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Nainital is a picturesque hill station in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. The most popular spot for families, couples and solo travellers, it is a perfect balance of nature and adventure. Whether you are looking to take a boat ride on the beautiful Naini Lake, explore the colonial buildings or visit the bustling markets, Nainital makes you feel like you have been there. Its warm weather and accessibility make it the perfect year-round destination. Let this Nainital travel guide walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect getaway to this lovely destination.
Nainital Location
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
Nainital is situated in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India, at 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level. Surrounded by Himalayan mountains, the town is built around the glittering Naini Lake. Its proximity to big cities such as Delhi (300 km) makes it an extremely popular hill station in North India.
How To Reach Nainital
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 70 km from Nainital. Taxis and shared cabs are available from the airport to the town.
By Road: Nainital is well-linked by roads to cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Bareilly. Private cars, taxis, and state-run buses offer convenient travel options.
By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station, 34 km away, is the nearest railhead. It is well-connected to cities like Delhi and Lucknow. From here, you can hire a cab or take a bus to Nainital.
Places To Visit In And Around Nainital
Nainital is full of beautiful natural sites, serene lakes, sweeping views, and historical monuments. Explore these top places with the Nainital travel guide.
1. Snow View Point
Photo: Ashray1999 / Wikimedia Commons
Snow View Point is one of the best scenic spots in Nainital, where you can have amazing views of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot ranges. It is reachable via an adventurous ropeway or short walk. At the summit, it’s a panoramic view of snowy mountains that feels almost fantastic. There’s a mini amusement park and café at the top, which makes it suitable for families. More than anyone else, photographers will delight in the raw beauty and the golden colours of sunrise on the mountains. It’s a wonderful place to sit back, enjoy the mountain air, and witness nature’s magnificence.
Location: 3 km from Nainital town centre
Best Time To Visit: October to February
2. Naini Lake
Photo: Patil Srushti / Wikimedia Commons
Naini Lake, the centre of Nainital, fascinates with its placid waters and scenic beauty. You can go boating, yachting, or just take a look at the sights while walking down Mall Road. The hillside lake, with its crescent shape, is very romantic at dawn and dusk. Boating on the lake is a fantastic experience, with rowboats and paddle boats available to hire. Its placid waters reflect the landscape of hills and houses around it and give the experience of an enchanted place. Whether you’re travelling on your own, with family, or with your loved one, Naini Lake promises a peaceful break from life.
Location: Central Nainital
Best Time To Visit: March to June
3. Naina Devi Temple
Photo: Harshit SR / Wikimedia Commons
Naina Devi Temple is a must-visit for pilgrims and tourists. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Naina Devi and is among the 51 Shakti Peethas. It’s a cosy place in a peaceful environment overlooking Naini Lake. The temple complex is small but remarkably sacred, decorated with elaborate idols and colourful prayer flags. In festivals such as Navratri, large parties are held in the temple, and devotees come in their droves. The serene vibe of the temple makes it an ideal place to sit and contemplate while visiting Nainital. It is easily accessible, and also charming, for its proximity to Mall Road.
Location: Northern shore of Naini Lake
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
4. Eco Cave Gardens
Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Eco Cave Gardens is a different type of attraction that allows you to step inside a network of interconnected caves – each representing an animal’s home range. The gardens offer a learning and exploring experience, particularly for kids. The caves are dark and narrow and you have to crawl a bit, which makes it exciting. One of the best parts of the place is a musical fountain display at night and it is very lovely. Designed around greenery, the gardens also provide an escape from the noisy town. People of all ages love exploring the caves and enjoy the mixture of fun and environmental learning.
Location: Sukhatal, 1 km from Mall Road
Best Time To Visit: March to June
5. Tiffin Top
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tiffin Top, or Dorothy’s Seat, is a vantage point that gives an excellent 360-degree panorama of Nainital and the valleys around it. This place is a favourite among trekkers and nature enthusiasts because of its fairly short hikes. The trail is shaded with oaks and pines, an idyllic way to get back into the forest. When you finally submit it, you are rewarded with magnificent vistas that make it worth the trek. It is named after Dorothy Kellet, an English artist, and remains a favourite picnic spot. Whether you’re hiking with friends or by yourself, Tiffin Top is a refreshing place to visit.
Location: 4 km from Nainital town centre
Best Time To Visit: October to April
6. Bhimtal
Photo: Abhimanyu7793 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhimtal, a small town near Nainital, is popular for its tranquil Bhimtal Lake, which is bigger and quieter than Naini Lake. There’s a little island in the middle of the lake, home to an aquarium that draws crowds. Boating on the pristine waters is a must-see experience that guarantees pure calmness. The tranquillity of the town, its greenery and its views are just what nature enthusiasts are looking for. Bhimtal, too, is a place of historical significance, and ancient temples such as Bhimeshwar Temple are culturally interesting. The relaxed environment and natural beauty offer a refreshing break from the overcrowded tourist sites of Nainital.
Location: 22 km from Nainital
Best Time To Visit: March to June
7. Sattal
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Sattal (or seven lakes) lies outside Nainital. All of these seven interconnected freshwater lakes are fringed by savannah and are ideal for birders and wildlife photographers. Each lake is a delight, and they combined to offer a quiet refuge far from the urban bustle. Boating, fishing and nature walks are some of the things visitors can do here. Because of the peaceful ambience and the possibility of experiencing adventure, Sattal is an ideal day trip. It will not only provide you with a refreshing break but it is going to be one of the best spots you will ever visit.
Location: 23 km from Nainital
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Where To Stay In Nainital
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Nainital has something for every traveller due to its varied accommodation. Luxury guests will find The Naini Retreat perfect with its colonial feel and modern comforts overlooking a lake. For budget travellers, you can stay at Hotel Himalaya which is affordable and conveniently located near Mall Road. Homestays in Pangot are a perfect choice for adventure lovers because they can find a place where nature is embraced. Adventure travellers can camp in nearby areas such as Sattal or Bhimtal.
Where To Eat In Nainital
Photo: Igor Starkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
From street food to haute cuisine, Nainital provides a mouthwatering culinary treat. If you’re looking for a dose of Kumaoni food, try Zooby’s Kitchen, where you can enjoy dishes such as bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke. Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop is another must-try for its relaxed feel and delicious continental dishes such as sizzlers and pastries. A nice place for street foodies is Mall Road, with vendors hawking hot momos, bhutta (roasted corn) and mugs of chai.
Other Factors To Consider
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- Bring warm clothes because the nights can get cold even in summer.
- Strong shoes for trekking and walking are recommended.
- Carry cash with you; ATMs might not always be available.
- Hotels and activities should be booked beforehand, especially during vacation.
Avoid littering and waste.
Nainital is a destination that seamlessly merges nature, history, and exploration. From its lilac lakes to bustling markets and tranquil temples, it provides something for everyone. So whether it is a weekend or a rejuvenating vacation, this Nainital travel guide equips you with all the necessary information for an amazing trip. Get your preparations in order, and let the hills welcome you to their peaceful embrace. Plan your trip with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Skalvanov / Wikimedia Commons
