Best Places to Visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
Naini Lake is 127–28 meters deep in some places. It is a natural lake in Nainital. You can enjoy boating in Naini Lake. The beautiful ducks and fish look very beautiful swimming in the lake. If you want to spend a few minutes away from the market crowd and want to drift with the calm current of Naini Lake, you should go there. There's much more, including the superb sound of nature. You can see the two edges of the mountain joining, and the sky hiding behind the mountains like a shy lover. Around Naini Lake, you can find common street food. There are many selfie points. You can also visit Naina Devi Temple, the Tibetan market, and more.
Things to Do
- Boating and paddleboating on the lake.
- Evening lakeside walk along the promenade.
- Photography at sunrise and sunset.
Nearest Attractions
- Naina Devi Temple – ~0.5 km
- Mall Road – ~0.2 km
- Bara Bazaar – ~0.5 km
2. Naina Devi Temple
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Lord Vishnu, in the form of Lord Sudarshan, cut Devi Sati's body into 51 parts. When Lord Shiva took away her body, the goddess's eyes fell here. The Hindi word for 'eyes' is 'Nayan'. The lake is known as Naini or Nainital Lake. People with eye problems often come here. It's a beautiful, calm place you must visit. Stay here and take in the beautiful view of Naini Lake.
Things to Do
- Darshan of Goddess Naina Devi.
- Attend the morning and evening aarti.
- Photography around the temple premises.
Nearest Attractions
- Naini Lake – ~0.5 km
- Mall Road – ~0.3 km
- Bara Bazaar – ~0.3 km
3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
Tiffin Top was the most popular viewpoint in Nainital, but it is now part of history. Due to a major landslide in August 2024, the landslide caused significant damage, but sources say it will be redeveloped near the top of the hill. However, you can still enjoy the trek and capture the beautiful green. forest with your eyes as well as your camera. We cannot describe this beautiful trek in a small article. From this site, you can see the whole of Nainital, including the very popular school of Nainital, which is known as Sherwood.
Things to Do
- Trekking and horse riding to the hilltop.
- Panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
- Picnic and photography in the scenic surroundings.
Nearest Attractions
- Ayarpatta Hill – ~0.5 km
- Land's End – ~3 km
- Naini Lake – ~4 km
4. Snow View Point
If you want to see Nainital from a higher altitude, head to Mall Road, buy a ticket for the ropeway, and enjoy the view of Nainital from the top. Seeing the beauty of nature from inside the trolley gives you a unique experience. The trolley will drop you here. Travelers can visit here by ropeway, taxi, or on foot. You can see the Himalayan range and Naini Lake from this point. Travellers can enjoy an adventure park. There is a market here, but it seems more expensive than in other places. Naini Lake is visible from this site. Kids may insist on riding toys, or you can engage them in gaming. The Dinosaur Park is free if you arrive by the trolley. Enjoy Tower 360 to go even higher and get an awesome view of the city.
Things to Do
- Ropeway ride from the base station.
- Views of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi and Trishul.
- Photography and binoculars viewing of snow-capped peaks.
Nearest Attractions
- Aerial Ropeway Base Station – ~0 km
- Naini Lake – ~2.5 km
- Naina Peak (China Peak) – ~4 km
5. Nainital Zoo
G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, one of the few high-altitude zoos in India, is going to be a wonderful but tiring journey, as it spans a large area and is not on flat ground. After visiting the zoo, you may not have the energy to enjoy any other part of the city on foot.
Things to Do
- See Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and red panda.
- Spot the rare Siberian tiger and mountain quail.
- Educational wildlife experience for families and children.
Nearest Attractions
- Snow View Point – ~1 km
- High Court Nainital – ~1 km
- Naini Lake – ~3 km
6. The Mall Road
Mall Road is crowded during the season. It is a mix of nature and the latest fashion. On one side, there is a lake with many selfie spots, and on the other, shops and hotels. If you look up a little, you will see mountains laden with trees. It's as if they are saying, "Stop for a while and look at me." Numerous shops and showrooms are available here. Taxis and rickshaws are also available. Lake-view hotels are available, but at night, you might be disturbed by the traffic sound in normal hotels during peak times.
Things to Do
- Shopping for woollens, handicrafts, and local souvenirs.
- Café hopping and enjoying street food.
- Evening stroll along the lakeside promenade.
Nearest Attractions
- Naini Lake – ~0.2 km
- Naina Devi Temple – ~0.3 km
- Bara Bazaar – ~0.5 km
7. Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Garden is a mix of artificial touch and natural caves. We do not recommend it for elderly or physically challenged people because it is very narrow. There are multiple caves here, so you can fully enjoy this place. At some spots, you will see natural water dripping, and you will also find slippery surfaces, which makes it adventurous. The artificial sounds of animals in the caves will give you the pleasure of a different world. If you are a fan of the Discovery Channel, you will definitely miss Bear Grylls. If you are overweight, you may face some difficulties, but be brave and go for a walk.
Things to Do
- Explore 6 interconnected natural caves.
- Watch the musical fountain show in the evening.
- Children's park and nature walk.
Nearest Attractions
- Naini Lake – ~1 km
- Mall Road – ~1.2 km
- Snow View Ropeway – ~1.5 km
8. St. John in the Wilderness Church
St. John is an old building (1848) built by the British people. It has some flat areas. Where people can sit and enjoy nature. Not many visitors come here. You will have an "OMG" moment. There is also a graveyard here.
St. John Nainital Open Hours
- Sunday : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Things to Do
- Visit the historic Gothic church built in 1844.
- Admire the beautiful stained glass windows.
- Explore the colonial-era cemetery and heritage graves.
Nearest Attractions
- Raj Bhavan – ~1 km
- Nainital Club – ~1.5 km
- Naini Lake – ~2 km
9. Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan)
This building was the residence of the British Governor. You can visit to get a luxurious view inside the old Gothic architecture, but whenever the governor changes, the rules for tourists to visit the place also change.
Things to Do
- Garden tour and colonial architecture photography.
- Golf on the scenic course inside the grounds (prior permission required).
- Nature walk through the well-maintained estate.
Nearest Attractions
- St. John in the Wilderness Church – ~1 km
- Naini Lake – ~3 km
- Nainital Golf Course – within premises
10. Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
There are 580 bird species in Pangot. It is well-connected and accessible from Nainital. Before reaching Pangot, you can listen to the birds singing. It's important to note that the birds are not in cages because it is a sanctuary, not a zoo. The journey from Nainital to Pangot will be very exciting. When trekking in Pangot, please be careful, as dangerous wildlife might be present. Naina Devi Jalkund (Kilbury Reservoir) is quite large, and you may not be able to explore it completely in one day. But listening to the chirping of birds will make you forget all your pain. You can book accommodations from Sigri; they will provide you with the best trek.
Things to Do
- Birdwatching with over 580 species, including the Himalayan griffon and koklass pheasant.
- Jungle walks and nature photography.
- Camping and overnight stay in the forest.
Nearest Attractions
- Cheena Peak – ~10 km
- Snow View Point – ~12 km
- Nainital town – ~15 km
11. Hanuman Garhi
Established by Baba Neem Karauli, this is a beautiful temple situated in the jungle and at the top of a mountain. Beautiful scenic views will attract eyes and hearts. Travellers can also enjoy the sunrise/ sunset from here.
Things to Do
- Visit the Hanuman temple and seek blessings.
- Watch the stunning sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas.
- Meditation and panoramic photography.
Nearest Attractions
- Snow View Point – ~2 km
- Nainital Bus Stand – ~3 km
- Naini Lake – ~3.5 km