Nainital, a beautiful hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand surrounded by lush green hills. The town is popular for both leisure and adventure since it provides the ideal combination of beautiful scenery, nice weather, and an enjoyable atmosphere.
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Boating on Naini Lake
Situated in the heart of Nainital town in Uttarakhand, Nainital Lake is a quiet and picturesque location that draws a lot of tourists. The lake is perfect for boating because of its calm waters and hilly surroundings. A well-liked tourist activity on Nainital Lake is boating, which provides a tranquil experience with breathtaking views of the surroundings. A variety of boats, including paddle boats, rowing boats, and even small yachts, are available for rental.
When the sun is shining and the weather is nice, during the day is the ideal time to go boating. You can also take in Nainital’s natural beauty and the sight of ducks swimming around. It’s not just about the boat ride—the experience also involves taking in the serene surroundings and re-establishing a connection with nature.
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Cable Car Ride to Snow View Point
For everyone visiting this stunning hill station, a cable car ride to Snow View Point in Nainital is a trip not to be missed. Snow View Point is best reached by cable car, commonly called a “ropeway.” It is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountains blanketed with snow.
The Mallital cable car station is close to Nainital Lake. Although the trip just takes a few minutes to reach at the top but is exciting. You’ll get breathtaking views of the lake, the town of Nainital, and the surrounding green hills as the cable car ascends higher. The views are even prettier during winters when the mountains are covered with Snow
Snow View Point has some cafes and shops where you may have some snacks or a hot cup of tea while admiring the scenery. Children’s amusement park with simple rides is one of the entertaining activities available.
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Visit the Nainital Zoo
Situated approximately 2,100 meters above sea level, Nainital Zoo is one of the few high-altitude zoos in India. Families, environment enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates watching animals in a stunning, natural setting will find this to be a terrific place to visit.
Many of the species in the zoo are native to the Himalayan region. The animals are diverse. You can view a variety of species here, such as the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, and the barking deer. Numerous birds can be seen in the zoo, such as the vibrant golden pheasant and the colourful peacock.
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Naina Devi Temple
The temple is located near Mallital and the well-known Mall Road. Situated on the lake’s edge, the temple provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and the water.The goddess Naina Devi, who is worshipped here, is thought to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is a popular destination for devotees and tourists, who come to take in the serene surroundings and ask for blessings.
The temple is particularly beautiful on holidays like Navratri, when a large number of devotees visit to offer prayers and it is decorated with flowers and lights.
It is believed that when Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, immolated herself, her eyes, or “naina” in Hindi, dropped at this location. For this reason, the temple is known as Naina Devi, which translates as “Goddess of the Eyes.”
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Mall Road
One of Nainital’s busiest and most popular streets is Mall Road. It connects Mallital and Tallital, the town’s two ends, and goes alongside Nainital Lake. You can find variety of shops, hotels and restuarants in mall road. Mall road is the favourite spot for both locals and tourists. Apart from this you can also rent a bicycle and ride along the lake.
Mall Road always has a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings when it comes to life with people and lights. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing walk because of the picturesque surroundings and the refreshing lake breeze. Additionally, you may just relax and take in the beauty of the lake and the hills by sitting on one of the benches that line the route.
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Explore the Cave Garden
Situated not far from Mallital, cave garden is well-known for its network of interconnecting caves and picturesque surroundings. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and everyone else who wants to experience something new would like this place. This Cave Garden has a series of natural caves that have been developed into a park for visitors. There are six main caves, such as Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, and Bat Cave, each named after an animal. Given that the caves are made to replicate the habitats of these animals, these names give an indication of what can be found inside.
The cave exploration is an adventure. You have to crawl or bend in some of the small caves to get through, which makes the experience more thrilling. Both kids and adults will find the caverns to be a fun activity because they are well-lit and secure. But, some caves can be a little difficult, so be cautious—especially if you have little children with you.
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Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
The serene and picturesque Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is situated close to Nainital, Uttarakhand. For those who enjoy the outdoors and birds, this sanctuary is a haven where they may witness a variety of different species of birds in their native environments. It is a simple and entertaining day trip from Nainital, which is just 15 kilometres away.
The sanctuary is located at an elevation of about 2,500 meters. With over 580 species of birds recorded here, the region is renowned for its biodiversity. Among the common birds you may see are the striking Himalayan Monal, many kinds of woodpeckers, thrushes, and the uncommon Cheer Pheasant.
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Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House)
The official residence of the Uttarakhand governor is Raj Bhavan, also called the Governor’s House, a stunning and historic structure located in Nainital. One of Nainital’s most remarkable and well-preserved buildings, Raj Bhavan was constructed during the British rule and draws tourists with its magnificent architecture and green surroundings.
The structure was planned in the Victorian Gothic style, which was popular at the time, and was built in 1899. With its stone walls, tall towers, and big windows, it has a powerful look. Raj Bhavan’s architecture has been influenced by London’s Buckingham Palace, giving it a royal and elegant atmosphere.
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Naina Peak (China Peak)
The highest point in Nainital is Naina Peak, sometimes referred to as China Peak, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions. Naina Peak, which rises to a height of approximately 2,615 meters, provides stunning views of the valleys, mountains, and town of Nainital below.
It’s an adventure into itself to reach Naina Peak. Trekking or riding a horse can be used to reach the peak, which is roughly six km from the town centre. This moderate walk winds through thick forests of rhododendron, deodar and cypress. The walk is pleasant and revitalising because of the cool air and the sound of birds chirping.
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John in the Wilderness Church
Constructed in the British era in 1844, the church has a unique and rustic appeal. The reason for being known as “St. John in the Wilderness” is because when it was originally constructed, it was surrounded by dense forests. The church features high windows, a sloping roof, and a classic Gothic style. It is built of stone.
Not only is St John in the Wilderness Church a house of worship, but it also serves as a reminder of Nainital’s colonial history. The church is open to guests of all religions who would like to learn more about its history or just take in the serene surroundings.
Adventure Activities:
Things to do in Nainital-
- Paragliding- Nearby Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal
- Rock climbing and Rappelling
- Mountain Biking
- Camping – Pangot, Snow View Point
- Boating
- Trekking – Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point
- Ropeway Ride – To Snow View Point
- Bird Watching – Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Tips for your Nainital trip:
- Best time to visit Nainital is in summer (March to June) or if you are person who loves cold weather and snow then October to February is the best time for you to visit.
- Book hotels and homestays in advance specially during the peak season.
- Pick hotels close to Mall Road to get convenient access to most attractions.
- Try local Kumaoni dishes at small eateries for an authentic experience.
- Explore Mall Road for souvenirs like candles, woolen clothes, and handicrafts.
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