Nainital is also known as the “Lake District of India”. Nainital is a very beautiful hill station located in the hilly region in Uttarakhand of the Kumaon ranges. Nainital is a perfect weekend getaway for Delhiites and other nearby places. Nainital is being referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha. The important mythological fact of Nainital is that it has one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’. The Nainital name has been derived from the well-known Naini Lake-based at the center of the district. Nainital fascinates the soul of many travellers to the view of Sattal, which is formed by the speculation of seven lakes. Nainital has a rich culture and heritage. The major part of the Nainital population is from the Kumaon region. The Fairs and festivals of the district Nainital are Basant Panchami, Uttarayani, Phool Dei, Nanda Devi Fair, and many more.

Nainital is lying in the Kumaon Range, Nainital is covered by the Almora district on the north side and the Udham Singh Nagar district on the south side. Pauri Garhwal and Champawat district surrounded it on the western and eastern sides sequentially. The highest peak in Nainital is Bandhan Thali which is at 2623 mts in the hilly region, and it is also known as Krol by geologists. The lower area is named Bhabhar which is obtained from the tall grasses of the region. The major facts of the Nainital district are: Geographical Area (4251 sq. km), Altitude(1938m), Latitude(29.38 degrees north), Longitude(79.45 degrees East), Languages spoken(Hindi, Garhwali, Kumauni). The most ideal time to explore Nainital is between the months of March to June.

10 Best Places To Visit In Nainital

Nainital Lake

Naini Lake is one of the most famous lakes for its magnificent beauty and shimmery water located in Nainital. Naini lake is also famous for boating, photography, natural water bodies, and sightseeing. The entry fee for parking at Naini lake is INR 100. The visiting time of Naini lake is from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Charges for the Gondola Ride is INR 210 and the charges for Pedal Boat is INR 150 per hour. The distance from Pantnagar airport to Naini Lake is approx 69 km.

Tiffin Top

Tiffin Top is the topmost attraction for every tourist who is visiting Nainital and it is also known as the “Dorothy’s Seat”. It is the most romantic place in Nainital. From the Tiffin Top, you can enjoy the 360-degree view of the beautiful hill station Nainital. Hiking and Trekking are the two topmost adventure activities. The distance from Nainital Mall Road to Tiffin Top is approx 3.2 km. Tiffin Top is open for 24 hours but it is preferable to visit between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The fees for Pony Ride cost between Rs. 500 to Rs. 700. If you want to enjoy the view of Sunrise and Sunset then you must visit Tiffin Top.

High Altitude Zoo

The Nainital Zoo is also known as a high-Altitude Zoo situated on the Sher Ka Danda at a height of 2,100m. It was built in 1984 but for tourists, it was opened in 1995. This zoo ranked number three in India as the high altitude zoo. The distance from Nainital Mall Road to High Altitude Zoo is approx 2.3 km. Nainital Zoo is also a popular sightseeing place in Nainital. The entry fee of the zoo is Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. There is also a fee for bringing a camera Rs. 25 for a still camera and Rs. 200 for a professional video camera. There is no entry fee for senior citizens and differently-abled people, the students are allowed to enter free of cost on World Environment Day, Ozone Day, Zoo Foundation Day, and throughout the Wild Life Week. Timings for visiting the Nainital Zoo are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Zoo will remain closed on Holi, Diwali, Independence Day, and Republic Day. You must carry a water bottle and some eatables while visiting Nainital Zoo.

Snow View Point

The Snow View Point has been magistrate to its name and offers an elevated view of the hilltops making it one of the most preferable and visited destinations in Nainital. The height of the Snow View Point is 2,270 m high altitude creates the destination access to snowy valleys and the mountains to the great Himalayas. At the top of Snow View Point, A pair of binoculars is connected and allows tourists to have a closer look at the snow-covered peaks. When you zoom in, you will see a small temple covered in the snowy blanket where you can see images of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. Timing to visit Snow View Point is from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm except for Saturday. You can reach here by cab or by Ropeway. The distance from Nainital Mall Road to Snow view Point is approx 1.5km. The best time to visit here is in the month of mid-march.

Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India which shows power and devotion towards the goddess. The temple is located near Naini Lake, and many tourists visit this temple throughout the year. The timings of visiting the temple are between 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. In the month of August and September Nanda Ashtami is celebrated all over the Kumaon region. The festival shows the celebration and worship of the Goddess Naina Devi. It is considered the most visited sightseeing destination in Nainital. The distance from Kathgodam Railway station to Naina Devi temple is approx 35 km.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is one of the ideal destinations for bird lovers and that’s why it is also known as bird watcher’s paradise. Most of the tourists who visit this place are from our regular visitors who take time from their busy lives to relax there and see the birds. The main specialty of the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is that it has 580 different types of species which is a pleasure for bird lovers. The distance from Nainital Mall Road to Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is approx 13 km. The best time to visit Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is between the months of March to June.  

Eco Cave Gardens

Eco Cave Gardens is a totally newly developed sightseeing destination in Nainital. It comprises many natural inter-connected caves of unique animals. The main attraction of this garden is hanging gardens. You need to crawl and climb some of the decreasing caves in the garden. The entry fee for the adult is INR 20 and for the children is INR 10. The timing of the opening and closing of Eco Cave Gardens is 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Distance from Pantnagar Airport to Eco Cave Gardens is approx 72 km.

Mall Road Nainital

Nainital’s immigrant heart is the most famous Mall Road and a street offering the view of Naini Lake and it is also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Mall Road is the main center for all the activities. The trip is incomplete for the tourists if they come to Nainital and don't visit the Mall Road. Tourists can explore up and down Mall Road and enjoy the majestic view of Nainital. The most occupied streets of Nainital are Mallital and Tallital. The most selling things in Mall Road have scented candles and wooden man-made objects. Distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to The Mall Road is approx 1.6 km. The vehicles are not allowed on Mall Road between 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Mukteshwar Temple

Holding back a 350-year-old culture is the Mukteshwar Temple located in the Mukteshwar district of Nainital. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is extremely well known among the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is located at an elevation of 2,312 meters above sea level. The Pandavas throughout the time of 12-year long eviction, constructed this beautiful temple being the followers of Lord Shiva, in the desire of getting salvation or mukti from their problematic life. On a yearly basis, thousands of tourists and devotees come to see this temple and seek blessings and are pleased by the fascinating views from the temple. The timings for visiting the Mukteshwar Temple are from 05:00 am to 07:30 pm. The most approachable months to visit Mukteshwar Temple are March, April, and May. The distance from :

Pantnagar Airport to Mukteshwar Temple is approx 92.9 km

Kathgodam Railway Station to Mukteshwar Temple is approx 66 km

Nainital to Mukteshwar Temple is approx 50.5 km

Naina Peak

Naina Peak is considered the highest peak of Nainital, at an elevation of 2611 meters. It instructs an entrancing view of twinkling snow-laden Himalayas from Bandar Punch in the west towards Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east, a full Himalayan Range at one side, and a birds-eye view of the lake city of Nainital in its full splendor on the other. Pony or Horses can be pleased to visit this peak either from Snow View or from Barapathar. Naina Peak is also known as Cheena Peak or China Peak. The most approachable time to visit Naina Peak is in the months of March, May, June, September, October, November, and December. The Distance from :

Pantnagar Airport to Naina Devi is approx 88.6 km

Kathgodam Railway Station to Naina Devi is approx 44.8 km

Nainital To Naina Peak is approx 8.7 km