Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Nainital
Nainital sits at 2,084 metres in the Kumaon Hills, centred around the stunning Naini Lake. The town is famous for its colonial architecture, boating, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Kumaon Himalayas.
| Place | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Naini Lake | Lake / boating | Heart of Nainital; rowing, pedal boats, yachting |
| Naina Devi Temple | Shakti Peeth temple | One of 64 Shakti Peethas; on the lake shore |
| Snow View Point | Viewpoint / ropeway | 2,270m; Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks visible |
| Tiffin Top | Viewpoint / 4 km trek | Sunrise; 360° Himalayan panorama |
| Eco Cave Gardens | Natural caves | 6 interconnected rock caves; great for families |
| Raj Bhavan | Heritage / garden | Governor's colonial-era palace; guided tours |
| Bhimtal Lake | Day trip | 22 km; larger than Naini; aquarium island |
| Sattal | Day trip / birding | Seven lakes; top birding site in Kumaon |
| Hanuman Garhi | Temple / sunset | 3 km; best sunset view over the lake |
| Mukteshwar | Day trip | 51 km; 2,286m; stunning Himalayan views |
Best Time to Visit Nainital
- March – June: Peak season; 10–25°C; all activities open; book in advance
- October – November: Ideal — clear views, fewer crowds, perfect hiking weather
- December – January: Snowfall possible; romantic but cold
- July – September: Monsoon; lush but trails can be slippery
How to Reach Nainital
- By Road: Delhi → Nainital (300 km, ~7 hrs) via Moradabad; buses from Delhi ISBT (₹350–₹600)
- By Train: Kathgodam Station (35 km) — Shatabdi from Delhi (5.5 hrs)
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport (65 km); Jolly Grant Dehradun (290 km) better connected
- Local: Shared taxis Kathgodam → Nainital (1 hr, ₹150); private cab ₹600–₹800
Budget and Hotels in Nainital
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel City Heart, Alka Hotel | ₹700–₹1,500 |
| Mid-range | The Naini Retreat, Manu Maharani | ₹2,500–₹6,000 |
| Luxury | The Palace Belvedere, Vikram Vintage Inn | ₹7,000–₹18,000 |
2-night trip cost per person: ₹5,000–₹15,000 including travel from Delhi, stay and activities.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Private vehicles restricted on Mall Road — use Tallital or Mallital parking
- Book Snow View ropeway tickets online to avoid peak-season queues
- Best boating: early morning 7–9 AM before crowds arrive
- Combine with Bhimtal, Sattal and Mukteshwar for a 4-day Kumaon circuit
- Buy Nainital's famous candles, jams and woollen shawls from Tibetan Market
FAQ: May is peak season — book hotels 4–6 weeks ahead. October is less crowded and equally beautiful.