Top 10 Places to Visit in Nainital That Will Steal Your Heart

There was so much about Nainital that I could not get rid of myself from. Perhaps it's the fog that hangs over the hills, some quiet secret. Perhaps it is because the lake reflects the hue of the evening and maintains its light, be it such a gentle dance of glinting ripples blue-gray, or glints of sun on its surface. Perhaps it's just that this tiny hill town in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region is more about a sensation than a place?

Sitting on a height of approximately 2084 metres above sea level, Nainital has been attracting travellers since 1841 when its location caught the eye of the British and in their wisdom, they determined not to leave. Now, every family, honeymooner, solo backpacker, and everything in between who comes sweeps off the footpath with the same thought: I'll be back.

We at Paradise Yatra have no doubt that we have assisted thousands of travellers in falling in love with this place. Well, no end of our good-will deep-down, honest, and heartfelt list of the best places to visit in Nainital, not just the super popular ones but those which are truly worth savouring.

1. Naini Lake — The Soul of the City

This is an entry point and exit point for all visits to Nainital. This crescent-shaped lake, which is actually fresh water, is not only the pretty backdrop, but it's the beating heart of the town. Hire a paddleboat or a rowboat, drift towards the middle where the surrounding hills seem to embrace you like a warm hug.

The early morns are particularly enchanting. The surface of the lake remains motionless, until the town emerges, capturing the trees and the sky in a mirror image. During the Nanda Devi festival, if you're here, you will see the lakes transformed into a procession of lights — one of the most unseen yet operated sightly in northern India.

2. Snow View Point

Snow View Point, at a height of 2,270 metres offers exactly what its name suggests: breathtaking views of snow covered mountains on a clear day: you'll see nothing more beautiful than the snow capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot extending on the horizon like a postcard you never want to leave.

From the town of Mallital catch the aerial ropeway (known as the cable car) and enjoy a wonderful journey to the top. The trip is worth it: You'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake below and the valley beyond. But if you'd like to come closer to those giant white things in the distance, binoculars can be rented at the top.

Detect early in the morning before the clouds come. Visibilities may be considerably lowered, particularly from July through September, by afternoon.

3. Naina Devi Temple – Faith above the waters.

The Naini lake rests firmly in the lap of the Himalayas in Kumaon area, and Naini Devi Temple is one such revered temple which stands directly on the bank of the Naini lake. Hindu mythology states that it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the Goddess or Sati is worshipped.

Tickets for the temple are sold throughout the year, however its ambiance vibrates in the officiality of Nanda Ashtami. Thousands of people flock together, lights are lit and prayers are offered into the cool mountain air. Certainly if you're not that religious, there's something here that gets you ready.

Admission is free and because of its immediate proximity to the lake, it is one of the less than obvious areas in town where you can experience the atmosphere.

4. Mall Road

Consider Mall Road as the outdoor premise of the town's living room. It is located on the eastern bank of Naini lake and is a place where people from all walks of life from the town and the tourists mingle without any distinction. On the street, there are all kinds of food vendors, small restaurants, souvenir stalls, surnamé shops, and woollen shops – and it all goes at almost a snail's pace.

Buy some homemade chai and rhododendron jam, shop for some Kumaoni jewellery, or just sit and enjoy a cup of chai at one of the cafes at the lakeshore, while the town goes to work. As darkness falls, lights are switched on and after-the-dinner-walks of the families are at their best!

Also Read: Best Season to Visit Nainital

5. Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat) 

This is named after Dorothy Kellett, a British artist who enjoyed painting from this position, and at 2292m yields views of Nainital town, Nainital Lake and the surrounding forests of oak and pine trees.

The path from Ayarpatta on horseback may take about an hour and a half (up to 45 minutes) on foot. Organizing a lunch  the name “Tiffin Top” did not just fall out of the sky. Few places are better to enjoy a meal in quiet harmony with the hills uncrowded around, than in Nainital.

When the monsoon is this strong, trails become slippery, so avoid this spot.

6. Eco Cave Gardens — Nature's Own Architecture 

Eco Cave Gardens is a group of six interconnected natural caves with each associated with a different Himalayan animal – Tiger Cave is associated with the tiger, Panther Cave is associated with the panther, Bat Cave is associated with the bat and so on. A short drive from the town centre. Caves to climb, crouch and crawl through, so much for a casual tour.There's some crawling and crouching in the caves but it's a most real adventurous experience, not just a stroll.

Children love it here, it is a definite favourite for most adults as well! Also has a hanging garden, and evening musical fountain show. Allow 2 hours if you want to do a lot of exploring.

7. Nainital Zoo — Meeting the Mountain's Residents

The zoo is officially named as Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo and is one of the few high altitude zoos of South Asia. At 2,100 metres, it is the habitat of animals that are specifically adapted to Arctic climates – the Himalayan black bear, the snow leopard, the red panda, Tibetan wolves and the amazing hill fox, amongst others.

The zoo is situated on a forested slope and the animals are kept in spacious, naturalistic enclosures, which serve as their homes. It is a well thought out and well cared for facility, and a visit there isn't something that's obligatory, it's a true encounter with the wildlife of this part of the world.

8. Bhimtal — The Quieter Twin 

Bhimtal is really a small town and is just 22 kilometres from Nainital and is a must visit destination if you are looking to get away from the crowd. Its lake is bigger than Naini lake and in the middle there is a small island with an aquarium which finds an unusual and weird treat.

The vicinity of Bhimtal is green, undeveloped and somewhat peaceful. Ideal for taking up to the afternoon orange, or even used as a secondary destination if you prefer a relaxed speed. The road is nice enough to take the trip on for itself, up and down the forest creeks with nothing but a brief respite of a valley here and there.

9. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary — A Dawn Ritual for the Senses 

Patience is a quality that is rewarded at few places like Nainital's Kilbury. This thick forest of oak and rhododendron in the vicinity of the town, and which is about 12 kilometres from town, is one of the best places to spot birds in Uttarakhand. The total number of birds recorded in the wider area of Nainital is just over 580 species and Kilbury is at the heart of the list.

Getting there early – about 5:30 - 6:00 AM – means that you will surely be able to see the Himalayan monal (the state bird of the Uttarakhand), many types of laughingthrushes, barbets and possibly the very rare koklass pheasant. Use binoculars, stay in neutral-colored clothes and go slowly. The forest will take care of the rest.

10. Land's End 

The name is apt. Land's End is the end of the road from the motorable track that runs across the Nainital-Khurpatal valley, which appears at the edge of a ridge with no obstruction to the view from there to the Khurpatal valley below. The landscape extends through the woods, a glimmer of lake in the distance and the semi-cloudy, semi-profile of hills that fade to the horizon.

There's no need to go to a big event; it's a special occasion in its own right. The light changes to amber in the late afternoon and the shadows get longer – visit here at that time. Always wear a jacket - the wind at the ridge is always strong and cold, even in summer.

A few Practical Notes from the Paradise Yatra

It can be seen that the ideal period for visits to Nainital is during March to June for the wonderful weather and blue skies, and October to November for the crisp days in autumn with wonderful views of the mountains. During the often moody season of monsoon (July – September), it may at times interrupt commutation by landslides.

It's compact enough to explore on foot, but getting around by car or taxis, which can be retained from the locals, will make it much easier to get to spots such as the Bhimtal, Land's End, and Kilbury.

Unlike many other travel companies out there, at Paradise Yatra we create customized packages of Nainital trips that include accommodation, sightseeing and transfers, leaving you only to ponder on what to pack in your bag. From a weekend getaway to a week in the hills, we'll see to it that every moment lives up to its memory.

Nainital is not just deserving of a visit. It's worthy of being done well.