Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests. Nainital is known for its serene lakes, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant climate. Here are some of the things to do in Nainital:
Boating: Nainital is famous for its beautiful lakes, including Naini Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Sattal Lake. You can enjoy boating on these lakes and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Trekking: Nainital offers many trekking trails that take you through beautiful forests and hills. The Naini Peak Trek, Tiffin Top Trek, and Snow View Trek are some of the popular trekking trails.
Sightseeing: Nainital offers many tourist attractions, including Naina Devi Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Gurney House, and the Governor’s House.
Shopping: Nainital is known for its beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs, including wooden handicrafts, candles, and woolen garments. You can shop for these items at the Tibetan Market and the Mall Road.
Nature Walks: You can take a leisurely walk through the beautiful hills and forests surrounding Nainital and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Adventure Sports: Nainital offers many adventure sports, including paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling.
Food: Nainital offers a variety of local and international cuisine. You can try the local Kumaoni food, including Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Bal Mithai.
These are some of the things to do in Nainital. Nainital is a beautiful hill station that offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty or indulge in adventure sports and explore the local culture.
Places to Visit in Nainital
Nainital is a picturesque hill station in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. The town is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is known for its serene lakes, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant climate. Here are some of the top places to visit in Nainital:
Naini Lake: This is a serene lake located in the heart of Nainital and is the main attraction of the town. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Naina Devi Temple: This temple is located on the northern shore of Naini Lake and is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by many devotees.
Tiffin Top: This is a scenic viewpoint located at an altitude of 2,290 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the town of Nainital.
Snow View Point: This is another scenic viewpoint located at an altitude of 2,270 meters above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the town of Nainital.
Bhimtal: This is a scenic lake located about 22 kilometers from Nainital. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests and is a popular picnic spot.
Nainital Zoo: This is a high altitude zoo located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. It is home to many endangered species of animals, including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and Siberian tigers.
Gurney House: This is the former residence of the famous British hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett. It has been converted into a museum and is visited by many tourists.
These are some of the top places to visit in Nainital. The town offers many other attractions, including St. John in the Wilderness Church, Eco Cave Gardens, and Hanuman Garhi Temple.
Best Time To Visit Nainital
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and adventure sports. The temperature during these months ranges from 10°C to 27°C, making it comfortable for tourists to explore the town.
Summer months from March to June is considered the peak season in Nainital, and it is recommended to book accommodation in advance. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with tourists.
Monsoon season from July to September can be a good time to visit if you enjoy the rains and lush greenery. However, landslides and roadblocks are common during this time, and it is advisable to check weather conditions before planning your trip.
Winter season from December to February is the offseason in Nainital, but it can be a good time to visit if you enjoy the snow and winter sports. The temperature during these months can drop below freezing point, and it is advisable to carry warm clothing.
Overall, Nainital is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and interests.
How to get around in Nainital
Nainital is a small town, and most of the popular tourist attractions are located within a few kilometers of each other. Here are some of the best ways to get around in Nainital:
Walking: The best way to explore Nainital is on foot. Many of the popular attractions are located within walking distance of each other, and it is a great way to soak in the natural beauty of the town.
Taxis: Taxis are easily available in Nainital and are a convenient way to get around. You can hire a taxi for a full day or for a specific duration and explore the town at your own pace.
Buses: Local buses run by the Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation (UTC) are a cheap and convenient way to get around Nainital. The buses connect the town with nearby villages and towns and offer a scenic way to explore the region.
Rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are also available in Nainital and are a convenient mode of transport for short distances. However, they may not be the best option for exploring the town as they are not allowed in the main market area.
Hired Vehicles: You can also hire a bike or a car to explore Nainital and the surrounding areas. Many rental companies offer bikes and cars on rent, and it is a great way to explore the town at your own pace.
Overall, getting around in Nainital is easy, and you can choose the mode of transport that suits your needs and budget.
Where to eat in Nainital
Nainital offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local street food to fine dining restaurants. Here are some of the best places to eat in Nainital:
Machan Restaurant: This restaurant is located at the Naini Retreat Hotel and offers a variety of Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and offers beautiful views of the valley.
Sakley’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop: This is a popular restaurant located in Mallital, serving a variety of Indian and continental cuisine. The restaurant also has a bakery section that serves delicious pastries, cakes, and desserts.
Embassy Restaurant: This is a fine-dining restaurant located in Mallital, serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and offers beautiful views of the Naini Lake.
Chandani Chowk: This is a street food market located in Mallital, serving a variety of local street food. The market is famous for its momos, chaat, and other local delicacies.
Sher-E-Punjab: This is a popular restaurant located in Tallital, serving authentic Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori dishes.
Nanak Restaurant: This is a vegetarian restaurant located in Mallital, serving a variety of North Indian and South Indian cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its thali, dosa, and chaat.
These are some of the best places to eat in Nainital. The town has many other dining options, including cafes, bakeries, and fast-food joints, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Famous street stalls in Nainital
Nainital is known for its vibrant street food culture, and there are many street stalls offering local delicacies. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Nainital:
Bhutia Market Momos: Located near the Tibetan Market in Mallital, this stall is famous for its delicious momos. The momos are served with a spicy sauce and are a popular snack among tourists and locals alike.
Naina Devi Chaat Bhandar: Located in Mallital, this stall is famous for its delicious chaat. The chaat is made with crispy puris, boiled potatoes, chutneys, and spices and is a must-try for foodies.
Ram Chandra and Sons: Located in the Mall Road area, this stall is famous for its delicious sweet treats. The stall offers a variety of sweets and desserts, including jalebis, gulab jamun, and rasgullas.
Khurana’s Bakery: Located in Mallital, this bakery is famous for its delicious cakes, pastries, and cookies. The bakery also offers a variety of snacks and sandwiches, making it a popular spot for a quick bite.
Balaji Chat and Juice Corner: Located in Tallital, this stall is famous for its refreshing juices and delicious chaat. The stall offers a variety of juices made with fresh fruits and vegetables and is a popular spot among locals.
These are some of the famous street stalls in Nainital. However, it is advisable to exercise caution while eating street food and only eat from stalls that look clean and hygienic.
Where to stay in Nainital
Luxury accommodation
Nainital is a beautiful hill station in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. There are a number of luxury accommodation options available in Nainital that provide excellent amenities and services to their guests. Here are a few options you may consider:
The Naini Retreat: This luxury hotel is located on a hilltop, overlooking the Nainital Lake. It is an old colonial building that has been renovated to provide modern amenities to its guests. The hotel has 37 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference room.
The Manu Maharani: This hotel is located near the Nainital Lake and has 67 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference room. The hotel also has a terrace garden and a heated swimming pool.
The Earl’s Court: This hotel is located in the heart of Nainital and has 19 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference room. The hotel also has a terrace garden and a bonfire area.
Shervani Hilltop: This hotel is located on a hilltop and has 47 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference room. The hotel also has a terrace garden, a children’s play area, and a gym.
The Pavilion: This hotel is located near the Nainital Lake and has 30 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference room. The hotel also has a terrace garden and a library.
All of these luxury accommodations offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and lake, and provide a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Where to stay in Nainital
Budget accommodation
Nainital is a popular tourist destination in India and offers a range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly options. Here are some suggestions for budget accommodation in Nainital:
Hotel Anamika: Located near Mall Road, this hotel has basic but comfortable rooms with all necessary amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant, a terrace garden, and offers room service.
Hotel Channi Raja: This hotel is located near the Nainital Lake and offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant and offers room service.
Himalayan Retreat, Nainital: Located on a hilltop, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The hotel also has a restaurant and a terrace garden.
Hotel New Bharat: This hotel is located near Mall Road and offers basic but clean rooms with all necessary amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant and offers room service.
The Pine Crest: Located on a hilltop, this hotel offers basic but comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The hotel also has a restaurant and a terrace garden.
All of these budget accommodations are centrally located and offer a comfortable stay at an affordable price. They are ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and families on a budget who want to enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of Nainital without breaking the bank.
Travel Tips Nainital
here are some travel tips for Nainital:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nainital is between March and June and from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Pack for the weather: Nainital is a hill station, so it can get quite chilly, especially during the winter months. Make sure to pack warm clothes if you’re visiting during the colder months. And in the summer months, pack light cotton clothes.
Explore the local markets: Nainital is known for its local markets, where you can find handmade crafts, woollen clothes, and local food items. So, make sure to explore the local markets and pick up some souvenirs.
Enjoy the local cuisine: Nainital is known for its local cuisine, which includes dishes like bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, and arsa. Make sure to try out the local delicacies and visit some of the popular restaurants in the area.
Plan your itinerary: Nainital has a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple, and Tiffin Top. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip.
Book your accommodation in advance: Nainital is a popular tourist destination, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Take care of the environment: Nainital is a beautiful hill station, and it’s important to take care of the environment. Avoid littering, and make sure to dispose of waste responsibly.
Be prepared for traffic: Nainital can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so be prepared for traffic congestion, especially near popular tourist attractions.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Nainital.