Nainital, often known as the Lake District of India, is nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand at an altitude of around 2000 m above sea level. It is a pristine place in the foothills of the Himalayas. Nainital is also called "Sapta Shring" as it is enclosed by seven hills: Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Ayarpata, Naina, Lariya-kanta, Sher-Ka-Danda, and Alma.
The place is famous for its natural beauty, serene ambiance, and thrilling adventures. Around a lakh people come to Nanital annually to explore its tranquility. If you want to spend quality time with your family and friends, then Nainital is a perfect destination. Here is a 3-day itinerary to visit the top attractions in Nainital.
Explore Nainital Lake: Nainital Lake is famous for its natural freshwater body. The lake is located in the town of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. The lake is surrounded by a range of mountains, offering a unique view to travelers. The lake is a crescent-shaped lake where you can enjoy boat riding as well. The place is peaceful, which will make all the blues go away. You can take pictures of the serene beauty as a souvenir.
Best time to visit: From March to June and September to November.
Recommended time: 2 hours.
Distance: 1 Km from Tallital Bus Stand.
Visit Naina Devi Temple: Naina Devi Temple is a popular destination where people come to seek the blessing of the goddess. The temples are dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi in the form of eyes. The temple is situated on the banks of Nainital Lake. Moti Ram Shah built the temple, providing a place where devotees offer prayers to the goddess. Usually, more than a thousand Hindu devotees arrive at Naina Devi temple during Navratri and Nanda Ashtami.
Best time to visit: From Match to June and September to November.
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours.
Distance: Around 300 meters from Tallital Bus stand.
Roam around Mall Road: Mall Road is a paradise for people who love to shop. From local handcrafts to handmade woolen products to artificial jewelry, you can buy as per your interest. This is considered the busiest place in Nainital. In the evening, the road gets lit up, providing an amazing view of the lake and nearby shops. If you want to buy things from here, you must use your bargaining skills.
Best time to visit: Between March and June.
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 1.5 Km from Tallital bus stand.
Naina Peak: The peak is 2615 meters high and offers a 360-degree view of the travelers. It is known as the highest peak of Nainital Hill Station. Fitness enthusiasts will love this place, as they can take a long walk and relax on the top of the Naina Peak. For trekking, there is a 6 km trek that will give you an adrenaline rush while exploring the scenic beauty of Nainital.
Best time to visit: Between March and June and September and November.
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours.
Distance: 17 km from Tallital bus stand
Eco Cave Garden: Eco Caves Garden is a gem in Nainital. It is located in the Sukhatal region, on the Kaladungi Road. The place is famous among children as it gives them the golden chance to enjoy a picnic with their family. Here, you can cherish the musical fountains and wild side of the hill station.
Best Time to Visit: From March to June and September to October.
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
Distance: Around 3.7 Km from Tallital bus stand.
Tiffin Top: One of the best places in Nainital; from here, you can see the pristine beauty of the Himalayan range. Another name for Tiffin Top is Dorothy's Seat. As you reach the top of the Tiffin Top, you can easily get the panoramic view of the beautiful Nainital. A British Army officer named J.P. Kellet constructed the Tiffin Top. Apart from this, you can trek, take a walk, or horse ride with your loved ones.
Best time to visit: Between March to June and from September to November.
Recommended duration: 1-2 hours.
Distance: Around 1.8 Km from Tallital bus stand.
Raj Bhawan: Raj Bhawan, or the Governor's house, was the residence of the British. Currently, it is used as the residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. The Raj Bhawan showcases Gothic-style architecture, drawing the attention of travelers from all around the world. It was completed in 1897 and has 113 rooms, a 45-acre golf course, and a swimming pool. A visit to Raj Bhawan will take you back in time and let you experience the British period in Nanital.
Best time to visit: September to November and March to June.
Recommended time: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately 3 Km from the Tallital bus stand.
Snow viewpoint: The snow viewpoint of Niantal is heaven for couples, especially those who are on their honeymoon. The place is covered with snow, making the journey astonishing for couples. You can also enjoy go-karting with your partner and exploring gift shops. You can take a walk to admire the awe-struck scenery.
Best time to visit: Summer Season.
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours.
Distance: Around 3 km from city center of Nainital.
St. Jonh in the Wilderness Church: Famous for its positive aura, the church is one of the top attractions of Nainital. Rev. Daniel Wilson founded the church in 1846. If you want to acquire knowledge about the history of Nainital, then no place is better than St. John in the Wilderness Church.
Best time to visit: Summer Season.
Recommended duration: 1-2 hours.
Distance: Around 2 km from the mall road and 3 km from Tallital bus stand.
Fortunately, travelers who want to experience the thrill and adventure in Nainital can experience it all. Nainital is a perfect escape for the travelers who want to change their monotonous life. To make your Nainital trip unforgettable, you can implement the adventurous things that are described in the further lines:
Paragliding: Being in the air is a fantastic feeling for the adventure enthusiast. If you have ever wondered how it feels to be a bird, then paragliding is a perfect way to discover the feeling of Nainital. One of the famous places to paraglide in Nainital is Naukuchiatal. Several companies offer paragliding adventurous trips for travelers where, under the guidance of a professional, you can fly in the air. You have to wear safety measures so that you can enjoy the paragliding without worrying.
Cost: Around 1350 INR per person.
Best Time to Visit: April to June.
Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is an adventure that demands mental and physical strength. Apart from this, Rock Climbing is all about balance and endurance. Once you lose your balance, you might fall. Therefore, you must follow all the safety procedures before starting rock climbing. Almora at Bhimtal is a recognized and appropriate place for rock climbing. Rock Climbing is a little different from other adventures, making the trip memorable. With the help of professionals, you can enjoy Rock Climbing and develop your problem-solving skills as well.
Cost: The prices start from1827 INR per person.
Best Time to Visit: September to May.
Rappelling: Among several activities, Rappelling is quite unique. In Rappelling, you have to climb a mountain with the support of a rope and necessary safety gear. The rope will be vertically inclined, and you will attached to the rope. Sattal Lake’s Rappelling is a popular destination that draws the attention of numerous travelers. During Rappelling at the lake, you can get a stunning view of the sky, lush green forests, serene ambiance, and the mountains.
Cost: The cost starts from 1827 INR per person.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and October.
Water Zorbing: Are you a water baby? If yes, then luckily, you can enjoy Water Zorbing without any difficulty in Nainital. Zorb is a plastic ball that you will be put inside. The zorb will be on the water, and with your movement, you can play easily. Water Zorbing is an amazing activity that you should not miss in Nainital. The best place to explore Water Zorbing is Bhimtal. The time duration of the water zorbing is around 15 minutes. The professionals are available to make sure that you have an unforgettable time while Water Zorbing.
Cost: April to June and October.
Best Time to Visit: Around 500 INR per person onwards.
Camping: Pangoot is a popular destination for its camping adventure. Pine trees, oak forests, and around 200 species of birds are the prime attractions of Pangoot Camping. Pangot is situated about 15 Km away from Nainital, providing a unique view of the town. Here, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, elevating the experience of the travelers. Trekking, Rappelling, Burma Bridge, and Tarzan swing can be enjoyed with family or friends.
Cost: Begins from 6,500 INR.
Best Time to Visit: March to June.
Food is the best way to learn about the cultural heritage, people, and history. Usually, people of Nainital love to eat Roti and Rice, but there are classic Nainital dishes that are a feast for travelers. If you are exploring Nainital, you must taste its authentic dishes as well. Some of them are listed below:
Sattal Lake, also known as Sat Tal, offers a pristine view to travelers. The lake is situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town in the Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India. The lake is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes. Travelers from different parts of the world come to experience mountain biking. Around the lake, you can also see Himalayan birds when the weather is a little warmer. So, if you want to witness them, then the best time to explore Sattal Lake is around October to June. Be ready with your camera and click on the astonishing beauty of the birds and nature around Sattal Lake.
Bhotia Market, popularly called Tibetan Market, is a market that will fill you with happiness. The market has a wide range of sweaters, shawls, bags, mufflers, and others. Apart from this, you can also find fine-quality shrugs, artificial jewelry, handcrafted candles, and home fragrances. Pinewood crafts and bamboo fabric are the unique things you can find in the Tibetan Market. These stuffs are handcrafted from native places, including Almora. Do not forget to buy Tibetan ethnic wear and ornaments from the Tibetan Market.
Nainital Ropeway is the best way to explore Snow Viewpoint and the top view of Naini Lake. The ropeway cabin is reliable and safe, and it can carry 11 people simultaneously. The ropeway takes you from Mallital to Snow View Point, which provides great views of the valley. Hundreds of people go on the Nainital Ropeway daily to get an astonishing view of the town. The Nainital Ropeway is open all day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, elevating the experience of Nainital. The price of the Nainital ropeway is 200 INR for children and for adults 300 INR for both ways.
If you want to get a serene view of the Himalayan range, then you must go to Himalayan Darshan Point in Nainital. The point is situated 8 km from Tallital Bus Stand. You can explore the spectacular lush green forest and snow-capped Himalayan range and feel the tranquility. There are no entry fees to explore the Himalayan Darshan Point. This is a famous tourist spot in Nainital that you can cover in Nainital.
Nainital is a wonderful place that adds charm to the journey. It offers serene boat rides, lush mountains, and vibrant evening markets. The three-day itinerary of Nainital has been planned so that you can enjoy the magic of Nainital.