Nainital, India: travel guide
Kumaon's gem of a hill station curled around a crescent lake, ringed by oak forests and Himalayan peaks — a beloved colonial escape.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Top places to visit in Nainital
Naini Lake
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h
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
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h
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
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
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
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h
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
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · entry INR 100
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
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
Nature · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · entry INR 60
A network of interconnected rocky caves shaped like animals, with a musical fountain, popular with families and children near Mallital.
Sattal
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
A cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes amid oak and pine forest, a serene birdwatching and kayaking spot near Bhimtal.
Naina Peak (China Peak)
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 3 h
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
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
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 around
- Auto Rickshaw main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.