic Himalayan views.
Highlights: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli ki Jali cliffs, apple orchards, paragliding.
4. Kausani (118 km / 4 hrs)
Known as the “Switzerland of India” for its spectacular Himalayan vistas.
Highlights: Baijnath Temple complex, Anasakti Ashram, tea gardens.
Lake Destinations
5. Bhimtal (22 km)
Larger and quieter than Naini Lake, with an island aquarium and café.
Highlights: Boating, Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimeshwar Temple.
6. Sattal (23 km)
Cluster of seven interconnected lakes surrounded by forests.
Highlights: Birdwatching, kayaking, nature trails, and butterfly park.
7. Naukuchiatal (26 km)
“Lake of Nine Corners” — famous for paragliding and boating.
Highlights: Lake adventure sports, nature stays, fishing.
Wildlife & Adventure
8. Jim Corbett National Park (65 km / 2 hrs)
India’s oldest national park, rich in tigers, elephants, and birds.
Highlights: Jungle safaris, Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple.
9. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (85 km / 3 hrs)
A biodiversity hotspot near Almora.
Highlights: Binsar Zero Point, forest trails, birdwatching, KMVN rest house stay inside the sanctuary.
Pilgrimage & Spiritual Places
10. Jageshwar Dham (100 km / 4 hrs)
Ancient cluster of over 100 stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Highlights: Archaeological ruins, dense deodar forests, peaceful aura.
11. Haridwar (230 km / 6–7 hrs)
Sacred town on the banks of the Ganga River.
Highlights: Ganga Aarti at Har-ki-Pauri, ashrams, spiritual retreats.
12. Rishikesh (240 km / 7 hrs)
World Yoga Capital and adventure center.
Highlights: Laxman Jhula, Ganga rafting, yoga centers, Beatles Ashram.
Adventure & Nature Escapes
13. Chopta (Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand) (230 km / 8 hrs)
Base for Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila trek.
Highlights: Trekking, camping, snow views, birdwatching.
14. Auli (285 km / 9 hrs)
One of India’s best skiing destinations.
Highlights: Cable car, snow adventures, Nanda Devi Peak view.
15. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib (310 km / 10 hrs)
UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for alpine meadows and Sikh pilgrimage site.
Season: June to September (best bloom: July–August).
16. Other Hidden Gems
Chaukori: Stunning Himalayan sunrises, tea gardens (5 hrs from Nainital).
Munsiyari: Gateway to Johar Valley, trekking hub (7–8 hrs).
Lansdowne: Serene hill cantonment (5 hrs).
Pithoragarh: Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar route (8 hrs).
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