Few Best Things To Do in Nainital For an Amazing Holiday

By sarikajain23 | Mar 4, 2021
Asia > India > Uttarakhand > Nainital

Naini Lake in Uttrakhand....

Naini Lake in Uttrakhand....

Nainital, one of the most beautiful hill stations offering picturesque landscape, pristine lakes, natural attractions, and enjoyable weather which attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers of all ages every year. The Lake City Nainital, situated at the foothills of Kumaon ranges, its exotic charm leaves everyone spellbound in its mesmerizing beauty. Nainital has a plethora of things to offer a traveler right from boating in Naini Lake to sailing to old temples and heritage buildings, and of course, breathtaking views at every step. A beautiful emerald lake is surrounded by lush green hills, quaint old cottages and markets, and a web of strolling streets, it is a beloved treasure of Uttrakhand. Spending some quality time by the Naini Lake with your loved ones or alone is an idyllic holiday spot to have a soothing time spent for yourself and to make your trip fun-filled, thrilling and rejuvenating. Nainital is no exaggeration. With so many exciting places to visit, this place is a perfect combination of soothing hill stations, a place for adventurous activities, a wildlife sanctuary, and an excellent getaway for anyone. So how anyone can miss and deny it. So, plan your getaway to this graceful town and explore yourself through nature. Mentioning a few of the significant places below amongst the most popular attractions in Nainital for travelers. Have a look.

Naini Lake in night......

Naini Lake in night......

Top 9 Places To Visit in Nainital


Wondering, where to head in Nainital when the place has so many beautiful gems to offer. Well, here are some of the best places to visit in Nainital which just cannot afford to miss as all these adds up to the amazing and life-lasting memories of Nainital.

Naina Devi - A Temple By The Lake

Naina Devi in Nainital.......

Naina Devi in Nainital.......

Naina Devi temple rests over the bank of Naini Lake. It is believed that it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India and it is dedicated to Maa Naina Devi who is believed to govern the Naini Lake. According to mythology, this is the spot where Goddess Sati's eyes fell at the same spot where this temple stands which attracts a great number of devotees. The location of this revered temple is awe-inspiring, instilling a sense of tranquility and calmness in the pilgrims who come here to offer their prayers. Get soaked in the divinity and come back refreshed.

Naini Lake - Enjoy Boating

Boating in Naini Lake.....

Boating in Naini Lake.....

One of the best places to visit in Nainital, offering stunning views and enclosed by lush greenery hypnotic landscapes. The magnificent lake falls under the four lakes of Kumaon Hills which consist of the Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and the Naukuchiatal Lake. Spending some quality time by the Naini Lake soothes the mind and gives eternal peace. Go around and take a tour of this scenic lake. This astounding lake is the first thing that welcomes you to Nainital with arms wide open. Enjoy a peaceful time boating, this pear-shaped lake offers postcard scenery, explores, and enjoy the lake from one end to another watching birds chirping, colorful buildings, dynamic and peaceful view of the sunset.

Naini Lake in the evening.....

Naini Lake in the evening.....

Naini Lake View from top.....

Naini Lake View from top.....

Naini Peak – Highest Peak In Nainital

Naini Peak in Nainital......

Naini Peak in Nainital......

The Naini Peak gives the most magnificent panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and a bird's eye view of Nainital city. This peak is famous for trekking, horse riding is some of the activities that you can enjoy when you are here. Wake up a little early in the morning and climb up to this peak for a mesmerizing view of the sunset that you will never forget, away from the chaos, no public, it's just going to be you and your company in the lap of nature appreciating the serenity and the calmness. Isn't it the best combination?~

Naini Peak View.Isn't it mesmirising

Naini Peak View.Isn't it mesmirising

Tibetan Market - Shop For Jackets And Souvenir

One of the famous and top preferred markets for shopping in Nainital either for woolen clothes or collecting souvenirs at the Tibetan Market where you can also see a lot of handmade products made by locals. Many shops and shacks are offering a lot of local specialties right from buying stuff to eating joints. This place is vibrant, unique, and exclusive as surrounded by the heartwarming lake.

Raj Bhavan – A Royal Palace

Raj Bhavan in Nainital......

Raj Bhavan in Nainital......

Raj Bhavan is the residence of the Governor of Uttrakhand and one of the most luxe places to visit in Nainital, built in Gothic style architecture inspired by Buckingham Palace, this place also resembles the Castle of Scotland i.e., Birmingham Castle. This two-story mansion contains around 113 rooms but visitors are allowed in its vast lawn and the 18-hole golf course within its premises. Also, it was constructed by the British in 1924, the golf course is set around a scenic forest and is home to several rare species of flora and fauna.

Raj Bhavan View in Nainital....

Raj Bhavan View in Nainital....

The Mall Road – A Fine Stretch Of Shops

The Mall Road is amongst the most popular places among people of all ages. A shopaholic's paradise, one could stroll for hours here. The road has many street shops, shopping centers, hotels, banks, restaurants, and many more. This place is famous for candles, the ones who love collecting candles of various forms, shapes, and sizes, this place is heaven for them. Take a walk in Mall Road, it is bliss.

St John Wilderness Church – Enjoy The Ancient Architecture

St John Wilderness Church in Nainital....

St John Wilderness Church in Nainital....

St John Wilderness Church is one of the oldest churches in town constructed in the year 1844 surrounded by pine and deodar trees. The architecture of this church was built in Neo-Gothic style and windows are covered with tainted colorful glasses. This place is named after a bishop from Kolkata who spent half of his life here and being a true follower of John the Baptist, the church got its name. Mostly several history buffs and backpackers visit here.

Snow Viewpoint – Oldest Viewpoint In Nainital

Snow Viewpoint is one of the most visited attractions in Nainital where your lay your eyes on revered peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nandakot. These beautiful places give a panoramic view of the vantage sight of the lake and city for taking photographs, one can also take a close look at the peaks with the help of binoculars. There is a cable car ride that takes you up from Mall Road to this place. Give your eyes a visual treat, explore this beautiful view and enjoy.

Photos taken near to Snow View Point......

Photos taken near to Snow View Point......

Lover's Point – A Vantage Point With Scenic View

Lover's Point in Nainital......

Lover's Point in Nainital......

Lover's point is a place where people visit to enjoy the moments of solitude, this place offers scenic views of valleys. This place attracts a lot of crowds, especially the young generation. You can go further to Tiffin Top from this place which is also one of the top Nainital sightseeing spots.

Lover's Point Pic in Nainital....

Lover's Point Pic in Nainital....

Top Activities To Do In Nainital


  • 1. Boating in Naini Lake
  • 2. Buy or Visit shops that sell Candles in The Mall Road
  • 3. Take a stroll at The Mall Road
  • 4. Try momos in the Tibetan Market
  • 5. The Nainital Ropeway
  • 6. Near to Naina Devi temple, there is Gurudwara, visit there and on the other side of the Road there is a dargah, visit there. A beautiful combination of all the three religious places just together or close by. Isn't It?

For those interested, guided tours in Nainital are also available.

Best Time To Visit


Nainital can be visited any time of the year and has different experiences to offer during different seasons. One can head here during the summers to escape the scorching heat or during the winter seasons to enjoy snowfall.

Ideal Duration For A Trip To Nainital


A trip of 2 Nights and 3 Days is enough to explore this beautiful city however you can add a day or two if you want to enjoy the thrill of trekking in Nainital.

How To Reach


By Air

The nearest domestic airport from Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport located in Pantnagar. You can take a shared taxi or hire a vehicle from here to get to Nainital. You can also book a seat in the Uttarakhand tourism buses or private Volvos.

By Rail

The nearest railhead from Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station is connected to major Indian cities as well as cities in Uttarakhand. From the station, you can either can a taxi or a bus (private or state-run) to get to Nainital.

By Road

Nainital is well connected to all major cities in Northern India via a well-laid-out road network. It is 242 km from Rishikesh, 275 km from Dehradun, and 298 km from Delhi. You can ride to Nainital via the frequent Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation (USRTC) buses or private Volvos.

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Written by sarikajain23
A female solo traveler. Based out of Bangalore, India. I started traveling solo as it was in one of my to-do buckets lists. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to travel due to the money crunch and my money management problem but slowly I realized that I do not need materialistic stuff because it is not going to give me that feel and peace which my soul needs it. And then, I started cutting off all the unnecessary expenses, and then I was able to save some money to travel. And that is how I started traveling. I travel light and I prefer to stay in budget accommodation but that should be safe for a solo traveler. I take time to know the ... Read more

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