About Nainital
Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India and is referred as the Lake District of India because of its close proximity to Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Sattal. It is surrounded by high mountains like Naina, Deopatha and Ayarpatha. The place got its name from a tale in mythology which says that the eyes of Goddess Sati dropped here while Lord Shiva carried her charred body.
Best time to visit is during summers; between May to July.
Why go there: Natural beauty | History | Climate
Ideal for: Relaxation Trips | Nature Walks | Solo Trips
Trivia: Used to be the Summer Capital of United Provinces (Uttar Pradesh) during British reign
Things to bring back: Wooden handicrafts, candles, woolens, souvenirs
Read More: 12 Exciting Things to do in Nainital
Places to Visit in Nainital
12. St. John in the Wilderness Church
St. John Church is an Anglican Church constructed in 1852. The neo-gothic architecture of the church surrounded by deodar forest is a vision to look at.
Distance from the city: 3 km from bus station
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Architecture admirers
Location: View On Map
11. Zoo
The Nainital Zoo is situated at a height of 2,100 m on the Sher ka Danda hill. The zoo is home to various birds and animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard cat, Golden Pheasant and many more. There is also a small Shiva temple adjacent to the zoo.
Distance from the city: 3 km from Mallitaal
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Flora- fauna enthusiasts | Friends | Family
Location: View On Map
Also Read: Things To Do In Nainital
10. Gurney House
Gurney House was the residence of hunter-conservationist and writer Jim Corbett. It is situated on Aryapatta Hill and houses Corbett memorabilia. Upon special appointment, a tour of the age old colonial property can be taken.
Distance from the city: 3 km from Mallital
Time required: 2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | History fans
Location: View On Map
9. Eco Cave Gardens
Eco cave gardens are a set of six small interconnected caves. Hanging gardens and a musical fountain make the place more interesting.
Distance from the city: 3 km from city center
Time required: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Adventure seekers
Location: View On Map
8. Guano Hills
Located in Pangot village, Gunao hills are perfect for long walks and treks. The scenic forest landscape is dominated by trees of oak, bamboo and deodar. Rare birds such as the grey woodpecker and black-chinned babbler can also be seen here.
Distance from the city: 6 km from city center
Time required: 3 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Adventure seekers | Flora-fauna enthusiasts
Location: View On Map
7. Naini Lake
Right at the center of the city is the most popular attraction of Nainital, the Naini lake. You can take a joyous boat ride or a paddle boat to cross the lake and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: Less than an hour
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family
Location: View On Map
6. Naina Devi Temple
On the upper end of the Naini lake lies a small and beautiful Naina Devi temple. You can take a boat ride from the other end to reach here or walk across the Mall road.
Distance from the city: 1 km from city center
Time required: Less than an hour
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Adventure seekers | Flora-fauna enthusiasts
Location: View On Map
5. Snow View Point
Snow View offers a stunning view of the Naina Devi Peak and is located at an altitude of 2270 m. You can take the aerial express ropeway to reach there. Do not miss out on the adventure park called Mountain Magic which offers activities like free fall, bumping cars, go-karting, flying fox and many more.
Distance from the city: 2 km from city center
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Nature lovers | Adventure Seekers | Friends | Family
Location: View On Map
4. Sariyatal
Sariyatal is a small and alluring lake very close to the main town. Other than the shimmering waters, you can visit The Himalayan Botanic Gardens, Butterfly Park, Library, Herbarium and Fernery.
Distance from the city: 5 km from city center
Time required: 1 –2 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family
Location: View On Map
3. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Garhi
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is a quaint pilgrimage center that offers silence and solitude to restless souls. Devotees can stay in the ashram and participate in the daily morning-evening rituals. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the same complex.
Distance from the city: 7 km from city center
Time required: 3 – 4 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Spirituality seekers
Location: View On Map
2. Observatory
Situated at an altitude of 1951 m, the observatory has one of the most advanced telescopes in India. At nights, visitors can star gaze with prior permission. The public can otherwise see the place in mornings and afternoons.
Distance from the city: 4.5 km from city center
Time required: 3 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Astronomy enthusiasts
Location: View On Map
1. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
Located on Ayarpatha hill, Tiffin Top is a viewpoint in Nainital offering horseback rides and a stunning view of the Kumaon hills. You can also enjoy activities like rappelling and rock climbing here.
Distance from the city: 3.2 km from Mallital
Time required: 2 hours
Ideal for: Nature buffs | Friends | Family | Adventure seekers
Location: View On Map
Other Places Around Nainital
Bhowali
Just about 11 km away from Nainital, Bhowalli is located at 1706 meters above the sea level. Visit the Golu Devta Temple, Gorakhal Estate, Fruit Market, Himalaya View Point
Sat Tal
Sat Tal is located at a distance of about 23 km from Nainital. Visit any of the 7 taals, Butterfly Museum, Subhash Dhara, Methodist Ashram
Kilbury
Kilbury is 12 km away from Nainital town. Visit the Kilbury Bird sanctuary.
Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham lies on the Nainital –Almora Road and is 17 km from Nainital. It is a modern pilgrim center.
Other places & things to explore:
- Places To Visit In Dehradun
- Things To Do In Dehradun
- Places To Visit In Mussoorie
- Things To Do In Mussoorie
How To Reach
Nearest Airport:
Pant Nagar Airport
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Nearest Railway Station:
Kathgodam
Nearest Bus Stop:
Nainital | Haldwani
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Where To Stay
Shervani Hilltop | Hotel Chevron Fairhavens | Seasons Hotels and Resorts
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