Imagine a town so picturesque, it is built on hills with winding (and many steep) roads, with a breath-taking view of a serene lake in the centre, which often looses its visibility due to clouds or mist. That is Nainital for you. Located at an altitude of 6,837 feet above sea level in the state of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a popular hill station in the north. As per Indian mythology, when Lord Shiva was carrying the body of his wife Sati in grief, Vishnu cut her body into 52 parts which fell on the earth and formed sacred sites. Nainital is where her eyes fell and hence the name, Nain-Tal which refers to lake of the eye. Nainital is divided into two sections, Tallital which is located on the southern side of the lake and Mallital on the northern upper reaches. These sections are separated by the Naini Lake. Although many people residing in and around the northern region of India are likely to have visited this quaint town, they are many who might not have made it thinking there is not much to do.

If you are one of the latter, read on, as we have shortlisted some of the best places that you can visit while here to enjoy your holiday to the fullest!

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1. Naini Lake

The most popular of them all, this lake is a mango-shaped and known for its boating facilities amidst serene quiet waters of the lake, surrounded by seven mountains on all sides. Whether you choose to indulge in boating or just sitting next to the lake or simply taking a walk along it, it is a breath-taking sight!

Nainital lake - Nainital tourism
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2. Naina Devi Temple

You can reach this temple by walking along the Naini Lake or by taking a boat. It lies on the northern shore of the Naini Lake and is precisely the point at which goddess sati’s eyes fell. A temple was then created in 15th century to worship the goddess, which was later destroyed due to landslides and a new temple was built by the locals. Today, this temple is one of the most revered temples of India and devotees come from various parts of the country to pray.

Naina Devi Temple Nainital India
Nainital Tourism

3. Mall Road

This road runs parallel to the lake, connecting its ends and is the most vibrant place of Nainital. The Mall Road is a hub for food and shopping, housing various eateries to gorge on scrumptious food and stores to shop for clothes, woollens, wooden artefacts and handicrafts. Vehicles are not allowed on the Mall Road for most part of the day and hence, a walk on the mall road remains refreshing and calm.

Mall Road Nainital
Nainital

4. Snow View Point

As the name suggests, this tourist spot offers breath-taking views of the snow clad peaks of Himalayas and how! From the Snow View Point, which is located at an altitude of 7,447 feet, you can see the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nada Kot and be awestruck by the mesmerizing beauty of the Mighty Himalayas. While here, you can also indulge in fun activities like bumpy cars and go karting at Mountain Magic or light snacks sold around the Snow View Point.

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Places to visit in nainital - Snow View Point
Natural Holidays

5. Nainital Ropeway

One of the most popular tourist attractions, Nainital Ropeway is a perfect way to explore the beauty of this hill station. It goes over the Naini Lake connecting Mallital and the Snow View Point at a height of 7,447 feet for a specular view up there! The glass windows on the cable car of the ropeway ensure spectacular views of the lake below and mountains around!

Places to visit in Nainital Ropeway
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6. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Another main attraction of Nainital, it got its name from a British Army Officer in the loving memory of his wife, Dorothy, who succumbed to septicaemia. It got called ‘Tiffin Top’ further as people would go have lunch there. Tiffin Top offers superb views of the snow clad Himalayas as a distance and can be reached by bus/cab or on a pony/horse. However, if u like trekking/hiking, then that is the best way to reach for its challenging route would leave you thrilled!

Tiffin Top Nainital trip
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7. Naina Peak

Located at a staggering 8,579 feet, Naina Peak is the highest point in this region and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks, the Naini lake and the whole town and its surrounding areas. Also known as the China Peak, the route to this peak is a trekker’s delight with a path surrounded by lush green forests, leading to a perfect altitude that makes all the effort totally worth it! However, if you are not a trekking enthusiast, then you can take a pony/horse to reach the peak from Snow View Point or Mallital. Photographers can thank us later!

Nainital tourist places - Naina Peak
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8. Eco Cave Gardens

Wish to enjoy adventure, wild style? Then head to the Eco Cave Gardens, located just 1 km from the Mall Road, for a thrill of the jungle kinds. There are six types of caves here which are named after and meant for these animal – Tiger, Panther, Porcupine, Bats, Squirrel, Flying fox and Apes. These caves get narrower as you proceed inside. The caves give you an insight of the wild life and animals’ habitats and proves to be a fun filled spot for the entire family. However, it must be advised that you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you might have to crawl in between.

Eco Cave Gardens Nainital
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9. Khurpa Tal

This beautiful tranquil lake is situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet around 10 kms from Nainital. The lake maintains its old-world charm and remains untouched by heavy tourism, offering serene beauty amidst lush greens and hills. If you like fishing, then this is the ideal place as it has clear water and lots of freshwater fish.

Khurpatal Lakes in Nainital
Incredible Gujarat & India/Instagram

10. Land’s End

Want to get a spectacular view of the hills, valleys, Khurpa Tal and surrounding yet distant mountains, but without having to climb much? Then Land’s End is a perfect place to visit. You could either trek to Land’s End (which is not that exhausting) or ride a pony/horse through the way. The view of the scenic landscape from up there is astounding!

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Tourist spots in Nainital - Lands End
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11. High Altitude Zoo

Pandit G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is a perfect escape from the modern world into nature and wildlife. It is located on the Sher-Ka-Danda hill (Tallital), somewhere between the Shivalik and Himalayan Mountains at an altitude of 2,100 metres. The zoo is home to various wildlife species like Tibetan Wolves, Lady Amherst and Golden Pheasants, Rose Ringed Parakeet and many more. If lucky, you can spot the Royal Bengal Tiger as well!

Zoo in Nainital - Pandit G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
Manish Chhatbar/Instagram

12. Hanuman Garhi

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, built by famous saint Neem Karoli Baba in 1950. Apart from a big statue of Lord Hanuman depicting Lord Ram and his wife Sita residing in his heart by opening his chest, this temple is also popular for its breath-taking views of the sunset and sunrise. It is located at an elevation of 6,401 feet and is around 3 kms from Nainital bus stop.

Famous temple in Nainital - Hanuman Garhi
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13. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

Famous local saint Neem Karoli Baba was a staunch follower of Lord Hanuman and was known to have performed many miracles. This Ashram was dedicated to Baba and his exceptional work. If you want to spend some time in peace, away from the hustle bustle of daily life, then this the place to stay at. Stay disconnected from the world, enjoy the daily rituals and aartis and find yourself in the calm that this ashram offers.

Temples in Nainital Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
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14. Saria Tal

Just 5 km away from Nainital lies this artificially created lake which has become another tourist attraction for its tranquillity and scenic landscape. It lies between Nainital-Kaladhungi road and houses a Himalayan Botanical Garden and various activities like water sports and paddle boating.

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Saria Tal Lake Nainital
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15. Tibetan Market

A place so colourful and vibrant, it brings in a fun angle to your otherwise serene holiday. Come here to relish authentic Tibetan food and shop for Tibetan artefacts, colourful woollens, trendy clothes, handbags, scarfs and stoles and lots of other stuff. The market is located near the Naina Devi Temple and can be easily via cab or walking along the Mall Road towards the temple. Go here for shopping in Nainital.

Shopping in Nainital
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16. Jeolikot

A peaceful town just 17 km from Nainital, Jeolikot is one of the most underrated hill stations of this region. Untouched by tourism (read urbanization), this beautiful place is haven for bird watchers and butterfly catchers. It is also known as Gateway to Naini and is a perfect place to unwind amidst lush green hills, distant peaks of the Himalayas and scenic landscape.

Places to visit near Nainital - Jeolikot
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17. Gurney House

This historic building was the residence of hunter-conservationist and writer Jim Corbett. Originally built in 1881, it was rebuilt after being destroyed in a landslide and therefore got its name implying that it was built from carted material of a dismantled house. The building consists of a charming cottage which has a tiny museum portraying the life and achievements of Jim Corbett, along with a well maintained nursery.

nainital trip - Gurney House
samrita_baruah/Instagram

18. Kainchi Dham

A personal favourite for ‘chai-pakoras’, Kainchi Dham is synonymous with the saint Neem Karoli Baba’s devotion to Lord Hanuman. The Dham was built in 1964 with a Hanuman Temple to perform yagnas at and subsequently became a popular place of worship. It is located around 17 kms from Nainital on the Nainital-Almora route. The Best time to visit, well religiously, would be on the 15th June every year when the Kainchi Bhandara is held to commemorate the inauguration of the temple as it is attended by lakhs of devotees.

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nainital india points of interest -Kainchi Dham
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19. Astronomical Observatory

Located about 9 kms from Nainital is this perfect place for those who have a keen interest in astronomy. It is known as the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) and is a leading research institute, specialising in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences. It sits atop the Manora Peak at 6,401 feet and is open to public on weekdays during afternoon. If you wish to indulge in night viewing, you would be required to take prior permission.

nainital sightseeing -ARIES Observatory
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20. St. John Wilderness Church

Built in 1846, it is one of the earliest buildings ever built in Nainital and is located in Mallital. The church, built in Neo Gothic style with stained-glass windows, is dedicated to St John, the Baptist. It is home to a memorial made to honour the victims of the landslide that occurred in 1880.

st. john wilderness church nainital
Ministry of Tourism

21. Pangot

A hill station lesser known, Pangot is located 13 km from Nainital at an altitude of 6,300 feet above sea level and is a photographer’s delight! From the moment you start your journey passing through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, you can spot various Himalayan species like lemmergeier, Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, Himalayan palm civets, barking deer, sambhar, leopards, roufus-bellied woodpecker, khalji pheasant, yellow-throated Himalayan martens and many others. And when you reach Pangot, a refreshing feel of oak, pine and rhododendron awaits you with breath taking scenic beauty.

places near nainital - Pangot
Heaven On Earth India/Instagram

22. Governor’s House

Also known as Raj Bhawan, this place is very popular for its Golf Course which is one of the vintage golf courses in India. It has hosted many golf courses and houses a swimming pool, Jhandidhar Modi Heights, Munshi Heights and sprawling lawns. Built in Victorian Gothic style, it was made as a replica of Buckingham Palace. Raj Bhawan is around 3 km from the Mall Road and can be reached by foot or via cab.

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Nainital hill station - Governor's House
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Apart from these places which are either within the confines of Nainital or not too far away from it, you could visit other places which require a drive or a few hours, like Ranikhet, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Jim Corbett and Ramgarh. Nainital and the areas around truly showcase the beauty of the Mighty Himalayas and its foothills. We hope we have given you enough reasons to plan a trip to this beautiful hill station! So, Happy Holidays!

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