Table of Contents
10 Places to visit in Nainital
Introduction
When we think of relaxing holiday spots in the hills, one name that comes to mind is Nainital. It’s a charming hill station in the Kumaon region, popular among tourists. While it is known for its beautiful Naini Lake there are other places of that you can visit during your vacation with family and friends.
Nainital Ancient Mythological Beliefs
- The Manas Khand of the Skanda Purana mentions Nainital as the “Tri-Rishi Sarovar” (Lake of the Three Sages). Legend says sages Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha created the lake to quench their thirst during a pilgrimage.
- Another legend connects Nainital to one of the 64 Shakti Peethas (holy shrines) in Hinduism. It’s believed that Sati’s eyes fell here when Lord Shiva carried her body across India. Naina Devi Temple stands on the spot where her eyes are said to have landed.
Best Places to visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
This Beautiful lake is where Nainital derives its name from. Set in the centre of the valley or the heart of the city, the lake is attracts multiple tourists all year round. With options of boating, both pedal and rowing, as well as yachting, there is something in store for every tourist at this lake.
Take a ride across the beautiful lake with your loved one, family and friends while visiting Nainital.
2. Nainital Zoo
An iconic zoo that is known for being a high-altitude zoo and it is also called G.B.Pant High Altitude Nainital Zoo.
It is home to various endangered and beautiful species of animals such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, the Himalayan bear, Japanese Macaque, Barking Deer, Sambar, etc. It also houses some popular varieties of birds viz. Hill Patridge, Steppe Eagle, White Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Rose-ringed parakeet, blossom headed parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, amongst others.
The zoo was established in 1984 and was opened to the general public from 1995 onwards. Spread over a good 4.6 hectares, it was officially named as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in the year 2002.
Fact: It is one of the three high altitude zoos in India. The other two being located in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Timings of the zoo– 10:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except Mondays, Diwali and Holi.
With exceptional landscapes and gorgeous bouts of greenery, the Nainital Zoo is a must-see while visiting Nainital.
3. Naina Devi temple Nainital
The pious temple is thronged by devotees all year round. A major prayer site of Nainital, Naina Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. The turquoise blue water graces the temple and it has firmly stood ground on the hillock since 15th century AD.
It is believed that the idol inside the temple was installed by Moti Ram Shah in 1842. Despite being hit by a major landslide in 1880, the temple was rebuilt at the very site because of its auspiciousness.
4. Mall Road Nainital
The famous Mall Road of Nainital is located around one part of the Naini Lake. With multiple shops thronging the roadside, you can expect to shop for souvenirs from the city to scented candles of different shapes and sizes, bronze and wood decorative items, handmade handlooms and shawls, handicraft items, amongst others right here.
The Mall road runs from Mallital to Tallital, connecting the main ends of the city. A commercial hub for every trader in Nainital, there is something for every person to shop, eat or even just take a stroll along the river.
5. Aerial Ropeway
A gorgeous ropeway that runs from Mallital to the top of the hill, the aerial ropeway is a must visit for tourists exploring Nainital. The beautiful view of the Naini lake while going in the ropeway is absolutely fantastic.
Once on top of the hill, you can spend time eating knick-knacks or play a few games. A short walk up the hill will take you to the point where you can see mountain peaks with the help of telescopes.
A definite one-time experience, the aerial ropeway is a memorable addition to your trip to Nainital.
6. Snow View Point
A gorgeous view of the Nanda Devi peak awaits you at Snow View Point. Situated a little away from the main city, approximately 2 kms., visitors can get an enchanting experience of the snow-capped Nanda Kot Peak, Nanda Devi Peak and the Trishul peak.
Snow view point is a perfect place to spend some excellent time soaking in the fresh air and sipping on hot tea with snacks. You can also visit the small temple located at the Snow View Point that houses pictures of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, Shiva and Durga.
If you walk a little further you can also visit a scenic and quaint Tibetan Monastery – Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa.
7. Tiffin Top Nainital
A popular picnic spot and a favourite amongst locals of Nainital, Tiffin Top also known as ‘Dorothy’s seat’, is located on the picturesque hilltop of Ayarpatta. It not offers an exuberant view of the entire Nainital city but also ensures that you have a moment to capture with gorgeous settings and backdrops.
Away from the bustling streets of the Mall road, Tiffin Top is an absolute delight for avid photographers. With different angles to capture the beauty of the city, the lens can speak louder than words once at Tiffin top.
Fact: Dorothy’s seat was built by a British Army Officer in memory of his wife, an English artist, Dorothy Kellet. She died from Septicaemia aboard a ship bound for England to be with her four children. The officer was Col. J.P. Kellet, a DSO MC from the City of London Regiment.
8. Eco Cave Garden
An absolutely spectacular new tourist spot developed and maintained by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Eco Cave Garden is a place connected by natural interconnected caves of animals. The hanging garden makes this place even more fabulous to visit and a pleasure to your eyes.
It is made up of several caves of different dimensions that one needs to hike, climb or crawl by to get through.
Some names that children will get enthused by are Tiger cave, Bat cave, Panther cave, Flying fox cave, Squirrel cave, and Apes cave. The presence of a musical fountain enhances the experience of these caves manifold during peak season time.
The cave is open for tourists every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can easily walk to the cave from the main road of the city.
9. Pangot and Kilbury bird sanctuary
The beauty of the forest captures the lonely eye and sends you in an effervescent tizzy. Kilbury is a must visit for all bird watching enthusiasts and photography fanatics. With a variety of birds thronging the trees and skies, you can experience nature up close and personal.
The Kilbury bird sanctuary of Nainital is located around 14 kms from the main city and is also home to Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Reserve. It is best known for its numerous species of birds along with a woody affair of pines, oaks and rhododendron trees.
Kilbury boasts of having over 500 varieties of birds including Forktails, Collared Grosbeaks, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Brown Wood-Owls, and many more amongst others. These can be easily spotted with the naked eye.
Spot your favourite birds or simply gorge on the massive landscape and beauty that is so beautifully presented in a picture perfect sphere of Kilbury bird sanctuary.
10. Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
A famous tourist spot of Nainital, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name because of the gold panning that was carried out in the river before it was converted into a sanctuary. It is conveniently nestled between two grand sanctuaries viz. Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park.
The sanctuary comprises of two main sparkling streams named River Palain and River Mandal. The forests exude the grandeur of Bamboo, Sal and Sheesham trees, leaving the avid traveller bespectacled. It can be accessed from Kalagarh, Vantanvasa gate, Durgadevi and Kotdwar.
The wildlife sanctuary, founded in 1987, is a haven for a variety of flora and fauna from Asiatic Elephants to Tigers, Cheetals to Leopards, Deers and different species of reptiles. It also has an estimated 550 types of birds dwelling in the forest.
The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is said to hold 6% of the world’s total aviary population. It is also home to the second largest population of Panthers and Tigers in the world.
From rare medicinal plants to a couple of endangered shrubs and herbs, Sonawadi is a wildlife enthusiasts paradise. The sanctuary is open from October 15 to June 15 and closes during monsoons.
How to reach Nainital?
Nainital is well-connected by road, rail and air.
By Road:
Nainital to Dehradun Distance is approximately 279.3 km
Nainital to Delhi distance is approximately 323 km
Are you planning your trip to Nainital then Arbor Taxi Dehradun is your trustworthy companion, ensuring a smooth ride with exceptional convenience and comfort
By Train
Nearest railway station to Nainital: The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, located around 34 kms away. You can take a taxi or bus from Kathgodam to Nainital.
By Air
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, located around 65 kms away. You can take a taxi or cab from Pantnagar Airport to Nainital.
Best Time To Visit Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station that can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you prefer:
- March to June (Summer): This is the peak season for tourism in Nainital, with pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. It’s ideal for sightseeing, boating on the lake, and enjoying outdoor activities.
- July to September (Monsoon): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to Nainital, which can sometimes lead to landslides. However, the lush greenery and fewer crowds can be appealing to some visitors.
- October to February (Winter): The winters in Nainital can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius. There’s a chance of snowfall in December and January, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports and scenic snow-capped mountains.
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