A Traveler's Guide: Best Places To Visit In Nainital 2024!
Snow View Point, High Altitude Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), Naina Devi Temple, Naina Peak, The Mall Road, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Bhotia Market, and many others. With so many best places to visit in Nainital, planning a trip to India’s Lake City is simple. Known for its lovely lakes, picturesque hill station environment, and great architecture, the town draws visitors from all over the country. Nainital, which is highly regarded during the summer months of April to June, gets its name from the eye-shaped lake at the centre of this stunning hill station. Depending on your preferences and interests, you can choose from a variety of best places to visit in Nainital. Architecture and history enthusiasts can visit St. John’s Wilderness Church and Gurney House. Nature lovers can visit the Hawa Caves for their network of caves, as well as one of the numerous nearby hill station regions such as Sariyatal, Khurpatal, or Wonderland Waterfalls.
Here are the top 18 Best Places to visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
Naini Lake (short for Nainital Lake) is a picturesque natural freshwater lake located in the heart of Nainital. The lake is crescent or kidney-shaped and is one of the most well-known in the Kumaon region. The Nainital Lake, bounded by Naini Peak to the north, Tiffin Point to the south, and snow-capped hills to the north, provides a beautiful vista, particularly in the early morning and around dusk. It is best known for boating, picnics, and nighttime walks. The Nainital Lake is a wonderful beauty covered by seven different peaks: Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda. The lake itself is separated into two sections: northern Mallital and southern Tallital. The coniferous trees that blanket the hillside add to the natural splendour of the area. You can also visit the Naina Devi Temple on the lake’s banks. Naini Lake, a beautiful lake that once captivated a European man, is now the best places to visit in Nainital for visitors from all over the country.
2. Snow View Point
Snow View Point in Nainital, at a startling altitude of 2270 meters above sea level, is one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. As the name implies, Snow Vista Point provides a panoramic vista of the towering Himalayas wrapped in a covering of milky-white snow. From here, one may have a gorgeous vista of the three main peaks: Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. A massive pair of binoculars has been put at the Snow View Point, allowing visitors to have a closer look at the Himalayan range and its beautiful peaks. If you look closely, you’ll notice a little temple featuring images of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman, Durga, and Shiva. An aerial cable car brings you to the Snow perspective Point straight from Mallital’s Mall Road, providing a breathtaking perspective of the picturesque town.
3. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Kilbury Bird Sanctuary in Nainital, located at an elevation of 2,528 metres, is a refuge for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The refuge features 240 bird species, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and eagles. You can go hiking on tranquil pathways and enjoy the views from the hills. It’s an ideal spot for a calm retreat into nature’s magnificence. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located in the picturesque village of Pangot, approximately 12 kilometres from Nainital, is a wildlife and nature lover’s paradise. Established in 2000, this sanctuary sits at an elevation of 2,528 metres and provides a peaceful respite amidst dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. It is home to over 240 bird species, including uncommon and colourful species like woodpeckers, thrushes, eagles, and the elusive Cheer Peacock.
4. Eco Cave Gardens
The Eco Garden, which is famous for its interconnecting rocky caves, hanging gardens, and melodic fountain, consists of six small caves shaped like various animals. You must creep your way into Mallital, Nainital. In the evenings, you can enjoy the musical fountain and its many audio-visual effects. The Eco Cave Garden was created to provide tourists with a glimpse into the natural habitat of Himalayan wildlife by constructing separate caverns for different species that are comparable to their natural homes. The most popular caverns, illuminated by petroleum lamps, are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave, and Flying Fox Cave. Visiting the Eco Cave Garden is not suggested for the elderly or toddlers.
5. Mall Road Nainital
The Mall Road in Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake and connects the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital), is the main shopping, dining, and cultural hub of the wonder that is Nainital. Mall Road is a one-stop shop for everything from delicious food to the prettiest local woollens. The Mall Road in Nainital, officially known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, was created by the British. Today, the route is synonymous with the town of Nainital. Unwary tourists can be seen strolling down Mall Road at any time of day. Entry to large vehicles and traffic is forbidden during the peak season of May, June and October.
6. High Altitude Zoo
Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, also known as Nainital Zoo, was established in 1984 and is located on Sher ka Danda hill in Tallital, Nainital. It is the only one of its kind, perched at a height of 2100 metres and spanning 4.6 hectares. The zoo houses various endangered animals and is a major tourist destination. The Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society manages the Nainital Zoo using funds raised through entry fees. The zoo’s principal wildlife attractions are the Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Civet, Hill Patridge, Tibetan Wolf, Sambar, Barking Deer, and Royal Bengal Tiger, among other bird and animal species. During the winter, the bird enclosures are covered with curtains to keep them warm.
7. Nainital Ropeway
The Nainital Ropeway, also known as the Cable Car Ride, is the city’s most famous tourist attraction and is regarded as one of the fastest ropeways in the country. Mallital is connected to the Snow viewpoint by an aerial ropeway that rises from the base to a height of 2270 metres. The aerial journey over the Naini lake and valley provides panoramic views of the magnificent scenery.
The magnificent Nainital ropeway travels half a mile in roughly three minutes, with two trolleys accommodating up to 11 people at a stretch.
8. Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple, located near Nainital, is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination and one of India’s fifty-one Shakti Peethas. The Naina Devi Temple’s presiding deity is Maa Naina Devi, also known as Mata Sati. According to Hindu tradition, the temple was built on the site where Goddess Sati’s eyes landed when Lord Vishnu split her body into 51 pieces. Inside the Naina Devi Temple, the two eyes on the ceiling meaning Goddess Naina Devi are placed in the centre, surrounded by statues of Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha. Nainital acquired its name from the Naina Devi Temple. As you climb the hill to the temple, you will come across several stores offering prasad and other vital puja goods.
9. Naina Peak
Naina Mountain is Nainital’s highest mountain, standing at 2615 metres. The top, a popular tourist attraction in the city, is covered in snow all year and has a lovely perspective from the carpet of trees that surrounds it. Because of its high elevation and scenic paths, the summit is popular among hikers and trekkers. It is also known as China Peak and is popular with both visitors and locals for its picturesque sunrise and sunset views. It is a must-see for couples and friends alike. On a climb to Naina Peak, one can catch the panorama from a variety of angles. Aside from trekking, individuals can reach the pinnacle of the mountain by riding a pony. Tanke Band, the nearest taxi stand, is about three km from the peak’s base. During the day, one can picture nature and snow-covered mountain views, while at night, one can capture Nainital’s breathtaking cityscape.
10. Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal Lake, one of India’s most famous lakes, is located in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand. An island in the middle of the lake is a popular tourist destination that also holds an aquarium with several fish species and a temple. The Bhimtal lake is the largest in the Kumaon region, commonly known as India’s Lake District, and it provides drinking water to the town as well as support for aquaculture there. Today, the lake is open to tourists and offers a range of activities in and around it. Morning hikes are highly advised for individuals looking to avoid the tourist crowds. The serene environment of the lake will make you want to return again and again. The Bhimtal Lake is located in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, at an elevation of more than 4500 feet. It is a ‘C ‘-‘-shaped lake of 47 hectares. During certain months of the year, the typically clear lake water turns brown because of infused animalcule. Locals think that only once a victim is claimed by the lake does the brown colour fade and the water clears.
11. Governor's House
The Governor’s House, which houses the popular golf course, is a Victorian Gothic construction that closely resembles the Castle of Scotland. It consists of two storeys of buildings with 113 rooms, a garden, a swimming pool, and, of course, the golf course. Designer F.W. Steven created the second Raj Bhawan in Uttarakhand in 1899 as the Governor of North East Province’s vacation house. The Governor’s House is now the house of the Governor of Uttarakhand. There is a guided tour offered to visit the Raj Bhawan. The beautiful edifice, which is said to be a replica of the Birmingham Palace, has 113 rooms and is a pleasure to explore. However, because the Governor still lives here, all rooms are inaccessible to the general public. Governor’s House was used to film scenes for the very popular Bollywood film “Koi Mil Gaya”.
12. Tibetan Market
Bhutia Market, located on Mall Road in Nainital, is the city’s most prominent street market. Aside from a large selection of woollens and winter apparel, the market is well-known for its delectable Tibetan cuisine. Roadside vendors and eateries serve delectable thukpa and momos, among other regional dishes. Shawls, mufflers, Himalayan backpacks, and Tibetan handcraft accessories are among the best-selling items at the Bhutia Tibetan Market. Ethnic clothing embellished with vibrant local embroidery offers an ideal souvenir for family and friends. You can bargain with the shopkeepers but do not haggle too much because this is their main line of work.
13. St John Wilderness Church
St John Wilderness Church, located next to the High Court of Uttarakhand in Mallital, Nainital, is the oldest and best church in the hill town. The church, perched on a hill surrounded by gorgeous pine and deodar trees, is built in the Neo-Gothic style and features beautiful tainted glass windows. Visitors to the colonial church include history aficionados and those looking for quiet. St John Wilderness Church is named after a Bishop from Kolkata who spent the majority of his life here and is dedicated to St John the Baptist. The church’s quiet aura and spiritual stillness create a tranquil environment apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The edifice’s stunning architecture adds to the overall experience.
14. Mukteshwar Dham Temple
One of the most popular temples is the Mukteshwar temple, which is about 350 years old and devoted to Lord Shiva. Perched on top of the highest peak in Mukteshwar (a lovely hill station named after the shrine), the temple is roughly 2312 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar Temple’s location atop a hill makes it best for taking beautiful photos and collecting memories. Nature enthusiasts should visit the temple and enjoy the spectacular scenery. There is also a white marble Shiva Linga here, with a copper yoni. Other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Hanuman, and Nandi, are worshipped alongside the Shiva Linga. The Mukteshwar temple is regarded as significant and bears great significance for the committee of iron ore miners known as the ‘diaries’.
15. Ranikhet
Ranikhet, which means “Queen’s Land,” is a hill station in Uttarakhand that was created by the British around old temples, undulating Himalayan slopes, and forests. It is also known as the Headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, and it houses the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum. Ranikhet is known for its views of the Nanda Devi Peak, trekking trails, mountain treks, golf courses, orchards, and temples.
16. Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, a little attractive lake village, is best for people seeking peace and tranquillity in the shade of pure nature. As the name implies, this location is well renowned for its nine-cornered lake, which can be up to one kilometre long and 40 meters deep. This area, located some distance from the popular hill station of Nainital, is also associated with a mythology. It is stated that a single glance at all nine corners of the lake with both feet on the ground can cause the viewer to evaporate into smoke and reach nirvana. Naukuchiatal is blessed with breathtaking scenery and a mesmerizing lake, providing ample opportunity to refresh your body and soul. The excellent weather throughout the year, as well as numerous attractions such as lakes and temples, ensure that your journey is a memorable one.
17. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is Uttarakhand’s oldest national park, located in the Nainital area near the Himalayan foothills. Corbett National Park, which is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, is famous for its endangered Bengal tiger population. Jim Corbett National Park is well-known for its wildlife safaris and includes some riverbank resorts. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 650 uncommon and migratory bird species. Dhikala, a forest lodge on the border of Patil Dun Valley, is Corbett National Park’s most popular attraction, recognized for its picturesque location and abundance of animals.
18. Sattal
Sattal is a beautiful region made up of seven freshwater lakes, an abundance of nature, migratory birds, and panoramic landscapes. Sattal is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers, with a mysterious aura that adds to its beauty and makes it a photographer’s dream. Located in the Kumaon Region at a height of 1370 meters above sea level, the area is known for its cluster of seven interconnected lakes: Panna, Naldaymanti Tal, Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, and Sukha Tal, which are surrounded by a beautiful green cover of oaks and pines. With beautiful weather all year, a visit to this area away from the hustle and bustle of cities is an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Pluto Tours offers a variety of Nainital tour packages, allowing you to explore these wonderful places and more. With its scenic beauty and diverse attractions, Nainital is truly a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the hills. Whether you’re boating on the Naini Lake, admiring the panoramic views from Snow View Point, exploring the Eco Cave Gardens, or strolling down the vibrant Mall Road, Nainital has something for everyone. Book your Nainital tour with Pluto Tours and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this charming hill station.
You can also check our Nainital Tour Packages.
People also ask about Best Places To Visit In Nainital
1. What are the best places to visit in Nainital?
Some of the best places to visit in Nainital are Snow View Point, High Altitude Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), Naina Devi Temple, Naina Peak, The Mall Road, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, and Bhotia Market, among others. These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from panoramic views of the Himalayas to serene bird sanctuaries and vibrant marketplaces.
2. Are there any specific attractions recommended by tour companies?
Yes, Pluto Tours is a renowned tour company that provides guided tours to the best places in Nainital. They often recommend visits to Naini Lake, Snow View Point, and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary for an immersive experience of Nainital’s natural beauty.
3. What activities are popular in Nainital?
Boating on Naini Lake, exploring the eco-friendly cave gardens, and taking scenic cable car rides to Snow View Point are popular activities in Nainital. Additionally, birdwatching at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary and strolling along the vibrant Mall Road are favoured by many visitors.
4. What is the famous food in Nainital?
Ras (a dish made with many days), Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke (a spicy preparation of boiled potatoes), Arsa (a sweet dish), Gulgula (a sweet snack), and many other dishes are available.
5. What makes Nainital special?
It is also known for the respected Naina Devi shrine, which is located on the lake’s edge. Nainital is not only a popular tourist destination, but it is also known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools that have existed since the British era.
6. Is Nainital expensive to visit?
The cost of a vacation to Nainital varies based on aspects such as accommodation and activities, but a budget of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 for a three to four-day trip is realistic.
7. What is the mystery around Nainital?
According to tradition, the lake was where the Hindu goddess Sati’s eyes (nain) dropped as her distressed husband, Shiva, carried her burnt body. The temple is open to visitors all year round, which is one of the main reasons Nainital is always a popular hill destination.