With its serene lakes, lush surroundings, and quaint colonial architecture, Nainital is a captivating jewel in the Himalayan crown, nestled within the magnificent Kumaon hills. This picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand state is a refuge for those searching for a getaway from the daily bustle of city life. From the lively marketplaces to the ethereal Naini Lake and viewpoints, here are the top 5 places to visit in Nainital.
Naini Peak, also known as China Peak, is the highest hilltop in Nainital at an altitude of more than 2600 metres and is one of the prime places to visit in Nainital, especially if you remaining active on a holiday. The trek to Nainu Peak is one of the best-loved activities for travellers in this region, offering a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. With a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city of Nainital, this place offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the beautiful paisley-shaped Naini Lake.
Surrounded by Deodar, Cedar, and Pine Trees, Naini Peak is a part of the Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary and a popular destination for birders. Horseback riding and long walks in the lap of nature are what await you at Naini Peak.
An early morning visit will ensure you avoid the hoards and get a moment of solitude and peace in this stunning location. Don’t miss the gorgeous Sunrise or Sunset at Naini Peak.
Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm
The name Nainital comes from this beautiful lake, known for its iconic mango shape. Situated in the heart of the city, the lake welcomes a large number of tourists throughout the year. There is something for every kind of visitor at this lake, including yachting, pedal, and row boating options.
The decorative Gondola boat costs approximately INR 210 for a round-trip across the lake, while the rowing boats can be rented for around INR 160 for a half-round and INR 210 for a full round. Expect crowds if you are travelling here during tourist season as it is one of the most popular places to visit in Nainital.
When visiting Nainital, take a trip across the stunning lake with your loved one, family, and friends for a complete Nainital experience.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
One of Nainital's most popular tourist destinations, the Snow Viewpoint is a must-visit. Accessible by motorable roads and an aerial ropeway, the viewpoint offers captivating views of the beautiful Himalayan range's snow-capped peaks, including the Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi hills.
To provide visitors with a perfect view, two huge binoculars are installed at this spot. On top of the summit is a small temple that has pictures of Durga, Shiva, Hanuman, Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. The Tibetan monastery Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa of the Gelukpa order, located near Snow View Point, is also a must-visit.
A majority of people choose to hike to the point to enjoy the views, followed by a glass of hot tea and snacks from one of the several stalls that dot the area. This is one of the best sites to visit in Nainital in two days.
This relatively easy trek is best done in the winter for delightful winter vibes.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Maldon Cottage Raod, Mallital
Situated on the shore of the picturesque Naini Lake, the Naina Devi Temple is a well-known pilgrimage site and one of India's 51 Shaktipeeths. Apart from being a popular tourist destination, the Nanda Devi Temple is steeped in mythology. Legend has it that Goddess Sati's eyes fell at this spot when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 separate parts.
The mythology serves as the inspiration for the namesake of the entire town, the lake, and the Naini shrine. Beloved as one of the nation's holiest sites, the Naina Devi temple bestows blessings to devotees from all over the globe. The Shivalik Himalayan range surrounds the town.
Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
Location: Ayarpatta, Near Naini Lake
The well-known Mall Road is a bustling commercial centre in Nainital and is located around one part of Naini Lake. You'll find a variety of shopping options here, including souvenirs from the city, scented candles in various sizes and shapes, ornamental items made of wood and bronze, handmade handlooms and shawls, and handicraft products, making it one of the best places to visit in Nainital.
The Mall road connects the city's two main hubs, Mallital and Tallital. A commercial centre for all Nainital traders, it offers a variety of options for people to purchase, dine, or simply wander beside the river.
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
The nearest airport from Nainital - Pantnagar Airport is located 70 kilometres away. Direct flights to Pantnagar are available only from New Delhi. After reaching Pantnagar Airport, you can take a bus or hire a private vehicle to go to Nainital. However, assuming you’re travelling from Delhi, the most convenient way to get to Nainital is to take a private bus or a taxi, which would take about 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach.