At the base of the Kumaon mountain range in Uttarakhand sits the quaint hill town of Nainital. Situated near Dehradun and Delhi, this hill station is the most popular tourist destination in North India. A great weekend escape from Delhi and the surrounding areas is Nainital.
Nainital is a well-liked hill station for families, couples, and even lone travelers because of its beautiful year-round weather. It is perfect for a two-day visit and is easily reachable by road from adjacent large cities. The bus stop is located across from Naina Lake, which is surrounded by Mall Road on one side and Thandi Sadak on the other.
Nainital was founded by the British because of its similarity to the Cumbrian Lake District. Its exquisite colonial buildings add to the area’s allure. Some relatively unknown tiny hill towns like Pangot, Ranikhet, and Almora are located close to Nainital. There are also a few short hiking routes in Nainital.
Nainital is bound to make an impression on you, whether your activities involve boating in the stunning Naini Lake, indulging in Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, or riding the ropeway to see the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from Snow View Point.
Destinations In Nainital
1. Naini Lake
Naini Lake, also known as Nainital Lake, is a stunning freshwater lake that is located in the heart of Nainital. One of the most well-known lakes in the Kumaon area, the lake has a crescent or kidney form. The Nainital Lake, which is bordered by snow-capped hills to the north, Tiffin Point to the southwest, and Naini Peak to the northwest, provides an amazing perspective, particularly in the morning and at dusk. It is particularly well-known for its boats, picnics, and nighttime walks.
Surrounded by seven distinct peaks—Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda—the picturesque Nainital Lake is a sight to behold. The lake itself is split into two distinct areas: Tallital, located in the south, and Mallital, located in the north. The place’s untainted beauty is enhanced by the coniferous trees that blanket the mountainside. On the lake’s edge, there’s also the Naina Devi Temple. Naini Lake, a charming lake that formerly captured the heart of a European man, is now a popular travel destination for visitors from throughout the nation.
2. Snow View Point
Situated at an astounding 2,270 meters above sea level, Snow View Point in Nainital is a highly sought-after tourist destination in the region. Snow View Point, as its name implies, provides a broad perspective of the majestic Himalayas covered in a layer of fluffy white snow. From this place, one can enjoy a stunning view of the three significant peaks, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot.
At the Snow View Point, a massive set of binoculars has been installed to let you have a better view of the Himalayan range and its enchanted peaks. A little temple featuring pictures of Ram, Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman with Durga and Shiva can be seen if you look closely. You may get a breathtaking perspective of the lovely town by taking an aerial cable car from Mall Road of Mallital to Snow Perspective Point.
3. Mall Road Nainital
The main thoroughfare for dining, shopping, and cultural activities in the wonder that is Nainital is Mall Road, which connects the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital) and goes parallel to the Naini Lake. Mall Road is the place to go for anything, whether you’re craving decadent food or want to hunt for the cutest local woolens.
The Mall Road in Nainital was constructed by the British and is formally known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The town of Nainital is now synonymous with this road. Any time of day, you can observe gullible visitors strolling down Mall Road. It is forbidden to enter heavy vehicles or traffic during the busiest months of May, June, and October.
4. Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, is one of Nainital’s most well-known tourist destinations. An excellent place for a picnic in and of itself, this position offers a full view of the Kumaon region’s town of Nainital and the hills that surround it. At Tiffin Top, adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling are also offered. The stunning Tiffin Top is encircled by deodar, oak, and cherry trees. From here, views of Kumaon Hills and Naini Lake are breathtaking. On days with better visibility, Nanda Devi’s magnificent scenery is also visible.
Once patrons began dining al fresco on Dorothy’s Seat, the attraction was dubbed Tiffin Top. Because it was built in the loving remembrance of English artist Dorothy Kellett by army commander Col. J.P. Kellett, Tiffin Top is also known as Dorothy’s Seat. While Dorothy was traveling on a ship to be with her four children, the officer lost his wife.
5. Eco Cave Gardens
The Eco Garden, which consists of six little caverns shaped after different animals, is well-known for its network of connected rocky tunnels, hanging gardens, and singing fountain. It’s in the Mallital neighborhood of Nainital, and you have to crawl in. You can enjoy the musical fountain show in the evenings, which features a variety of audio-visual effects.
By creating several caves for various species that are comparable to their natural homes, the Eco Cave Garden aims to provide travelers with a view of the Himalayan Wildlife’s natural habitat. The most visited caves are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave, and Flying Fox Cave; they are all lit with petroleum lamps.
6. Naina Devi Temple
One of India’s fifty-one Shakti Peethas, Naina Devi Temple is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site. It is situated in Nainital. Maa Naina Devi, also known as Mata Sati, is the chief deity of the Naina Devi Temple. Hindu mythology states that the temple was constructed on the location where Goddess Sati’s eyes dropped when Lord Vishnu divided her body into 51 pieces.
The two eyes on the roof, representing Goddess Naina Devi, are located in the center of the Naina Devi Temple, surrounded by statues of Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha. The Naina Devi Temple is the source of the city of Nainital’s name. Prasad may be purchased at a number of the shops as you up the hill to the shrine.
Favored packages in Nainital
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nainital | ₹ 5,500* | 2 Nights / 3 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Mussoorie, Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital | ₹ 22,500* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Nainital, Kausani, Ranikhet | ₹ 12,500* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Haridwar, Mussoorie, Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital | ₹ 27,157* | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Kuchesar, Jim Corbett National Park, Almora, Nainital | ₹ 18,000* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
The Ideal Time To Go To Nainital
May through June, when tourism is at its highest, is the ideal time to visit Nainital. Nainital is a year-round destination because of its nice climate all year round. Between April and July, the average temperature is roughly 23 degrees Celsius.
In Nainital, July to September is monsoon season, when there is a lot of rain. Landslides could occur during this period. In Nainital, the winter months are October through February. The temperature is often in the region of 15 degrees Celsius. If you want to see snow, go to Nainital in January.
