Nainital travel guide

Things to do in Nainital

1. Naini Lake boating

   1 h · ₹250 entry

   Naini Lake boating is a popular activity in Nainital where visitors can row or yacht across the picturesque natural body of water surrounded by hills.

   Tip: Life jackets are provided and must be worn during the boat ride for safety.

2. Naina Devi Temple

   45 min · Free

   Naina Devi Temple is a revered shakti peeth situated on the north shore of the lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Sati, it is an important spiritual site where devotees gather to offer prayers and seek blessings.

   Tip: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship and remove footwear before entering

3. Snow View Point

   1 h · ₹300 entry

   Snow View Point is a popular tourist spot in Nainital that offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Visitors take a ropeway up to reach the ridge and enjoy the scenic mountain landscape.

4. Tiffin Top

   2 h · Free

   Tiffin Top is a scenic ridge viewpoint in Nainital. It offers a peaceful spot to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the town below.

   Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the upward trail

5. Bhimtal

   2 h · Free

   Bhimtal is a calmer lake town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, featuring the largest lake in the Kumaon division. It is structured around a natural freshwater body that includes an island aquarium accessible by passenger ferry boats.

   Tip: Take a passenger ferry boat to reach the island in the middle of the lake.

6. Sattal

   2 h · Free

   Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees in the Lower Himalayan Range. Located in the Nainital district, the area features lush orchards and remains one of the few unspoiled biomes in India. It is well known for offering peaceful outdoor vacations and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

   Tip: Keep an eye out for tea plantation remnants left over from the British Raj period in the area.

7. Mukteshwar

   4 h · Free

   Mukteshwar is a scenic village in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. It features the ancient temple, the dramatic cliffs of Chauli ki Jali, and lush fruit orchards.

Where to stay in Nainital

• Mall Road

  ₹2,000–5,000

  Lake views and walking distance to everything.

• Tallital

  ₹1,000–2,500

  Cheaper hotels near the bus stand.

• Bhimtal

  ₹3,500–10,000

  Quieter lake, resorts and homestays.

What to eat

• Bal Mithai

  sweets · veg

  Kumaoni chocolate-fudge sweet with sugar balls.

• Sakley's

  restaurant

  Bakery and multi-cuisine on Mall Road.

• Machan

  restaurant

  Lake-view restaurant on Mall Road.

• Kumaoni thali

  local dish · veg

  Bhatt ki churkani, aloo gutke, madua roti.