Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India. There are several places to visit in Nainital and around the town. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Nainital:
Places to Visit in Nainital
- Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Tiffin Top
- Snow View
- Eco Cave Gardens
- Bhimtal Lake
- G B Pant High Altitude Zoo
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kainchi Dham – Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
- Jim Corbett National Park
1. Naini Lake
Naini Lake is the centerpiece of Nainital, a beautiful hill station located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The lake is a natural freshwater body and is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Naini Lake is pear-shaped and has a circumference of about 2 miles. The lake is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths in India and is considered sacred by Hindus. The lake is named after the Hindu goddess Naina Devi, and there is a temple dedicated to her on the northern shore of the lake.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Naini Lake, including boating, yachting, and paddling. Boats are available for rent, and visitors can choose from rowboats, paddle boats, or motorboats. A leisurely boat ride on the tranquil waters of Naini Lake is a must-do activity for visitors to Nainital.
The lake is surrounded by a promenade known as the Mall Road, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on Mall Road and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The Mall Road is also a popular spot for street shopping, and visitors can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and local produce.
Naini Lake is particularly beautiful during the evening when the lights from the surrounding hills reflect on the calm waters of the lake, creating a magical ambiance. Overall, Naini Lake is a must-visit destination in Nainital, and its serene waters and stunning views are sure to leave visitors spellbound.
2. Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Nainital, a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The temple complex consists of several shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities, including Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Naina Devi, whose eyes are said to be the embodiment of Shakti, the divine power.
The temple has a rich history and is believed to have been built during the Kushan period (1st – 3rd century AD). The temple was renovated several times over the centuries, and the current structure was built in the 19th century.
The temple architecture is a blend of traditional Kumaoni and modern styles. The temple has a colorful facade with intricate carvings and is decorated with bells and flags. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Naina Devi, which is adorned with jewels and flowers.
The temple is located on a hill, and visitors need to climb a flight of stairs to reach the temple. The climb is steep, but the stunning views of the lake and the town from the top make it worth the effort. The temple also has a terrace from where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the lake.
Overall, Naina Devi Temple is a must-visit destination in Nainital, not just for its religious significance but also for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.
3. Tiffin Top (Places to Visit in Nainital)
Tiffin Top is a popular viewpoint and one of the best places to visit in Nainital, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand, India. The viewpoint is situated at an altitude of about 2300 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the town of Nainital.
Tiffin Top is also known as Dorothy’s Seat, named after Dorothy Kellet, an English artist who used to paint landscapes from this viewpoint. The viewpoint was built in her memory by her husband in 1936, and it has since become a popular tourist destination in Nainital.
To reach Tiffin Top, visitors need to climb a steep path that starts from Ayarpatta Hill. The climb is about 4 kilometers long and can be a bit challenging, but the stunning views from the top make it worth the effort. Visitors can also opt for horse rides or a taxi to reach the top.
At the top of Tiffin Top, visitors can relax on benches and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the town of Nainital. The viewpoint is surrounded by lush green forests, and visitors can hear the chirping of birds and the sound of flowing water from the nearby streams.
Tiffin Top is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, and visitors can capture some stunning photographs of the sun rising or setting behind the Himalayas. The viewpoint is also a popular picnic spot, and visitors can bring along some food and drinks and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful surroundings.
4. Snow View (Places to Visit in Nainital)
Snow View is another popular tourist destination and best places to visit in Nainital. The viewpoint is situated at an altitude of about 2,270 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.
To reach Snow View, visitors can take a cable car ride from the Mallital area of Nainital. The cable car ride is about 3 kilometers long and takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. Visitors can also opt to hike up to the viewpoint, which takes about an hour.
At Snow View, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. The viewpoint is surrounded by lush green forests, and visitors can also see the town of Nainital and Naini Lake from the top.
In addition to the stunning views, Snow View also has several shops and stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and tea. Visitors can also enjoy horse rides or take a walk around the viewpoint and explore the nearby forests.
Snow View is particularly beautiful during winter when the Himalayas are covered in snow, and visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-clad peaks. However, the viewpoint is open throughout the year, and visitors can enjoy its beauty in any season.
5. Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Nainital, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand, India. The gardens are located about 1 kilometer from Mallital, and they are known for their unique and eco-friendly cave-like structures.
The Eco Cave Gardens comprise a series of interconnected caves, each of which has a unique shape and size. The caves are designed to resemble natural habitats of animals such as bats, panthers, tigers, and bears, and visitors can explore them by walking through narrow passages and steep slopes.
Apart from the caves, the Eco Cave Gardens also have a musical fountain, a hanging garden, and a waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy a light and sound show that depicts the history and culture of Uttarakhand.
The Eco Cave Gardens are open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and carry a light jacket or sweater, as the caves can be chilly and damp.
The Eco Cave Gardens are a popular destination for families, children, and nature enthusiasts, and they provide a unique and fun-filled experience amidst nature. Overall, the Eco Cave Gardens are a must-visit destination in Nainital, and they offer a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
Explore Nainital
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Nainital
- Check Nainital Weather
- Best Time to Visit Nainital
- Jim Corbett to Nainital
- Haridwar to Nainital
- Delhi to Nainital
6. Bhimtal Lake (Places to Visit in Nainital)
Bhimtal Lake is a beautiful lake located in the town of Bhimtal, which is about 22 kilometers from Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. The lake is named after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic, Mahabharata.
Bhimtal Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Kumaon region, and it is surrounded by lush green hills and forests. The lake is about 1.5 kilometers long and is fed by several streams and springs. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing in the lake, and the surrounding area is also a popular destination for picnics and nature walks.
The main attraction of Bhimtal Lake is its island, which is located at the center of the lake. The island is home to a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and visitors can reach it by taking a boat ride or walking across a narrow bridge.
Apart from the island and the temple, Bhimtal Lake also has several other attractions, including a museum dedicated to the life and works of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The museum houses several rare photographs, personal belongings, and manuscripts of Nehru, and it is a must-visit for history buffs.
Bhimtal Lake is also surrounded by several other smaller lakes and water bodies, including Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Khurpatal. Visitors can explore these lakes by taking a scenic drive or by walking along the winding roads that lead to them.
7. G B Pant High Altitude Zoo
The G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the highest zoos in the world, situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level.
The zoo was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 4.6 hectares. It is named after the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Govind Ballabh Pant. The zoo is home to several species of animals and birds that are native to the Himalayan region.
Some of the animals that can be found in the G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo include Himalayan black bears, Siberian tigers, leopards, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, bharals (blue sheep), Himalayan thars, and many others. The zoo also houses several species of birds such as kalij pheasants, rose-ringed parakeets, monals, and koklass pheasants.
The G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is also known for its conservation efforts and breeding programs for endangered species. The zoo has successfully bred several species of animals, including the Himalayan black bear, the snow leopard, and the Tibetan wolf.
Apart from the animals, the G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo also offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The zoo is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant.
Overall, the G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is a must-visit destination in Nainital, especially for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a unique opportunity to see some of the rarest and most exotic animals and birds that are native to the Himalayan region.
8. Hanuman Garhi (Places to Visit in Nainital)
Hanuman Garhi is a Hindu temple and pilgrimage site located in the town of Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.
The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 6,401 feet above sea level, and it offers a breathtaking view of the Nainital town and the surrounding Himalayan mountains. To reach the temple, visitors have to climb a flight of stairs, which can be a bit steep and tiring, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
Apart from the main temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, there are also other small temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Shiva within the temple complex. The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture, which combines elements of traditional Hindu temple design with modern architecture.
Hanuman Garhi is also a popular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset, and many visitors come here early in the morning or in the evening to witness the spectacular views of the sun rising or setting behind the mountains.
Overall, Hanuman Garhi is a must-visit destination in Nainital for those who want to experience the spiritual and cultural side of the town while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
9. Kainchi Dham – Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
Kainchi Dham is a spiritual and cultural center located near the town of Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. It is an ashram and pilgrimage site dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, a Hindu saint, and mystic who was revered for his spiritual teachings and humanitarian work.
The ashram was established in the late 1960s by Neem Karoli Baba’s disciples, including Western devotees who were attracted to his teachings and way of life. The ashram is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by forests, hills, and a stream that flows nearby.
Kainchi Dham is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, and it attracts visitors from all over the world who come here to meditate, reflect, and connect with their spiritual selves. The ashram has a temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, which is adorned with colorful murals and paintings depicting his life and teachings.
Apart from the temple, Kainchi Dham also has a small library, a guesthouse, and a cafeteria that serves simple vegetarian meals to visitors. The ashram is open to people of all religions and backgrounds, and it welcomes everyone who seeks spiritual guidance and inner peace.
10. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and one of the best places to visit in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Established in 1936, it is the oldest national park in India and is named after Jim Corbett, a British hunter-turned-conservationist who played a key role in the park’s creation.
The national park covers an area of 520 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, langurs, and many species of birds and reptiles. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, who come here to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills and observe the majestic animals in their natural habitat.
The park offers various activities for visitors, such as jeep safaris, elephant rides, bird watching, and nature walks. Visitors can also stay at one of the many lodges and resorts located in and around the park, which offers comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities.
Apart from wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park is also known for its scenic beauty, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling streams. It is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers who want to capture the beauty of the Himalayas and its rich biodiversity.
Overall, Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit destination in Nainital for those who want to experience the thrill of wildlife spotting and explore the natural wonders of the Himalayas. It is a perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and conservation, and it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Nainital. Visitors can also explore other attractions such as St. John’s Church, Mall Road, and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
