Nainital, India: travel guide
A crescent lake ringed by Kumaon's oak forests and peaks
Kumaon's gem of a hill station curled around a crescent lake, ringed by oak forests and Himalayan peaks — a beloved colonial escape.
About Nainital
Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand, arranged around the pear-shaped Naini Lake and surrounded by forested ridges of the Kumaon Himalaya. It grew up as a colonial retreat, and its boats, promenades and old buildings still give that impression.
Things to do in Nainital include boating on the lake, walking the Mall Road, and visiting Naina Devi Temple on the northern shore. Viewpoints such as Snow View, Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat) and Naina Peak look out over the town and, on clear days, the high Himalaya.
It suits couples, families and anyone wanting an easy mountain break from the plains. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and again from September to November, while winter can be cold and sometimes brings snow.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Nainital
Naini Lake
lake · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The emerald crescent lake at the heart of Nainital, ringed by forested hills, with rowing and pedal boats and a lively promenade — the town's centrepiece.
Mall Road
promenade · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The lakeside promenade linking Mallital and Tallital, lined with shops, eateries, hotels and lake views — Nainital's bustling social spine.
Naina Devi Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
A revered Shakti Peeth on the north shore of the lake, marking where the goddess's eyes are said to have fallen — the spiritual origin of Nainital's name.
Snow View Point
viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A 2,270 m viewpoint reached by an aerial ropeway, offering panoramas of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi on clear days.
Bhimtal
lake · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A larger, quieter lake town ~22 km from Nainital, centred on a lake with a forested island and aquarium — a relaxed alternative to the busy hill station.
GB Pant High Altitude Zoo
zoo · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A hillside zoo at 2,100 m specialising in Himalayan species — snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, Tibetan wolves and pheasants.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic hilltop picnic spot and viewpoint reached by a walk or pony ride from Mallital, offering 360-degree views of Nainital and the surrounding ranges.
Eco Cave Gardens
cave-park · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A network of interconnected rocky caves shaped like animals, with a musical fountain, popular with families and children near Mallital.
Sattal
lake · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes amid oak and pine forest, a serene birdwatching and kayaking spot near Bhimtal.
Naina Peak (China Peak)
peak · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The highest point around Nainital at 2,615 m, reached by a forested trek or pony ride, rewarding hikers with the widest Himalayan and lake views.
Land's End
viewpoint · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A cliff-edge viewpoint reached via Tiffin Top, overlooking the Khurpatal lake and the plunging valley — a quiet spot for sweeping views.
St John in the Wilderness
church · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene 1844 colonial Gothic stone church set in deodar forest above the lake, with old stained glass and a tranquil graveyard.
Things to do
- Naini Lake Boating Activity · 0.8 h · from INR 210 per person
- Snow View Ropeway Activity · 0.7 h · from INR 300 per person
- Naina Devi Temple Visit Cultural · 0.8 h
- Sattal–Bhimtal–Naukuchiatal Lake Circuit Nature · 5 h · from INR 1,500 per person
- Tiffin Top & Land's End Pony Ride Activity · 2.5 h · from INR 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Nainital Lake & Viewpoints Tour 7 h · from INR 1,500
- Sattal–Bhimtal–Naukuchiatal Lakes Tour 5 h · from INR 1,500
- Jim Corbett Day Safari from Nainital 11 h · from INR 3,500
Where to stay in Nainital
- Mall Road about INR 3,500 per night
Main shopping and dining area with hotel clusters
- Lake Side about INR 2,500 per night
Peaceful lakeside area with nature views
Hotels
- The Naini Retreat 5-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- Shervani Hilltop Nainital 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 per night
- Zostel Nainital 2-star · INR 600 to INR 2,200 per night
- Balrampur House 3-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Manu Maharani 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,500 per night
- Sterling Nainital 3-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
Where to eat
- Sonam Chowmein Corner Tibetan, Chinese, Fast Food · about INR 150 per person
- Machan Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Continental · about INR 550 per person
- Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop Continental, Bakery, Cafe · about INR 600 per person
- Embassy Restaurant North Indian, Continental, Chinese · about INR 550 per person
- Chandni Restaurant North Indian, Chinese · about INR 450 per person
- Boat House Club Continental, North Indian, Chinese · about INR 900 per person
- Cafe Chica Cafe, Continental, Italian · about INR 500 per person
- Zooby's Kitchen Cafe, Continental, Fast Food · about INR 350 per person
Getting to Nainital
Nearest airport: Rishikesh (via Dehradun) (DED), about 153 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Nainital
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Nainital?
- The highest-rated places in our Nainital guide are Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Sattal, Naina Peak (China Peak), Mall Road.
- Where should I stay in Nainital?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Nainital: Mall Road, Lake Side.
- How do I get around Nainital?
- Ways to get around Nainital covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Walking.