Overview
About Nainital
Nainital is the best-known hill town of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, built around a pear-shaped lake at an altitude of roughly 2,000 metres. Forested ridges rise steeply on every side of the water, and the town climbs their slopes in a jumble of old cottages, colonial churches, schools and hotels. Boats drift across the lake all day, and in the evening the lights of the hillsides reflect on its surface.
The British developed Nainital in the nineteenth century as a summer retreat, and for many years it served as the summer seat of the government of the United Provinces. That past still shows in its stone churches, clubs, boarding schools and the long Mall Road along the lake. For Hindus, the lake is also sacred: the Naina Devi Temple on its northern shore is counted among the Shakti Peethas.
Nainital works well as a base for the wider Kumaon lake district. Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal are a short drive away and much quieter, while Mukteshwar and the orchards around Ramgarh offer wide views of the snow-capped Himalayan range on clear days. The town gets crowded on long weekends and in the summer holidays, so a little planning goes a long way.
- Naini Lake
- Boating
- Mall Road
- Himalayan viewpoints
- Colonial-era churches
- Kumaon lakes
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Nainital
Lakes & Nature
Naini Lake
The heart of the town, ringed by walking paths and dotted with rowing boats, pedal boats and sailing yachts. A boat ride across the lake is the classic Nainital experience.
Eco Cave Gardens
A set of small interconnected natural caves and gardens that children in particular enjoy crawling through. It also offers views over the lake.
Temples & Heritage
Naina Devi Temple
A revered temple on the northern edge of the lake, near the Flats. Mornings are the calmest time for darshan before the town gets busy.
St John in the Wilderness
One of the oldest churches in the town, a stone Gothic-style building set among deodars, with a quiet graveyard that tells the story of Nainital's colonial years.
Markets
Mall Road
The promenade that runs along the lake between Mallital and Tallital, lined with shops, cafes and eateries. It is at its liveliest in the evening.
Viewpoints
Snow View Point
Reached by an aerial ropeway from Mallital or by road, this ridge-top point looks out towards the high Himalayan peaks when the sky is clear.
Tiffin Top
Also called Dorothy's Seat, this rocky outcrop is reached by a pleasant walk or pony ride through oak and pine forest and gives a fine view over the town and lake.
Naina Peak
The highest point around Nainital, also known as China Peak. The trek up rewards walkers with sweeping views of the lake below and the mountains beyond.
Nearby Excursions
Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal
Two lakes within an easy drive of Nainital. Bhimtal has an island in the middle of its lake, and Naukuchiatal is known for its quiet setting and for paragliding nearby.
Sattal
A cluster of small connected lakes surrounded by dense forest, popular with birdwatchers and with anyone looking for a peaceful picnic spot away from the crowds.
Mukteshwar
A hilltop village with an old Shiva temple, the rock ledge of Chauli ki Jali and some of the best Himalayan views in Kumaon on clear mornings.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Nainital
- 1
Go boating on Naini Lake
Hire a rowing boat with a boatman or a pedal boat from the jetties at Mallital and Tallital. Early mornings bring still water and soft light.
- 2
Ride the ropeway
The cable car from Mallital to Snow View offers a quick climb above the town. Go early in the day for clearer skies and shorter queues.
- 3
Walk the forest trails
Paths to Tiffin Top, Naina Peak and Land's End wind through oak, rhododendron and pine forest and suit anyone with reasonable fitness.
- 4
Do a lake circuit
Spend a day visiting Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal, stopping for boating, short walks and roadside snacks along the way.
- 5
Look for birds
The forests around Sattal and Pangot are well known among birdwatchers for Himalayan species, especially in the cooler months.
- 6
Stroll the Mall at dusk
Join the evening crowd along the lake for hot snacks, souvenir shopping and views of the lit-up hillsides.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Nainital
The best time to visit Nainital is March to June and October to December. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
10°C to 27°C
The peak season, with pleasant days and cool nights that draw families escaping the plains. Expect crowds, traffic on the approach road and busy boating jetties.
Monsoon
July to September
14°C to 24°C
Frequent rain, mist and lush green slopes. Landslides can disrupt hill roads, so build buffer time into your plans and check road updates before driving.
Winter
October to February
0°C to 15°C
October and November bring crisp, clear skies and the best mountain views. December to February are cold, with occasional snowfall that delights visitors but can make roads slippery.
Getting there
How to Reach Nainital
By Air
Pantnagar Airport is the closest, about 70 km away, with limited flights to Delhi and a few other cities. Many travellers instead fly into Delhi and continue by train or road. Taxis are available from Pantnagar to Nainital.
By Rail
Kathgodam, about 35 km from Nainital, is the nearest railhead and the end of the line for trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun and other cities. Shared and private taxis wait outside the station for the uphill drive.
By Road
Nainital is about 300 km from Delhi by road via Moradabad and Haldwani, and state and private buses run regularly. The final stretch from Kathgodam is a winding mountain road, and parking in town is limited during peak season.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Nainital
Bal mithai
A Kumaoni sweet of browned khoya fudge coated in tiny white sugar balls, often bought as a gift to take home.
Aloo ke gutke
Boiled potatoes tossed with hill spices, red chillies and coriander, a simple and much-loved Kumaoni snack.
Bhatt ki churkani
A hearty curry made from local black soybeans, usually eaten with rice.
Kafuli
A thick green gravy of spinach and fenugreek leaves, a comforting dish on cold days.
Singori
A khoya sweet wrapped in a cone of maalu leaf, which gives it a faint, distinctive aroma.
What to Buy in Nainital
- Decorative and scented candles from Mall Road shops
- Woollens and shawls from the Tibetan market
- Homemade jams, pickles and juices from Kumaon orchards
- Wooden handicrafts and souvenirs
Travel Tips for Nainital
- Avoid driving up on long weekends if you can; traffic jams and parking shortages are common in peak season.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer, as evenings by the lake turn cool quickly.
- Book the ropeway and boating early in the day to avoid long waits.
- Stay near Mallital or Tallital if you want to walk to the lake and markets without needing a car.
FAQs
Nainital Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
March to June is the most popular time for pleasant weather, while October to December is ideal for clear Himalayan views and fewer crowds. Winter visitors may also catch occasional snowfall.
How many days are enough for Nainital?
Two to three days cover the lake, Mall Road, the main viewpoints and a trip to Bhimtal and Sattal. Add a day if you want to visit Mukteshwar.
What is Nainital famous for?
Nainital is famous for Naini Lake and boating, the Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, colonial-era buildings and its views of the Kumaon Himalaya.
Does it snow in Nainital?
Nainital gets occasional snowfall between late December and February, though it is not guaranteed every year. Higher spots like Snow View and Naina Peak are more likely to see snow.
What is the nearest railway station to Nainital?
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, about 35 km away, with direct trains from Delhi and several other cities.
Which lakes can I visit near Nainital?
Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal are all within an easy drive and can be covered together on a day trip from Nainital.
