Nainital is a beautiful destination in Uttarakhand, which is situated in the middle of Kumaon Hills. The name of Nainital is taken from a uniquely shaped lake known as “Naini Lake”. Nainital is also known as the City of Lakes and it has snow-capped hills and calm lakes.
This place is situated at an altitude of 1930M above sea level and the climate is pleasant. Nainital has everything for every tourist, you name it you’ll get it, like beautiful weather, lakes, adventure, food, and shopping that too with quality. Most of the lakes offer various activities such as paddle boating and row boating. This place is popular among 2-day trips near Delhi, as it’s just 290 km from Delhi.
Tourist Places in Nainital with Beautiful Sightseeing
1. Naini Lake
It has a speechless beauty that is surrounded by seven different peaks. The lake is divided into two distinct sections, the northern part called Mallital and the southern part called Tallital. Naini lake is a hotspot for a family picnic and the lake offers a breathtaking view, especially during early morning and sunset. People who visit here also visit the Naini temple, boating, and long evening walks, these are some of the things that are a must to do.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploring Time: 1-2 hours
2. Naina Devi Temple
This temple was built in 15 A.D. and due to a landslide, it was demolished in 1880 and rebuilt in 1883 by local inhabitants of the area. This temple is situated north of Naini Lake. When you enter the temple, you will find two eyes on the roof and the door of the temple is marked by a Peepal tree to the left.
Every year since 1918 a grand statue immersion ceremony takes place here also a vibrant eight-day Nanda Ashtami festival is celebrated which is attended by a large crowd of people from all over the country.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploring Time: 1-2 hours
3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
This is a very famous tourist attraction and a fantastic picnic spot in Nainital. One gets a complete view of the town of Nainital and its surroundings. People come here for rappelling and rock climbing and a beautiful environment is heaven for photographers. A fun fact is that this place got its name when people started to have lunch on top of the hill on Dorothy’s Seat. In the memory of an English artist named Dorothy Kellet and so is called Dorothy’s Seat.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploring Time: 3-4 hours
Activities: Hiking, Sightseeing, Rock climbing, Pony Rides.
Pony rides cost can range from INR500 – INR700
4. Snow View Point
This Point is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the area and stands at an altitude of 2270 meters. This place offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas wrapped in a blanket of snow. This place stands at an elevation from Mall Road to Mallital. One can get to this point by the Aerial Cable car. The cable car pickup point is in front of Naini Lake and the charges for one way are INR80 for adults and INR40 for children.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploring Time: 2-3 hours
Activities
- At a snow viewpoint, there is a huge pair of binoculars installed that allows you to take a close look at the Himalayan range.
- There are guns loaded with empty bullet shells, for INR30 you get 6 chances to shoot at targets that are hung up near and far.
- Arcades and fair games for children.
5. Eco Cave Gardens
This place is located 1.5 km from Nainital Lake and it is a newly developed tourist spot located in Sukhatal in Nainital. This place is famous for its interconnected rocky caves, hanging gardens, and musical fountains. The Garden has underground six small caves in the shape of various animals named tiger cave, flying fox, bats cave, squirrel cave, and panther cave. At the top of the hill, there is one small garden where tourists can enjoy the panoramic views of beautiful cliffs.
Timings: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adults – INR20, Children – INR10 & Camera charges – INR25
Exploring Time: 2-3 hours
6. Mall Road
This is located parallel to Naini Lake, this place connects the two ends of the hill town. This place is best for prime shopping, food, and the cultural center of Nainital. During the daytime Mall road is overcrowded and there are restaurants, banks, travel agencies, and shops. Many of the shops sell wooden artifacts, handicraft items, handmade handlooms, and shawls.
Note: The mall road is strictly a no-parking zone and during season time traffic is prohibited from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Timings: 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
7. Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo is the best attraction for wildlife lovers this is a single zoo in the entire Uttarakhand state it was established in 1984 and is situated at a height of 2100 meters that is spread over an area of 4.6 hectares. This place is one of the famous tourist spots and home to several endangered species. The steep that leads to the zoo is motorable, but private vehicle is prohibited, and one can reach the zoo by sharing a cab or walking up the hill.
Timings:10:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 50, Children – INR 20
Camera charges: INR 25, Video Camera = INR 200
Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
Notes
- Nainital zoo is closed on Mondays, Diwali, and Holi.
- Free entry for senior citizens and disabled persons.
- Free entry for the student on several occasions.
8. Hanuman Garhi Temple
Temple is situated at an altitude of 6,401 feet. This temple was built by Neem Karoli Baba, who is a famous saint. This temple is dedicated to Hanuman, a devotee of Lord Rama. Hanuman Garhi temple is easily accessible by road and as this temple is built on a hill, one can view the magnificent sunset and sunrise.
This temple is mostly crowded on Tuesday, Saturday, Ramanavami, and other important festivals.
Timings: 05:00 AM-12:00 PM & 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
9. Nainital Ropeway
The ropeway is one of the most popular attractions in the city of Nainital. The Nainital ropeway connects the Mallital to the Snow viewpoint, to a height of 2270 meters. This aerial trip hovers over Naini lake and offers a panoramic view of beautiful landscapes. Tourist who comes to Nainital takes this adventure ride and it takes less than 3 minutes to reach Snow View Point.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 150 & Children – INR 100
Exploration time: 1 hour
10. Raj Bhawan
It was built in 1936 and is also called a Governor’s house. It also serves as the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. Previously Raj Bhawan served as the summer residence of British Governors. It is built as a replica of Buckingham Palace in the Victorian Gothic style and it is spread over 220 acres with a Golf course on 45 acres of land. This building consists of 113 rooms.
Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: For Raj Bhawan – INR 50
Raj Bhawan Golf Course: INR 450
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
11. Sariyatal
It is among the numerous lakes and is fed by a beautiful stream surrounded by a lush green landscape. Sariyatal is also famous for the Himalayan Botanical garden which is run by the forest department. The tiny lake has numerous activities like paddle boating and water sports.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar and located around 23 km away from the Nainital. Pantnagar Airport is connected to almost every major city in India like Delhi and Mumbai.
By Road: If you traveling by road then there are regular buses are available from Delhi
By Train: If you want to travel by train then you can select this option the nearest railway station is Khatgodam which is located around 25 km away from this station.
Nainital is basically famous for the Hill station and you can visit here all the time in a year except monsoon because in monsoon Uttarakhand receives heavy rainfall.
In Nainital, there are Veg and Non-Veg options available for travelers. You can enjoy both according to your choice.
There are many famous places in Nainital like Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), Snow View Point, and Eco Cave Park.
