10 Best Things To Do In Nainital, India
The Lake City Nainital located in the Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand is a hot destination for honeymooners and couples. A paradise for nature lovers Nainital’s charms includes scenic views at every other step, heritage buildings and markets, a web of walking tracks, boating and sailing to old temples, and more. A fascinating aspect of Nainital is its hilly surroundings and the “Naini Lake” referred to as the ‘Queen of Lakes’. Covered and bounded by hills on all sides the pear shaped lake offers an enthralling and mesmerizing experience to the tourist.
A glittering jewel in the Himalayan Mountains at an elevation of about 2084 meters (6,700 feet) it is one of the most visited hill stations in North India. During the summer break and weekends, the city is populated with domestic and foreign travelers. Surrounded by lakes and nature’s bounty there are plenty of picturesque places to visit and things to do in Nainital:
1. Nainital Lake
A gem in Nainital surrounded by lush green hills, cool breeze, and Naina Devi temple, the lake is a place where you can enjoy nature at its best. Boating is great fun at Nainital Lake. You can operate the boat yourself after taking permission from the owner of the boat. On one side of the lake, there are fishes and you can feed them with food there are lots of duck as well. It is a photogenic place with an excellent view of hills while boating. The Mall road around it will give you some remarkable pictures. Wonderful weather, clean water, and cold make the atmosphere enchanting.
Nainital Lake
Website: Nainital Lake
2. Aerial Ropeway Nainital
Ropeway connects mall road to highest snow view point in Nainital. The aerial view of Nainital, Naini Lake, and the snow clad peaks of the Himalayan range is quite mesmerizing. The way to ropeway is a few meters walk inside a lane on one end of mall road. It’s only 5 minutes for a one-sided ride. You are allowed to be at the top for 30 to 45 minutes by which you have to reach for the return journey.
There is no space to sit inside the ropeway and one has to travel standing. There is an amusement park located upstairs with a free-fall ride, go carting etc. for kids. Cable car ticket should be booked one day in advance.
Aerial Ropeway Nainital
Address: Ropeway Rd, Mallital, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: Aerial Ropeway Nainital
3. Goddess Naina Devi
It is a beautiful temple located atop the Naina hillock on the banks of Naini Lake. The scenic beauty of the lake from the temple premises is awesome. Considered to be one of the most revered Hindu Temples and one of the Shaktipeeths it is believed that eyes of Maa Gauri fell here when angry Lord Shiva was carrying her body on his shoulders. Temple has three major Hindu gods; Goddess Naini Devi is the deity of Naini Devi Temple.
Goddess Naina Devi
Address: Ayarpatta, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: Goddess Naina Devi
4. Snow View Point
You can reach snow view point either via ropeway or by your own vehicle but ropeway is a much better option as it offers an amazing view of Naini Lake. The point offers beautiful views of the snow clad Himalayan peaks. There is a huge binocular to view the Nainital town as well as the valley regions. Snow view has a temple, small amusement park for children, and a small market where you can have refreshment. According to the locals, the best time to see the peaks is between months of October to March when the weather is clear and there is less fog.
Snow View Point
Address: 7, Maldon Cottage Raod, Mallital, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: Snow View Point
5. Naina Peak
Also known as China Peak and Cheena Peak, Naina Peak is the highest peak in Nainital. The view of Nainital Lake and surrounding mountains from this place is amazing. You can reach the peak by a horse ride of 30 minutes or you can trek to the point if you have sufficient time.
Naina Peak
Address: Nanda Devi Path, 263002 Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
6. Tiffin Top
Located in Ayarpatta Hill it is a fantastic picnic spot. One gets a 360-degree panoramic view of the town of Nainital and its surrounding hills in the Kumaon region from this location. Those who love nature’s beauty and adventure sports must not miss out this point. Adventure activities such as rappelling and rock climbing are conducted in Tiffin Top as well. There are 3 points on the route Lands’ end point-Tiffin top-Dorothy Seat. This place was built by a British Army Officer in the memory of his wife Dorothy Kellett whom he lost in a tragic plane crash.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
Address: Ayarpatta, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
7. Tibetan Market
Next, to the Naini Lake, it’s the best place to shop for traditional clothes and wooden artifacts. All type of products is available but bargaining is a must to procure items at reasonable price. Wide ranges of clothes are available, especially for females. You can end your whole day buying and still there might be more options with them lots of items for display and selling.
Tibetan Market
Address: Nanda Devi Path, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: Tibetan Market
8.High altitude zoo
It is a good zoo with different types of animals like lion, tiger, leopard, bear, deer, panda owl, different types of birds in its artificial created habitat. The zoo administration has provided a much better environment to its animal. View of city from uphill is mind-blowing. There is a shuttle service available from the mall road for a nominal charge of INR 40 (0.62 USD) per person.
High altitude zoo
Address: Tallital, 263002 Nainital, UttarakhandWebsite: High Altitude Zoo
9. Eco Cave Garden
It is a network of interconnected caves and a musical fountain located at Suktal. There are four caves of Tiger, Leopard, Porcupine, and Bats and some are difficult to access. You can enjoy a bull ride inside. There is a Maggie point inside the garden where you get a different kind of Maggies, Parathas, and juices. Eco Caves is a nice place to visit if you have children or if you like some adventure. Overweight people and elderly should avoid some of the caves.
Eco Cave Garden
Address: Near Kumaon University campus and the Mall roadWebsite: Eco Cave Garden
10. Mukteshvara Temple
The Lord Shiva temple nestled on a hill top is away from the hustle bustle of Nainital in Mukteshwar. According to legend, Lord Shiv impressed by a saint who was doing meditation gave him Darshan(audience) here at Mukteshwar. His disciple with long Jattas (hairs) and long nails sits inside the temple. Chauli Ki Jali, the point just above the temple offers great views of the snow mounts and the valley. You can also enjoy rock climbing and a magnificent view of Almora as well.
Mukteshvara Temple
Address: 263138 Darima, UttarakhandWebsite: Mukteshvara Temple
Nature lovers' paradise
Source: wikimedia
A glittering jewel in the Himalayan Mountains surrounded by lakes and nature’s bounty the Lake City Nainital will mesmerize you with scenic views at every other step. It is one of the most visited hill stations in North India and will you with innumerable memories to cherish for a long. 10 Best Things To Do In Nainital, India
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