Top 12 Places to Visit in Nainital: A Local's Travel Guide

Nainital, the emerald lake town in the Kumaon hills, sits at roughly 2,084 metres and stays pleasant through summer when the plains swelter. Built around the eye-shaped Naini Lake, it is one of the most-loved hill stations in Uttarakhand and has been a popular summer retreat since the British discovered it in the 1840s. The town divides into Tallital at the lower end and Mallital at the upper end, with the lake stretching between them. Here are the 12 places we recommend most often to travellers, grouped so you can plan a relaxed two-day visit.

Around Naini Lake and Mall Road

The lake is the heart of town and everything radiates from it. A pedal-boat or shikara ride at dawn, before the day-trippers arrive, is the calmest way to enjoy the water and the reflections of the surrounding hills. The lakeside Mall Road connects Tallital and Mallital and is best walked in the evening, when the lights come on and the promenade fills with families. Look out for candle shops, woollen stores and vendors selling hot bhutta (roasted corn) and momos.

• Naina Devi Temple at Mallital, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sits right beside the lake and is the spiritual centre of town.
• Naini Lake boating from the Boat House Club, available in row, pedal and yacht options.
• Tibetan Market (Bhotia Market) near Mallital for woollens, shawls and inexpensive souvenirs.

Viewpoints and the ropeway

The hills around Nainital open up into wide Himalayan panoramas on clear mornings, especially after rain has washed the haze away. The aerial ropeway from Mallital to Snow View is the easiest way up and is a hit with families who would rather not hike.

• Snow View Point (2,270 m) for views of Nanda Devi on a clear day, with a small temple and binoculars on hire.
• Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat), a pleasant trek or pony ride from Barapathar through oak forest.
• Naina Peak (China Peak), the highest point at 2,615 m, a rewarding 6 km hike for the energetic.
• Land's End, a flat-topped cliff overlooking the smaller Khurpatal lake far below.

Family attractions and nature

Beyond the lake and viewpoints there is easily enough to fill a second day, particularly if you are travelling with children.

• Eco Cave Gardens, a fun network of interconnected rock caves shaped like animals.
• Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, home to the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard and Tibetan wolf.
• Governor's House (Raj Bhavan), a Gothic-style building with a golf course, open to visitors at set times.
• Sariyatal and Khurpatal on the way out of town, quieter lakes that make a good final stop.

Best time to visit and how to reach

March to June is peak season with cool, comfortable days; September to November brings clear skies, golden light and far fewer crowds. Winters are cold and the town occasionally sees snow in December and January. We suggest avoiding the heart of the monsoon for hill driving, as landslides can slow the roads. Nainital is about 65 km from Haldwani and the nearest railhead is Kathgodam, around 35 km away. The drive up from Kathgodam takes roughly 1.5 hours on a well-paved but winding road.

A practical tip from us: parking inside Nainital is limited and is regulated by the administration during peak season, so most visitors park at the edge of town and walk Mall Road. Carry a light jacket even in summer, because the evenings by the lake turn cool quickly.

Arjun Travels runs comfortable taxis and customised day trips to Nainital from Haldwani, with experienced hill drivers who know the parking and timing tricks. To book a cab or plan a wider Kumaon itinerary, call or WhatsApp us on +91 90844 04569.