Nainital is a Himalayan resort town in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state, at an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station, it’s set around Nainital Lake, a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point (at 2,270m), with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak, The town is set in a valley around the Nainital Lake – an eye-shaped lake, which is located at an altitude of 1,940 m (6,350 ft) from sea level. The lake is 1,433 m (1,567 yd.) long and 463 m (506 yd.) wide and is approximately two miles in circumference. The town is completely located in the catchment area of the Nainital Lake, which has highly folded and faulted rocks due to polyphase deformation.
The winter season in Nainital commences by mid-November and lasts till mid-March. The temperature gradually declines from November onwards and January is the coldest month. Frost and mist are common features in December and January. Occasionally widespread rainfall also occurs due to western disturbance, with snow occurring on peaks higher than 2000m. The winter rainfall is sometimes associated with cyclonic activities.
1. Naini Lake
Situated in the center of Nainital, Naini Lake (short for Nainital Lake) is a beautiful natural fresh body lake. The lake is in crescent or kidney shape and is one of the most famous lakes of the Kumaon region. Bounded by Naini Peak on the West, It is most famous for boating, picnics and evening walks. The lake itself can be divided into two distinct sections, the northern part called Mallital and the southern region called Tallital. You can also visit Naina Devi Temple on the shores of the lake. A pretty lake that once a European man fell in love with, Naini Lake today serves as a major tourist spot for people from all over the country.
2. Snow View Point
Snow View Point in Nainital stands at a dizzying altitude of 2270 meters above sea level and is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the area. One can see a picturesque view of all three important peaks- Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot together from this point. If you look closer, you will find a small temple housing the images of Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman with Durga and Shiva. An aerial cable car connects you to the Snow View Point directly from the Mall Road of Mallital and shows you a spectacular view of the beautiful town.
3. Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top is a very famous tourist attraction in Nainital, also popularly called Dorothy’s Seat. A fantastic picnic spot in its own right, Adventure activities such as rappelling and rock climbing are conducted at Tiffin Top as well. The beautiful Tiffin Top is surrounded by trees of Cher, Oak, and Deodar. Naini Lake and Kumaon Hills look lovely when seen from here. On clearer days, one can also get hold of the majestic view of Nanda Devi. The attraction got its name as Tiffin Top after people started to have lunch on top of the hill on Dorothy’s Seat.
4. Eco Cave Gardens
Located in the Mallital area of Nainital, you need to crawl your way in. In the evenings, you can see the spectacle of the musical fountain with various audio-video effects. The Eco Cave Garden is set up to give tourists a glimpse of the natural habitat of the Himalayan Wildlife by constructing different caves for different animals, similar to their natural home.
5. High Altitude Zoo
Established in 1984, Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo or Nainital Zoo is situated on the Sher ka Danda hill in Tallital, Nainital. Perched at a height of 2100 metres and spread over an area of 4.6 hectares. it the only one of its kind. The Nainital Zoo is managed by the fund that comes from the entry fees and is managed by the Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society. The major wildlife spotted at the zoo includes Himalayan Bear
6. Nainital Ropeway
Nainital Ropeway or the Cable Car Ride is the most popular tourist attraction in the city of Nainital and is touted as one of the fastest ropeways in the country. The aerial trip hovering over the Nainital Lake and the valley offer panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape.
The stunning Nainital ropeway covers half a mile distance in about 3 minutes with 2 trolleys accommodating around 11 people in total at a time.
7. Naina Peak
Naina Peak is the highest peak of Nainital at a height of 2615 meters. A major tourist attraction in the city, the peak remains covered with snow throughout the year and the blanket of trees over it projects a picturesque view. One can capture the landscape from many angles, while on a trek to Naina Peak. Apart from trekking,
8. Land’s End
Set across the Khurpa Tal and vast stretches of plains, the Land’s End is the spot where the land ends and all you can see is cliffs surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. The less adventurous can take a pony, horse or taxi from the city. Do keep in mind that the view from Lands End depends on weather conditions.
9. Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal Lake, one of the most famous lakes in India, is located in the Bhimtal town of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. the Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake and supplies drinking water to the town and supports aquaculture in the region. Today, the lake has been opened for tourists and has a variety of activities in and around the lake. The surroundings of the Bhimtal Lake are well-maintained and clean offering a pleasant experience to everyone visiting it.
10. Sattal
A group of seven freshwater lakes, a stash of nature’s bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. The area boasts of its cluster of seven interconnected lakes namely: Panna, Naldaymanti Tal, Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat and Sukha Tal flanked by the lush green cover of oaks and pines With pleasant weather throughout the year, a visit to this destination away from the noise of cities is an experience not to be missed.
11. Pangot
Located just 15 kilometers away from Nainital, Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The village is at a height of 6,300 feet above sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic bird life. The entire drive that reaches up to this marvelous area passes through the forested areas of Chenna Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, both famous and excellent birding habitats.
12. Himalayan View Point
5 km off Nainital, this locale offers views of the Himalayan Mountains and is located at 2300 m high. I just loved to experience high point
13. Jeolikot
Known as the Gateway to Naini Lake, Jeolikot is a pristine hill station brimming with life, colors and butterflies. Located on the Nainital-Haldwani highway, Jeolikot is located just off NH 87 and is a favorite for naturalists and poets. Visit Jeolikot for its enchanting beauty, stunning colors and lush greenery, amidst distant views of the Himalayas. The simplicity of this hill station beckons people to practice meditation here, an ideal location for solitude and healing. Renowned philosophers Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekanand used to meditate in the serene environment of Jeolikote.
14. Khurpa Taal
At a distance of 12 km from Nainital, Khurpa Taal is a pristine lake situated at an elevation of 5500 feet. Laced with tall trees, the lake is considered ideal for fishing owing to its crystal clear waters and abundance of freshwater fish. Unexploited by tourists, the lake is a secret haven replete with bounteous nature.
15. Ranikhet
Ranikhet meaning Queen’s land is a hill station in Uttarakhand developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests. Ranikhet is popular for its views of the Nanda Devi Peak, trekking ranges, mountainous climbs, golf courses, orchards and temples.
16. Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, a small picturesque lake village is a destination for those who seek quietude and tranquility beneath the shade of pure nature. It is said that one glimpse of all nine corners of Lake with both feet on the earth can make the viewer disappear into smoke to achieve nirvana. With ample opportunities to rejuvenate your body and soul, Naukuchiatal is blessed with panoramically splendid surroundings and a captivating lake.
17. Sariyatal
Located near Kaladhungi, Sariyatal, also spelled as Saria Tal, is an artificial lake constructed as a tourist spot. The tiny lake has numerous activities like paddle boating and water sports, The tiny lake has numerous activities like paddle boating and water sports. It is also popular for the Himalayan botanical garden which is a research center other than being a herbarium and a butterfly park. Hiding a steep waterfall at the corner, Sariyatal is an ideal spot for solitude seekers, nature lovers and photographers.
18. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park set amidst the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Known for housing the endangered Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. it is a haven for bird watchers. The most popular attraction at Corbett National Park is Dhikala, a forest lodge located on the border of Patil Dun Valley, which is known for its stunning location and rich wildlife. The Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is named after Jim Corbett who is a famous hunter and naturalist.
19. Sitabani
Covered with a huge number of Sal and Oak trees, Sitabani is situated at the foothills of the majestic Himalayan range. Sitabani is a place of great historical significance and houses splendid temples. This place is a perfect weekend getaway to unwind and will provide solace from the pell-mell of the city. The lush green trees will lure you and the dense forests will beckon you to explore its mysteries.
20. Bhowali
Bhowali is a little hill-station that lies in the vicinity of several popular hill-stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal and Mukteshwar, Bhowali is a town of panoramic vistas and a bounty of nature. It is a getaway where one can experience peace and immense joy, especially with extremely pleasant and salubrious weather throughout the year.
21. Peora
Peora can be best described as a hidden gem, this place is serene with natural beauty in abundance. Untouched by industrialization, Peora is a perfect place to enjoy some peaceful moments away from the stressful city life. This place is perfect to unwind and spend some quality time with your loved ones or to cherish solitude. Peora is a hidden gem that is bountiful in scenic beauty and picturesque views that make it a perfect getaway.
22. Mall Road Nainital
The Mall Road of Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake, connecting the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital), is the prime shopping, food and cultural center of the wonder that is Nainital. You can see unwary tourists taking a stroll on Mall Road at all times of the day. Entry to heavy vehicles and traffic is prohibited during the peak season of May, June and October.
23. Binayak – A Thrilling Spot
One of the most famous trekking spots in the Himalayas for tourists visiting Nainital, Binayak offers fantastic trails. If you’re fond of hiking, Binayak is one of the best places to visit near Nainital wherein you can walk amidst the towering pine trees and unwind.
24. Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary – A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
A bird watcher’s paradise, this bird sanctuary might not feature in the list of top wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. However, it does not mean that it’s home to more than 580 species of birds, with glorious nature around at an altitude of 2528 m. It is one of the best tourist places to see in Nainital. Kilbury is surrounded by lush green forests of oak, pine and rhododendron.
25. Lover’s Point – A Vantage Point With Scenic Views
The vantage point offers some amazing views of the valley making it one of the popular Nainital tourist places. So, whether you are a couple or not, you should visit this place. However, families should refrain from visiting this place because of the obvious reasons. You can go further to Tiffin Top from this place which comes in the list of top Nainital sightseeing places.
