Welcome to Nainital Hill Station, one of the most scenic places in Uttarakhand to experience the best of nature, adventure, and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan mountains.
"The onrush of scenery," perfectly captures the essence of Nainital, a treasure trove of Kumaon standing gracefully at 2,084 meters above sea level. As one of the most visited hill stations of North India, this enchanting destination in Uttarakhand, also known as "The Lake City," offers breathtaking landscapes and a serene escape.
At its heart lies the picturesque Naini Lake, where tourists can enjoy peaceful boat rides while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding hills. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Nainital tourism boasts a wide range of places to visit, from scenic nature trails to lively local markets.
A popular hill station for families, couples, and even solo tourists, Nainital is a destination where nature’s charm blends seamlessly with cultural vibrancy.
During this time, the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 12℃ to 30℃ in the summer season in Nainital, giving tourists an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant holiday and try many activities like boating, sightseeing, horse riding, and even hiking.
The combination of lush greenery with misty landscapes and lesser crowds creates a peaceful sanctuary in these months. The rainy season reduces outdoor activities but monsoon lovers find enchantment in Nainital during this time and feel rejuvenated.
The winter season in Nainital can be chilly with temperature dropping down to 2℃ - 3℃ in the daytime. Nainital occasionally experiences snowfall but mostly the days are sunny, perfect to enjoy a winter holiday. It is the ideal time for honeymooners and those who want to visit during the time when there is less crowd in the city.
Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks from the scenic Snow View Point including that of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. The site can be reached by riding a cable car. There are a number of restaurants, food and games stalls at Snow View Point for visitors. Also, this is an excellent spot for taking photographs, and catching views of a sunset.
A paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is home to over 580 bird species, including the brown wood owl, forktail, and Himalayan griffon. Surrounded by dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, this serene retreat is ideal for nature walks, picnics, and photography, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling town.
G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo stands at 2,100 meters above sea level and is India's only zoo at such a height. Counted among the top tourist places in Nainital, it features the Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Bear, and Tibetan Wolf.
A renowned spiritual center, Kainchi Dham is famous for its Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, drawing devotees and global icons like Virat Kohli, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. The ashram is nestled in verdant hills while emitting spiritual energy that creates a perfect environment for meditating, self-reflection and receiving divine blessings in peaceful surroundings.
Eco Cave Gardens presents an interesting network of natural caves that provides thrilling experiences to those who love adventure. Featuring tiger, panther, and bat caves, these rocky tunnels have illuminated pathways. Some of these caves require crawling in to reach from one end to the other, making them a must-visit for those seeking a bit of adventure. There is also a musical fountain on the premises of the Eco Cave Garden that adds to the experience here.
At an elevation of 2,290 meters Tiffin Top presents stunning vistas of Nainital along with the magnificent Himalayas. It is one of the best places to enjoy hiking in Nainital, although one can also visit here on a horseback. The place’s major attraction was a view point called Dorothy’s Seat, which collapsed in the monsoons of 2024. However, Tiffin Top still remains a favourite among those who want to picnic, watch sunset and relish unobstructed views of the Himalayas as well as of the rolling hills and valley below.
The jewel of Nainital, Naini Lake is a stunning eye-shaped water body, surrounded by lush green hills and colonial-style buildings. Tourists can enjoy boating, yachting, and scenic evening walks along its banks.
A revered Hindu site in Nainital, Naina Devi Temple sits gracefully on the banks of Naini Lake, dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. A major pilgrimage site, it attracts devotees and tourists seeking spiritual solace, blessings, and a glimpse into local traditions. The serene location and divine ambiance add to its charm.
Naina Peak is 2,615 meters high and is indeed the tallest peak in Nainital. From the top of it, one can see the complete Great Himalayan range along with Nainital town and surrounding green valleys. The summit of the peak can be reached by an exciting hike through deodar and rhododendron forests which creates the perfect setting for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts and photographers.
A waterfront promenade, The Mall Road borders one side of the Naini Lake and serves as the main highlight of Nainital tourism, offering markets, restaurants, and lively street shops. As one of the top tourist places in Nainital, it allows tourists to enjoy lake views with hot tea while taking a relaxing evening walk. The location also features shops for handicrafts, woolens, and multiple local delicacies, making it a must-visit for tourists.
Tourists can experience the magic of Naini Lake at the center of Nainital Hill Station by boating through its peaceful waters. The lake offers paddle boats, rowing boats and yachts to experience the spectacular views of hills and colonial buildings and bustling Mall Road. Did you know, Naini Lake is the highest lake for yachting in the world?
Trekking through Nainital brings a delightful experience to adventure enthusiasts. The trails to Tiffin Top, Naina Peak and Guano Hills let one experience breathtaking vistas. Nature as well adventure enthusiasts find these hikes to be refreshing because of the fresh mountain air and panoramic beauty.
The Nainital Ropeway offers one of the most thrilling experiences in Nainital tourism. The ropeway journey leads tourists from Mallital to the Snow View Point where they can experience breathtaking views of The Lake City. As the cable car ascends, witness the changing landscapes below and the grandeur of the mighty Himalayas in the distance.
Spend a magical night under the stars at beautiful campsites near Sattal, Bhimtal, and Pangot, where you can unwind amidst nature. Enjoy bonfires, storytelling, stargazing, and adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing, making camping one of the most thrilling experiences in Nainital Hill Station.
Strolling through Mall Road and Tibetan Market is a must for shopping enthusiasts. Among the top things to do in Nainital, these vibrant markets offer handmade candles, woolen shawls, wooden artifacts, and locally produced jams as souvenirs.
Bird watchers will find their haven at Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary which offers a home to more than 500 bird species. One will find peace in this tranquil setting, where they can observe rare Himalayan birds including the Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant and Himalayan Monal.
A unique and exciting way to explore Nainital Hill Station, horse riding takes you to scenic spots like Tiffin Top and Snow View Point. Ride through winding forest trails, enjoy breathtaking hilltop views, and embrace the thrill of this classic experience, which adds charm to your visit.
These charming, handcrafted pinecone decorations capture the essence of Nainital’s forests. Perfect for home décor, they bring a rustic, earthy vibe and make unique, eco-friendly souvenirs or festive ornaments for any occasion. Their natural beauty and sustainable appeal make them a popular choice among tourists.
Nainital gains its reputation from producing high-quality woolen items such as warm shawls, cozy sweaters and stylish caps as well as scarves. The garments crafted by the local artisans have expertly demonstrated an ideal combination of softness, durability and serve as ideal cold-weather wear. Tourists find Nainital woolens attractive because they combine fashionable designs with the traditional cultural methods of weaving.
Nainital is known for its candles, which provide sensory pleasure through fragrances that include pine and sandalwood along with lavender and rose and many others. These candles serve as perfect tools for relaxation as well as meditation and home ambiance creation. The combination of beautiful appearance and healing aromas transforms these candles into perfect present choices.
The beloved Bal Mithai is a rich, chocolate-like sweet coated in tiny sugar balls and made with mawa (khoya) and ghee. This iconic sweet is deeply rooted in Nainital’s culinary heritage and is a must-try. Whether enjoyed fresh or packed as a souvenir, its unique taste makes it irresistible.
Nainital showcases locally made jams and pickles that bring out the organic Himalayan flavors through fresh organic ingredients. The homemade products contain no preservatives because they use seasonal fruits such as apricots, apples, and plums to create authentic flavors.
Tourists seeking a calmer setting than Nainital should explore Bhimtal as it features Bhimtal Lake, that extends beyond Naini Lake while remaining less crowded. A small island aquarium exists within the lake to enhance its beauty. Bhimtal offers its tourists boat rides, nature walks along with beautiful viewpoints. It proves to be an ideal destination for those seeking calmness and picturesque surroundings. Did you know, Bhimtal is the largest of all lakes in Nainital district?
The "Lake of Nine Corners" aka Naukuchiatal, stands as a peaceful lake town that faces green hills and provides recreational activities like boating, fishing, kayaking and paragliding. A belief exists that spotting all nine corners of the lake at once leads them to nirvana or makes one wealthy. Adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts find Naukuchiatal to be an enchanting destination that brings them revitalization.
A paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Sattal is a cluster of seven interconnected lakes surrounded by dense oak and pine forests. The place offers boating, camping, trekking, and nature photography, making it a peaceful retreat away from the bustling hill stations. The mystical aura of Sattal is truly enchanting.
Standing at 2,285 meters tall, Mukteshwar offers gorgeous Himalayan Mountain vistas together with thrilling active pursuits. Rock climbing, rappelling, trekking alongside multiple other activities, draws many tourists to this destination. The ancient Mukteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds a spiritual charm to the place. The sunrise and sunset views from Mukteshwar’s cliffs are unforgettable.
Translated to "Queen’s Meadow," Ranikhet is a scenic hill station known for its rolling green meadows, colonial-era charm, and panoramic Himalayan views. Home to the Kumaon Regiment Headquarters, it offers golf courses, temples, and nature trails. The town is perfect for a laid-back holiday in the lap of nature.
Since its establishment in 1936, Corbett National Park has become India's oldest and most renowned wildlife sanctuary that shelters both Bengal tigers, Leopards together with elephants and various other plants and animals’ species. Tourists can experience thrilling jeep safaris and nature trails, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
Almora provides tourists with a delightful cultural experience along with scenic vistas due to its heritage temples, quaint markets and stunning sunset views. The town features historical and spiritual sites alongside natural vistas that include Kasardevi Temple, Zero Point, and Bright End Corner. Tourists seeking harmony among Himalayan Mountain scenery will find Almora to be an outstanding choice.