Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital, more commonly known as the lake district, is beautifully situated in Uttarakhand, and offers picturesque views of the mountains and other natural beauty. One of the best hill stations of India, Nainital is a pristine valley with an elevation of about 2084 m. Summer is the peak tourist time when everyone looks for a cool and comfortable place. Nainital is also an ideal and most preferred romantic spot for honeymooners and couples seeking some quality time.

There is a lot you can do in Nainital apart from enjoying the lake view and absorb the tranquility around. Nainital is moderately crowded throughout the year because of its popularity and you can enjoy everything from nature, shopping, dining, adventure activities and much more. Rejuvenate yourself by spending beautiful time together with your family and friends.

Here is a list of things you can do and major tourist attractions you must not miss on your trip –

The Lakes: Nainital

Needless to say, the lake city is famous for beautiful lakes like Naukuchiyatal (Lake with 9 corners), Bhimtal (with the small island in the middle of the lake), Sattal (there are 7 lakes in this area), Khurpatal (the hoof-shaped lake). These are all situation in close distance with each other and have their own unique persona.

You can spend half or full day hopping around the lakes as there are many food joints to serve you good food. Sattal is a comparatively less visited place and you can engage in fishing there. A pristine and peaceful atmosphere, Sattal is ideal if you want some time for yourself in the midst of mother nature! A few more lakes – Panna Lake, Sita Tal and Ram Tal are pretty much unexplored and you should really go enjoy them.

Suggested Tour Packages:

1. 2 Nights / 3 Days – Delhi Nainital Tours
2. 10 Nights / 11 Days – Agra Rishikesh Haridwar
3. 7 Nights / 8 Days – Delhi Agra Haridwar Rishikesh Tour

Read also: Lake Pichola; Travel Guide to Udaipur’s Finest Place

Boating Ride: Nainital

Here you go – city of lakes and no boating? Nah, doesn’t make sense. So, get boating at day or night in this beautiful lake in the middle of the city! Sail your way with row or paddle boats and enjoy the serene ride.

Read on: Places to Visit in North India in Winters

Naina Peak: Nainital

The highest point of Nainital and also the most visited tourist place, this is a great trek for the adventurous lot. It is an easy trek and along the way you will be mesmerized with the beauty of thick Deodar, Cypress and pine forests. The view from top is obviously the best but the overall journey is very rewarding and satisfying too. The trail is very friendly and you won’t feel tired – in fact you will be refreshed to see the beautiful views every now and then.

Explore: Best 10 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in Summer with Family

Take a deep breath to the stunning Himalayan snow view!

Snow view is one of the most popular tourist spots in Nainital. Through rope way you can encounter some breath-taking views along the way and reach the fun park, a perfect getaway for the entire family. Before going, it would be good to check on the weather as the rope ways will be closed if weather is not suitable. The park is a great fun outing and you can enjoy a variety of crazy activities whole day. The stupendous views are all yours to be captured on small screen so make the most of it!

Explore: Top Places to enjoy Snowfall in India

Corbett National Park: Nainital

One of the most popular and must-see destinations of Nainital, this park is also one of the oldest in India! The park spreads over a huge area and has many species of animals and birds which will keep you occupied through the day. This journey is a treat to children! You can take the safari on jeep or elephant to make your trip more exciting. 

Suggested Tour Packages:

1. 12 Nights / 13 Days – North India & Nepal (Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kathmandu)
2. 21 Nights / 22 Days – Rajasthan, Mumbai and Goa
3. 15 Nights / 16 Days – North India Himalaya (Delhi, Manali, Ladakh Road Trip)
4. 5 Nights / 6 Days – Delhi Shimla Manali Tour

Also read: Top 10 Wildlife Destinations for Luxury Vacation in India

Nainital Zoo: Nainital

Ideal place for nature lovers, Zoo is a great place to spend the whole day for kids and adults alike. The zoo is at a high altitude so you can get amazing view of the hill station. Besides, you can see some new varieties of animals like the Red Panda, royal Bengal tiger, Golden pheasant and so on. There are shuttle services for the zoo from the Mall road. The entry is free for senior citizens and differently abled persons and special provisions are provided for them.

Suggest article: Holidays Ideas for Kids Under 10 Years in India

Eco Cave Garden: Nainital

Like already mentioned, Nainital has all the activities you would ask for – be it adventure, spiritual, family or anything. This is one adventurous journey for your entire family packed with fun and excitement. There are interconnected caves that you can go in. There are six caves in total and you can choose any one to start with! The tiger cave is the easiest to pass through while the Bat cave is difficult and you will have to be flexible enough to get into it. There are also effigies showing rural men and women of Nainital and the park will give you an overall relaxed and peaceful feeling along with a sense of accomplishment to have completed the cave journey!

Explore: 30 Best Places to Visit in India

Rock Climbing – not for the weak hearts!

Another accomplishment for you would be to climb the Barah Patthar, which is a few kilometers away from Cave Garden and is an ideal spot for rock climbing. But not everyone can get in. You will need some experience and will have to complete a minimum 7-day course about abseiling, bouldering, climbing, scrambling and river crossing so that you can know your strengths and body’s flexibility can improve. But, when you do climb the rock, you are sure to feel proud about yourself!

Read on: 10 Places to Visit in Mount Abu for Honeymoon

Chandni Chowk…. Wait what?

You must have heard of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Now it is time for you to know about the one in Nainital which actually is a restaurant with the theme of Chandni Chowk. The interiors are inspired by the original Chandni Chowk and shows the busy streets. There are moving mannequins that can deceive you into thinking that they are actually cooking many varieties. The restaurant serves scrumptious Punjabi food, the most delicious being ‘Dilli ki Chaat’.

Suggested Tour Packages:

Must read: Ten Top Photographic Spots in Delhi

Tibetan Market: Nainital

Tibetan market – Ideal for the shopaholics, this place offers variety of items at great prices. You can get nice trendy clothes at a steal deal – you need to know how to bargain!

Nainital is also a source of handmade goods like candles, jams, squashes and fruit preservatives. You can buy loads of them from Bara Bazar, the Mall road, Bhotia Bazaar and Mallital. You can also find a good variety of woollens and brass items at reasonable prices.

Make sure you carry back Decorative Wax Candles, Wooden Sticks, Items made of pine seeds etc… with you along with loads of trip memories!

Also read: A Complete Travel Guide for Shopping In India

Eat to your heart’s desire at Sonam’s: Nainital

Near to the Tibetan market is this joint serving delectable food – steaming hot momos. You will feel like being in heaven as these are tastiest momos you will ever have! Though small, the food served is here is very popular and worth trying!

Read more: Top 15 Rajasthani Foods to try when you are Travel in Jaipur

Sunset at Hanuman Garhi: Nainital

Sunset is a pleasure to watch any place you go! But from this particular view, the sun actually disappears instead of setting down! You will be surely mesmerized and want to see it one more time to know how the magic happened! The park is well maintained and is a delight for everyone. Reach the temple by early evening and enjoy the sunset!

Explore: 6 Romantic Kerala Beaches to Watch Sunset View

Kilbury and Pangot: Nainital

Kilbury houses about 500 species of birds and is a gratifying sight to watch. You can enjoy ‘bird watching’ whole day here. Pangot is a hamlet of heart shape which is a great view as well as a tranquil and quiet place to spend some time. There are many resorts which offer great facilities even in this small place to make your stay comfortable and wholesome.

Last but not the least, sit by the lakeside and spend lazy evening strolling around and make yourself free of worries and otherwise busy routine. Enjoy your stay at Nainital in the midst of nature with plenty of activities around! It’s a wholesome holiday experience for the entire family!

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Suggested Tour Packages: