Things to Do in Nainital: Lake, Viewpoints & the Kumaon Lake District

Go boating on Naini Lake

Rowing boats, pedal boats and yachts are available from the jetties on the Mall Road and near the Flats. The Nainital Boat Club, one of the oldest in India, organises sailing. A boat in the early morning, when the lake is still and the town is quiet, is especially pleasant.

Time needed

1 hour

Best time

Early morning or late afternoon

Good for

Families, couples

Visit Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi Temple, on the northern shore of the lake, is dedicated to the goddess from whom Nainital takes its name and is counted among the Shakti Peethas. The Nanda Devi Mela, held here in late summer, is the town's main festival.

Time needed

30 minutes

Stroll the Mall Road

The Mall Road runs along the lake between Mallital and Tallital, lined with shops, cafés and hotels. It is at its liveliest in the evening, when families walk the promenade and the lakeside lights come on. Look for candle shops, a Nainital speciality, and Tibetan markets near the Flats.

Best time

Evening

Good to know

Vehicle restrictions apply at busy times

See the Flats and St John in the Wilderness

The Flats, a large open ground at Mallital, created after a landslide in 1880, is used for sports and fairs. St John in the Wilderness, a 19th-century Gothic church in the forest above the lake, is one of the town's oldest buildings.

Ride the ropeway to Snow View

A cable car runs from Mallital up to Snow View Point, from where, on clear days, you can see peaks of the Himalaya such as Nanda Devi. Mornings in October and November and after rain give the clearest views. Queues can be long in summer.

Time needed

1.5 hours

Best time

Clear mornings, October to November

Good for

Families

Walk to Tiffin Top

Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat), on Ayarpatta Hill, is a viewpoint reached by a pleasant forest walk of about 4 km from the town, or by pony. It gives a wide view over the lake and the surrounding hills. Land's End, nearby, looks over the valley towards Khurpatal.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Good for

Walkers, couples

Hike to Naina Peak

Naina Peak (China Peak) is the highest point around Nainital at about 2,600 metres. The hike through oak and rhododendron forest takes a couple of hours, and on clear days it offers a broad view of the Himalayan range. Go with a guide or local directions, and start early.

Time needed

Half a day

Best time

Morning

Good for

Active travellers

Explore the Eco Cave Gardens

A set of small interconnected caves and gardens on the hillside, the Eco Cave Gardens are a hit with children, who crawl through the narrow caves named after animals. There is a musical fountain show in the evening.

Time needed

1 hour

Good for

Families with children

Visit the zoo and Raj Bhavan

The High Altitude Zoo on Sher ka Danda hill houses Himalayan animals such as red pandas, leopards and Himalayan black bears. The Raj Bhavan, a Gothic-style governor's residence from 1900, has guided tours and a golf course.

Go birdwatching at Kilbury and Pangot

The oak forests of Kilbury and the village of Pangot, about 15 km from Nainital, are among the best birding areas in the Kumaon hills. Species such as the khalij pheasant, Himalayan griffon and several laughingthrushes are seen here. Small homestays and lodges at Pangot are a quiet alternative to staying in town.

Best time

Early morning, October to April

Good for

Birdwatchers, slow travellers

Watch sunset from Hanuman Garhi

Hanuman Garhi, a temple complex on the southern edge of town near Tallital, is known for its sunset view over the plains. The observatory at nearby Manora Peak (ARIES) has organised night-sky programmes at times; check before you go.

Best time

Sunset

Browse the Tibetan market and try local food

The Tibetan market near Mallital sells woollens, jackets and souvenirs. Nainital's food is simple: momos and thukpa, bun-tikki, and baked goods. Look for Kumaoni dishes such as bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke in local eateries, and bal mithai, a speciality of nearby Almora, in sweet shops.

Good for

Food lovers, shoppers

Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal

Bhimtal, 22 km away, is larger than Naini Lake and has an island aquarium. Naukuchiatal, the nine-cornered lake, offers paragliding and quiet stays. Sattal is a cluster of seven small lakes in dense forest, good for birdwatching, kayaking and camping. The three are easily combined in one day.

Time needed

Full day

Good for

Families, couples, birdwatchers

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar, about 50 km away, is a quiet orchard town with a hilltop Shiva temple, Chauli ki Jali cliffs and views of the high Himalaya. It is also a base for rock climbing and rappelling.

Mukteshwar travel guide

Kainchi Dham and Ranikhet

Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, lies on the road towards Almora and draws many visitors. Ranikhet, a cantonment town with golf links and pine forests, is about two hours away.

Things to do in Ranikhet

See snow in winter

Nainital gets snowfall in some winters, usually between late December and February, when the ridges and rooftops turn white. It is not guaranteed; check forecasts and road conditions before you go.

Best time

Late December to February

Good to know

Snowfall varies year to year

What are the best things to do in Nainital?

Go boating on Naini Lake, visit Naina Devi Temple, walk the Mall Road, ride the ropeway to Snow View, walk to Tiffin Top, hike Naina Peak and take a day trip to Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.

How many days are enough for Nainital?

Two days covers the lake, Mall Road and viewpoints. Three to four days lets you explore the nearby lakes and Mukteshwar.

Is Nainital good for families?

Yes. Boating, the ropeway, the Eco Cave Gardens and the zoo are popular with children, and hotels cater well to families.

What is the best time to visit Nainital?

March to June for pleasant weather, and October to November for clear Himalayan views. Winter can bring snow; the monsoon brings heavy rain and landslide risk.

Does it snow in Nainital?

In some years, usually between late December and February. Snowfall is not guaranteed, and higher spots such as Naina Peak and Kilbury are more likely to see it.