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Nainital is a quaint valley town surrounded by tall snow-capped Himalayan mountains on all four sides. Named for the several pristine blue lakes that dot the area, it is one of the most beautiful places to travel to in North India. Known for its stunning views and colourful city streets, there’s no lack of places to visit in Nainital. Whether you’re taking a trip with the whole family, or planning a solo experience, you can be sure that this hill station has something to offer everyone. Plus, the cool weather through the year makes it ideal for those looking to escape the summer heat in the rest of the country.
But before you start packing your bags, do make sure you check out this prime list of Nainital tourist places that you can’t miss if you’re looking to have a great vacation. Given here are just some of the Nainital tourist places that you should definitely consider visiting. The city has dozens of other activities and sites for you to explore. Book your Nainital holiday Packages and let SOTC help you find more places to visit, while you sit back and relax on your Uttarakhand trip.
The crescent-shaped Nainital Lake, or Naini Lake as it is locally known, is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Nainital. Nestled at the heart of the hill station, it is a popular tourist spot. You can also enjoy boating and paddling on the lake, or simply admire the breathtaking beauty around it. Naini Lake will win your heart with its varied offerings. This has to be a part of your Nainital trip package.
Perched at 2290 metres above sea level, Tiffin Top is one of the most stunning Nainital places to visit. It is also known as Dorothy’s Seat in the honour of the painter Dorothy Kellet. Once you’re at the top, you are treated to some of the most spectacular views of Nainital and the area around. Add adventure to your trek with rock climbing and rappelling.
Of all the Nainital tourist places, Snow View Point is perhaps the most beautiful one among all. Rendered ethereal by the snow in winter, it is a magical place that offers sweeping panoramas of Nanda Kot, Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks. Though accessible by road and cable car, trekking is the best way to reach one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital.
The GB Pant High Altitude Zoo houses some of the most endangered animal and bird species in India. Tibetan wolves, Siberian tigers, snow leopards and white peacocks are only some of them. Apart from these there are a host of local and exotic species that call this home. Set up in 1984, the GB Pant High Altitude Zoo is among the most popular Nainital tourist places. It is one tourist spot you mustn’t miss in Nainital.
Nainital’s Mall Road is among the most colourful places to visit in Nainital. The hill station’s shopping hub is unmissable as it is a part of all Nainital tour packages. Home to many restaurants and watering holes, it is the best place in town to catch up on local gossip. As far as shopping goes, this is among the best places to snag some deals on local handicrafts. Just don’t forget to bargain. But more than a shopping destination, Mall Road is Nainital’s de facto social hub.
This interconnected complex of rocky caves is one of the most exciting places to visit in Nainital. The Eco Cave Gardens is a collection of half a dozen caves that have a hanging garden and a musical fountain. Each of the caves is designed to mimic the natural habitat of a local wildlife. The musical fountain with its audio-visual effects is a highlight of the garden. The narrow winding road that leads to the cave coupled with the fact that you have to crawl inside, makes this one of the most adventurous Nainital tourist places.
Hanuman Garhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the more colourful religious places to visit in Nainital. You probably won’t find this is in any of the Nainital packages, but the soothing views around the temple will infuse you with a sense of contented peace. Include this in your Nainital holiday package and enjoy a bracing trek with beautiful views at the end.
Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths around India, the Naina Devi Temple is one of the holiest Nainital places to visit. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati’s eyes and is said to have been built at the spot where her eyes first fell on earth. Considered to be the patron Goddes of the hill station, your Nainital trip would be regarded incomplete without a visit here. This is among the most-visited Nainital tourist places.
The highest peak of Nainital is one of its biggest tourist attractions. Naina Peak, also known as China Peak and Naini Peak, is among the most highly recommended places to visit in Nainital. The top opens up to beautiful vistas of Nainital and the beauty that surrounds the hill station. The town looks especially alluring when it lights up at night. Sunrise and sunset are major events that can be enjoyed from the top. It is also one of the most beautiful treks in the region. Be sure to take a guide along when you hike to the top.
Known locally as the Himalayan View Point, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Nainital for Himalayan views. This is the place to head to for the clearest and the most breathtakingly beautiful panoramas of the Himalayas. Popular among tourists, especially photographers, Himalayan Darshan makes a beautiful addition to your Nainital trip package. Located just 5 km away from Nainital, you have to go through a refreshing trek before you can reach your objective.
The road that leads to the Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is a forest road that is as beautiful as the destination. It takes you to one of the most ecologically thriving places to visit in Nainital. Long considered to be a bird watcher’s paradise, the bird sanctuary is home to over 580 species of birds in addition to countless insect and reptile species. The lush forest that is the sanctuary is among the greenest Nainital places to visit.
The home of the legendary Jim Corbett is among the most awesome places to visit in Nainital. Better known as Gurney House, it is now a heritage property. It offers spectacular views of the Naini Lake and its lush green surroundings. You can get a guided tour of the house with prior appointment. As you walk through the house, you can feel the weight of history that is contained within the walls. Still retaining its vestiges of colonial charm, the house is steeped in history. If only it could talk…
Khurpa Taal is one of the most gorgeous places to visit near Nainital. Located at 5500 feet, it is among the highest lakes in India. Surrounded by greenery, it is a favourite fishing spot of the locals. Not yet spoiled by over-tourism, the lake is one of the most under-explored Nainital tourist places. Its aura of serenity makes it an ideal fishing spot. Try your hand at fishing and you might just get a bite. Or simply soak in the tranquility as you enjoy one of the quietest Nainital places to visit.
Unlike the Khurpa Taal, Sariyatal is an artificial lake that lets you enjoy boating at any time of the year. Located in a picturesque corner, it is one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Nainital. The nearby Himalayan Botanical Garden is also a thriving tourist spot. In addition to being a research centre, it also houses a herbarium and a butterfly park. Sariyatal is one of the quintessential Nainital tourist places that will mesmerise you with its beauty.
Nainital Ropeway is a scenic cable car ride that connects Snow View Point, one of the most breathtaking Nainital tourist places, to Mallital. Ascending 2270 metres, it is a picturesque 3-minute journey. The dizzying heights at which the ropeway travels, makes it a thrilling experience, especially for people not used to the heights. Conversely, the journey can be spent in quiet contemplation to the accompaniment of bewitching sights of eternal beauty.
One of the most scenic spots in north India, the mango-shaped Nainital Lake is one of the must-visit places in Nainital. Surrounded on all sides by massive mountains, the panoramic view from this lake invites travellers from all over the world. You could take a boat ride at sunset with a loved one, or spend a day taking photographs at the banks of the lake, and you’ll surely understand why, of all Nainital tourist places, this is the most popular.
Just 10 kilometres from the main city lies the surreal and beautiful hamlet of Khurpatal. An ideal spot for nature lovers, this charming village is known for its clean air, pleasant climate, and untouched nature. It’s also home to a beautiful emerald lake that no Instagram filter can improve. The lake is also a good place to go fishing, if you’re the kind who finds peace around water. Khurpatal is easily accessible by road and is one of the best places to visit in Nainital to get away from the vacationing crowd.
One of the few high-altitude zoos in the world, the National Zoo in Nainital is known for being very well maintained. The most popular of all Nainital tourist places, the zoo is home to some of the most endangered and exotic birds and animals in the world, such as the leopard cat and the golden pheasant. This park is a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts and those travelling with young children. Also, it is very convenient to reach as it’s only a short taxi ride away from the main city.
In case you’re looking for a better view of the snow-capped mountains that surround the valley, Snow view is one of the best places to visit in Nainital. You can reach this point by taking the very scenic cable car ride from the main city. Once there, prepare for a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas. In case the weather is playing spoilsport, Snow View is also home to a miniature park, with several game and food stalls to keep you entertained.
When you’re tired of the bustle of the main city, there’s no better spot to visit than Tiffin Top, or Dorothy’s seat. Of all Nainital tourist places, this is best to relax and have a picnic, while taking in a gorgeous view of the rest of the city. It’s also a good place for nature lovers to check out some of the local flora and fauna. You could get there by taking a short trek from the city or by riding on a pony. Tiffin Top is best visited in the afternoons, so you can get a clear view of the surrounding hills.
If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way down to the Eco Cave Garden, one of the most exotic places to go in Nainital. The garden is home to about six caves which you can enter and explore. Some are large, while others are barely big enough for you to crawl into. See how many you can explore and try not to get lost. The park is well-maintained and decorated and you can be sure that this will be a once in a lifetime experience.
