Nainital Travel Guide | Best Time, Places to Visit & Stay

Nainital – The Lake District of Uttarakhand

Nainital is one of Uttarakhand’s most famous hill stations, built around the beautiful Naini Lake and surrounded by forested hills. Known as the Lake District of India, Nainital combines scenic charm, colonial-era architecture, lively markets, and easy accessibility.

It is a classic hill destination ideal for families, couples, and leisure travelers, offering boating, viewpoints, short walks, and a pleasant climate for most of the year.

Best For: Lakes, leisure holidays, families, couples
Ideal Duration: 2–4 days
Altitude: ~2,084 meters

Why Visit Nainital

• Iconic Naini Lake with boating

• Multiple viewpoints overlooking the lake and valley

• Pleasant weather during summer months

• Well-developed tourist infrastructure

• Easy access to nearby hill escapes like Bhimtal and Mukteshwar

Best Time to Visit

• March – June: Best weather, peak tourist season

• July – September: Monsoon greenery; occasional landslides

• October – November: Clear skies, fewer crowds

• December – February: Cold winters; occasional snowfall

How to Reach Nainital

By Air

Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (≈70 km)

By Train

Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (≈35 km)

By Road

Well connected by road from Delhi, Haldwani, Kathgodam, and nearby towns

Top Places to Visit in Nainital

Naini Lake

The heart of the town, ideal for boating and evening strolls along the promenade.

Naina Devi Temple

Important religious site located near the lake.

Mall Road

Main shopping and dining street running alongside Naini Lake.

Snow View Point

Accessible by ropeway; offers panoramic Himalayan views on clear days.

Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Popular viewpoint reachable by short hike or horseback ride.

Eco Cave Gardens

Network of natural caves, especially popular with families and children.

Things to Do in Nainital

• Boating in Naini Lake

• Ropeway ride to Snow View

• Shopping and café hopping on Mall Road

• Short hikes to nearby viewpoints

• Day trips to Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal

Suggested Nainital Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1:
Arrival → Mall Road walk → Boating at Naini Lake

Day 2:
Snow View → Eco Cave Gardens → Tiffin Top

Day 3:
Visit Naina Devi Temple → Shopping → Departure

Where to Stay in Nainital

Budget

• Guesthouses near Tallital and Mallital

• Budget hotels off Mall Road

Mid-Range

• Lake-view hotels

• Comfortable family hotels near Mall Road

Premium

• Heritage hotels

• Luxury resorts on outskirts for quieter stays

Food & Cafés

Nainital offers a variety of cafés and restaurants, especially along Mall Road. Expect North Indian, Chinese, bakery items, and café-style food.

Travel Tips

• Carry light woollens even in summer

• Avoid peak-hour boating queues by going early

• Start sightseeing early during peak season

• Winter nights can be extremely cold

• Monsoon travel requires caution due to landslides

Who Should Visit Nainital

• Families with children

• Couples on relaxed hill holidays

• First-time hill station visitors

• Weekend travelers from North India

• Leisure-focused travelers