Nothing greets morning better than opening your curtains wide and seeing that blue peaked sky welcoming you to a new day. Nainital is the gateway of Kumaon also known as lake district of India and is a quaint village situated in the lush green Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. It is truly one of the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand, with very less population in the village of about 250 people, you will feel more connected to the culture.
The locals in the village are very helpful for any tourists visiting the village. It gives you an added benefit of the breathtaking view of Kumaon Hills, with endless ranges in front of you. The village is situated near the famous hill station Nainital, taking you away from all the bustling noises of commercialized place into a peaceful journey of its own. There are a lot of things to do in Nainital.
Nainital, the Lake City is one of the best places to explore if you are seeking for a holiday plan where you can witness a queer peacefulness and discover the natural wonders. Nestled in the lap of Uttarakhand and is adorned with various hill destinations to secure its name in the list of top hill destinations in the country.
This small yet impressive valley lies at an altitude of almost 2084 meters above the sea level with a beautiful lake located in the centre. One of the most preferred hill stations in India and during the summer vacation, a huge number of travelers visit here. As huge change has been witnessed in the traveling trend, hence, a lot of people plan their weekend tour to Nainital.
Also, if you are a newly-wed couple or going to get married soon then Nainital would be a perfect place to start your married life by spending some really amazing romantic moments with their soulmate. Nainital tour packages play a vital role in making your trip more memorable and hassle free. You can visit the local temples in village, or trek to the nearby hills to get a sight of mesmerizing sunset behind the hills of Uttarakhand.
Imagine starting your day with sun rays peeking out from the window offering warmth and coziness to your room. Taking a sip of hot coffee while gazing at the sparkling and sprawling lake with several boats sailing over it and the surrounding brightened mountains enhances the charm and lets you feel that you are having a glimpse of the beautiful paintings of Claude Monet.
The best thing about Nainital is that it happens to be one of the best places where you can visit if you want to regain your peace of mind and this benevolent city never disheartens you with this. Be ready to face the crowd as the destination is found crowded with tourists all-round the year but this too makes the city more interesting and exciting.
Famous for it's scenic beauty, salubrious climate, flora and fauna, there are plenty of tourist attraction in and out of Nainital. You can add Jim Corbett, Ranikhet, Almora, Kausani and Binsar in your Nainital itinerary. Plan the trip in an optimum manner leaving time to visit the nearby towns like Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Kainchi dham and the others that are located just an hour away.
You can also visit the high altitude zoo, Snow View Point, Nanda Devi Mandir, Flats (the local market), the cave gardens and other points.
Try to find a hotel in Tallital instead of Mallital and with minimum distance from the bus stand as it's the mid part of the whole area. There is no public transport there, you need to book a cab every time and they'll cost much more than your expectations. There are also homestays in the villages.
 | Naini Lake |
As you are on a holiday trip so you must be thinking of having fun and thrill, hence, we have decided to provide you a list of activities that you can enjoy in Nainital.
1. Sattal Lake
Sattal Lake is another lake that vacationers can visit. It fills in as a perfect spot for bird watching and is the home of numerous migratory birds. Sattal is situated in the lower Himalayan Range. It is unique for its ecological amplitude and biodiversity. It has 500 species of resident and migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, over 525 species of butterflies and over 11,000 species of moths, bettles, bugs and other insects.
Bhowali is a gateway to many places in the Kumaon such as Almora and Bageshwar. The lakes nearby Bhowali are Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukha Tal and Khurpa Tal. Bhowali is famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit market. It is located near Ghorakhal, known for Golu Devata temple.
Naukuchia Lake, Bhimtal, and Sattal lakes are few of the most popular freshwater lakes in the city where tourists can enjoy yachting and boating. Going to these freshwater lakes doesn't only provide you an opportunity to enjoy boating but also to witness the glamorous beauty of the three surrounding mountain peaks including Snow View, Naina Peak, and Tiffin Top that simply takes your breath away.
Naukuchiatal is a gorgeous place where you can enjoy kayaking and other adventure activities and is approximately 303 km from New Delhi. Naukuchiatal, a little beautiful lake town is a goal for the individuals who look for solitude and serenity underneath the shade of unadulterated nature. As the name of the spot recommends, this spot is for the most part known for its nine cornered lake which measures up to 1 km long and 40 m deep.
Lying at some separation from clamoring slope station of Nainital, this spot is attached with a legend. It is said that one who looks at all nine corners of lake with the two feet on the earth can influence the watcher to vanish into smoke to accomplish nirvana. The lake is bounded by the high and steep Naini peak on the North West side, by the Tiffin Top to the southwest side and snow view peaks on the north.
With numerous chances to restore your body and soul, Naukuchiatal is honored with extensively impressive environment and enamoring lake. The excellent climate consistently and a few attractions like lakes and sanctuaries makes your outing a fantastic experience.
2. Naina Peak
There is a highest peak in Nainital known as Naina Peak or China Peak. It is about 2,615 m above on the north. The tourists come and visit Naina Peak for the breath-taking view of the entire Nainital and Naini Lake and also they say that the view that comes after standing there of Naini Lake is ‘The Mango View’.
After standing there it looks like a mango. The name China peak was named because earlier The wall of China was visible from the peak. But now because of the problems of landslides and heavy rainfall the China wall is not clearly visible. The peak also gives the beautiful view of Camel’s back.
As it's a place in the mountains so you'll need to hike most of the time everywhere. This admiring hill station offers its travelers with a plethora of trekking options and the scenic sites of the surroundings enhance its beauty to the next level. Nainital Betalghat Trek, Nainital Kainchi Trek, Snow View Trek, etc. are few of the most sought and popular trekking trails in this hill city.
However, trekking along the trail to Naina Peak is the most admiring and exciting activity to get indulged here especially if you are an adventure enthusiast.
Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Mukteshwar, and Mangoli are some of the most exciting places to enjoy camping in Nainital but the charm of Naina Devi Jungle Camp is something that can't be expressed in words and so it is enlisted as one of the most popular camping sites here. Hiking, star gazing, trekking, Tarzan Swing, yoga, and many more experiences can be lived and enjoyed by camping in and around Nainital.
Nainital is one of those holiday destinations where you can experience almost everything you look for in a trip like if you are a travel enthusiast then you can enjoy activities like trekking, hiking, and snowboarding (in winters), and similarly you get to witness the impeccable beauty of nature, etc.
3. Camel’s Back
Camel’s Back is a beautiful place in Nainital. Which is in the shape of the back of camel. And Bara Patthar is a beautiful place where the tourists can see 12 different big stones with an amazing view.
4. G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
There is a zoo at the top of the mountains. It is a high altitude Zoo located on the Sher ka Danda hill at 2,100 meters above sea level. Over the years it has become the popular attraction for the tourists. The Zoo had several exotic and endangered species of animals and birds. Some of the rarely found animals are spotted at this high altitude zoo in Nainital and this makes it another interesting place to explore in this beautiful valley. You can also take a cab to reach there.
5. Tiffin Top
Tiffin top is a place in the shape of a Tiffin box. It is 2293 meters above the sea level and is located at the the Aryapatta Hill. It is also famous for its hair – raising view. It is a place where the tourists enjoys the view of the of Mall Road of Nainital. There are 2 Mall Roads the Upper one and the lower one.
When there was the rule of Britishers, they have made the two mall roads. The upper one was for them (the higher authority) and the lower one was for the normal public. It is named after an English Painter who used to sit there and paint. His name was Dorothy Kellet. And this place is also known as Dorothy’s seat.
Nainital is worldwide popular for its captivating natural beauty and one who visits this place must not miss out the opportunity to go on a nature trek with their loved ones. When you follow the way by taking a right turn before the Tiffin Top then you will see the graceful trail leading you towards the McDonald's Circular Road and if you are lucky enough then you might get the chance to spot plumaged Khaleej pheasants, shy barking deer, and few other birds.
6. Mall Road
In the evening you can roam around Mall road. Your visit to Nainital is always incomplete if you don’t go for horse riding activity especially in the Mall Road area. A lot of travelers love enjoying horse rides to the Naina Peak to enjoy witnessing the fascinating views of the magnificent Himalayas adorned with the thick sheets of blanket. Go on a horse tour around Nainital.
7. Tibetan & Bhotia Market
Nainital is one of the best places for shopaholics and The Mall Road, Tibetan Market, and Bara Bazar are some of the most popular market places in the city where a huge number of foreign tourists are also found bargaining to the shopkeepers. Scented candles, hey chains, artificial jewelry, and books are few of those things that you can bring back as souvenirs.
The Tibetan market of Nainital, also called Bhotia Market, is a go-to place for shoppers. There is a wide variety of winter wear, and the Tibetan food. As gifts or souvenirs you can purchase candles or wood work. You will find a variety of these in every shop around town. There are beer mugs, boats and all shapes and sizes not available anywhere else.
Among the local cuisine you must try the pahadi khana like dal chudkani, dum aloo and others. This will be available in any restaurant. You cannot miss the momos served in the Bhotia market (flats) and the thukpa too.
8. Jim Corbett Gurney House
It is a historic building and refers to a cottage which is famous for being the residence of hunter-conservationist and writer Jim Corbett. This house was sold to Mr. Sharda Prasad Verma by the sister of Jim Corbett in 1947 when they left for Kenya. Currently the house is owned by his granddaughter Nilanjana Dalmia. The materials used in this building were reused components of an older house.
9. Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is one of the most famous temple besides with a beautiful combination of hill and lake. There is a market near the temple, you would love to shop there.
10. Snow View
Snow View point is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Nainital. It is located at an height of of 2,270 mts, above the sea level. It offers the tourists an amazing and mesmerizing views of snow capped mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot. It is opened between 10 am to 5pm for the visitors. Each hour that you spend at the spot is charged.
It is located at just 3 km from main Nainital. It has many facilities like large binoculars, tea and snacks shops etc. Do take a ride in the Nainital ropeway, just 500 meters away, leading to the Snow View Point and witness the beautiful Himalayan snow-covered peak.
If you don't want to walk then you can also take a horse ride to reach the top. But if you're with a group or friends and want to enjoy the moment, just hike to the top. You'll enjoy doing that. A horse ride would cost you 800 per person.
Now the seven tops consist of all tops excluding Nainital peak or China peak and tiffin top. You can't reach there by car. What will be best is to book a cab for the day tell him your interest points and negotiate the price and time you would like to give to each place. So, find a cab, and you'll easily get that as all the drivers roam around the Mall road and everywhere.
They'll cost you a maximum of 1000 INR and within 2 hpurs you'll get to see all tops including snow viewpoint, Himalaya view, Sookha tal, Suicide or Lovers point, etc.
11. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Kilbury is located at 12 km from Nainital. One of the few high altitude bird sanctuaries in India, It is known as bird Watcher Paradise and is located at 2000 meters above the sea level. Kilbury is enclosed by flourishing green thick jungle of oak, pine & rhododendron. It is a perfect birding holiday destination. It is a home over to 240 different species of Birds which both are migratory and resident. The Sancutary is located at a picturesque forest village called Pangot.
12. St John's Church
St. John in the Widerness refers to one of the earliest buildings in Nainital and the finest church in any Inidan Hill Station. It was established in 1844 and is located on the north end of the town. The Chruch was named by the Bishop of Calcutta who came to Nainital when the place was very much in Wilderness. The Church is located in a hidden and serene location amidst the deodar forests and is built in a Neo – Gothic styled architecture with stained glass windows from Belgium.
13. Kainchi Ashram
Kainchi Ashram is a beautiful ashram surrounded by mountains located in the Kumoan Hills 38 km fromNainital. Thos temple was first inaugurated in June 1964. Hundreds of people visit the temple everyday, in season. More than 1 lakh pople are fed each year, during the famous June 15th bhandara. That day every year they have ‘Kainchi ka Mela’.
Very strict rules are enforced on the individuals staying in the Ashram. If one wishes to stay in this pure and pious Ashram, you must write to the manager and request for your stay. Each one is asked to participate in the morning and evening arati. While the temple is open to everyone form 7 am to 6 pm. Because it becomes really cold, the ashram is closed for 4 – 5 months.
The most engaging fact about the Kainchi Ashram is people have a great faith in power of the temple and the Gods. People from foreign come to grant their wishes. Famous and well known personalities like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have come to this place.
14. Sariyatal
It is located at about 5km from the picturesque city of Nainital. It is a small lake which is also magnificient and beautiful. It is an excellent place to enjoy and admire the mesmerizing surroundings. Tourists find this place beautiful for their stay. This place offer watersports. The region has been developed to allow for paddle boating en route to Nainital. This place is also famous for its photographic location and beautiful landscapes. There is also a little beautiful waterfall, that is worth a visit.
15. Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a lake city named after Bhima, the magnetic legendary character of Mahabharata. Loved for its stylish excellence, Bhimtal gladly sits at a height of 1,370 meters above ocean level. This lake city is picking up ubiquity with every day as it is situated in the region of Nainital and highlights a portion of the stately inns that are relatively less expensive than that of Nainital.
Bhimtal is predominantly mainstream among the travelers for the grand Bhimtal lake. You can do boating in the lake and also visit the island in the inside that must be visited through boats. Strolling around the slopes of Bhimtal is extremely popular as it is a perfect spot for bird viewing and photography.
You can also visit Garg Parvat which is the source of river Gargi. While you are there you can visit the Hidimba Parvat. You can trek up to the top. It is an exceptionally calming spot. Camping in fresh and greenery environment in the open is one of the best activities in Bhimtal.
The Nal – Damyanti Tal is also a very beautiful place to visit and see. The story of Nal-Damyanti is narrated in the epic Mahabharat, which says there were Nal and Damyanti who were a royal couple in love. It is believed that their love story is set in the banks of this lake and also their name. It is considered an auspicious lake where the tourists come and get flown away by the beauty of the lake and the essence of their love.
16. Cave Garden
The cave garden is really a good place to visit. All surrounded by a different type of caves. There are six caves in the eco cave garden. Every cave has it's own charm. Eco Cave Gardens comprises several network of caves of different animals and attract huge crowds of tourists. Hanging garden makes this place more attractive. It is best for those kids who are on educational tours. It offers the tourists and children a glimpse of Himalayan wildlife through several animal caves. There is also a musical fountain in the garden but it only remains operational in peak season.
Do visit the Governor's House which is a replica of Buckingham Palace. The guided tour through the estate is simply enthralling! There are certain varieties of plants that bloom only in this month. Plus collect the wood roses if you would like!
We have tried our best to compile the list of activities that you can enjoy in Nainital and if you feel that something is missing then do share your suggestion in the comment box below. Also, take out a few seconds to hit the like icon and share this post with your family, friends, and other people who are planning a trip to Nainital.