Nainital, nestled in the beautiful Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, is a charming hill resort that entices visitors from around the globe. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene lakes, and pleasant climate, Nainital offers an idyllic escape for individuals of all ages. Whether you are traveling with friends, family, or your significant other, there are numerous captivating attractions awaiting exploration in this enchanting town. In this post, we shall delve into the finest highlights of Nainital categorized by your accompanying travel companions.
Top Places to Visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
Naini Lake, situated in the scenic town of Nainital, captivates numerous tourists with its natural charm. This picturesque freshwater lake is enveloped by verdant hills that create a soothing backdrop. Visitors can leisurely enjoy a boat ride on the lake while soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, photography enthusiasts find this serene location perfect to capture the exquisite beauty of Nainital.
Timings: The lake is accessible from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry fees: There is no admission fees for visiting Naini Lake.
How to reach: Naini Lake is conveniently placed in the center of Nainital City and is only 35 km away from Kathgodam by taxi or bus. The closest train station is in Kathgodam, while the closest airports are Pantnagar (55 km) and Delhi IGI (both 55 km).
2. Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, is a renowned viewpoint in Nainital that gives panoramic views of the Himalayas and the village below. It is a fantastic destination for adventure enthusiasts, allowing them to walk via a lovely woodland track. The stunning dawn and sunset views from Tiffin Top make it a must-visit site in Nainital.
Timings: Tiffin Top is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry fees: No entry fees. INR 500 – 700 per person for horse riding.
How to reach: Tiffin Top is situated roughly 4 kilometers away from the Nainital town. You may rent a cab or take a short stroll to reach the viewpoint.
3. Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is a notable Hindu pilgrimage destination situated on the northern coast of Naini Lake. Dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, the temple possesses immense religious importance and draws many followers. Apart from its spiritual relevance, the temple provides a tranquil and peaceful ambiance, making it an excellent site for meditation and isolation.
Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Entry fees: There is no admission fees for visiting the Naina Devi Temple.
How to arrive: The temple is in the center of Nainital, and is just 3 km from the Nainital Bus Stand.
4. Snow View Point
Snow View Point is an important tourist attraction in Nainital that offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nandakot You can reach the ideal spot by riding a cable car, a pleasant experience for both adults and children. Beautiful views and cool mountain air make Snow View Point a great family getaway.
Timings: Snow View Point is open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, except on Saturday.
Entry fees: There is no admission fee for Snow View Point. However Ropeway Ticket prices are as follows:
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INR 300 per person for Adults
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INR 200 per person for Children
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INR 20 per Binocular
How to reach: Snow View Point is around 3 kilometers from the Nainital town. You may rent a cab or take a short walk to the ropeway station.
5. Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Park is a natural park in Nainital that offers you a unique experience of exploring interconnected caves. The park has a series of six caves of varying sizes and shapes, each symbolizing a specific animal such as elephants, rhinos, pigs and rhinos. It is an informative and interesting place for youngsters to learn about different species and have fun activities like crawling challenging trails.
Timings: Eco Cave Gardens is open from 09:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry fees: The admission charge for Eco Cave Gardens is INR 60 per adult, INR 25 for children.
How to arrive: Eco Cave Garden is just 1 km away from the Nainital Mall Road. You can walk or take a cab from there.
6. Nainital Zoo
The Nainital Zoo, officially named the Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, is a must-visit attraction for animal enthusiasts in Nainital. Situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters, this zoo is home to a diverse range of endangered species, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, elusive Snow Leopard, iconic Himalayan Bear, and rare Tibetan Wolf. It offers families a unique opportunity to explore and discover the rich array of Himalayan fauna while gaining knowledge about these fascinating creatures.
Timings: Nainital Zoo is open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, except on Mondays and national holidays.
Entry fees: The admission charge for Nainital Zoo is INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children
How to reach: Nainital Zoo is situated near Sher Ka Danda, roughly 2 kilometers from Nainital town. You may rent a cab or take a short walk to the zoo.
7. Lover’s Point
As the name implies, Lover’s Point is a romantic place in Nainital that gives enchanting views of the city and the surrounding hills. Located near Suicide Point, this viewpoint offers a tranquil and peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal area for couples to spend precious time together. The magnificent sunset views from Lover’s Point offer a romantic backdrop suitable for creating lovely memories.
Timings: Lover’s Point may be visited at any hour of the day.
Entry fees: There is no admission fees for visiting Lover’s Point.
How to reach: Lover’s Point is located roughly 4 kilometers away from the Nainital town. You may rent a cab or take a short stroll to reach the viewpoint.
8. Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
If you and your friend are nature lovers, you must travel to Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary, around 15 kilometers from Nainital, is home to numerous bird species, making it a refuge for birdwatchers. You may walk around the wooded walks, view colorful birds, and relax in the peaceful settings. The sanctuary’s serene and peaceful setting is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Timings: Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entry fees: There are no admission fees for visiting the sanctuary.
How to reach: The distance between Kathgodam Railway Station and the Pangot and Kilbury Sanctuary is around 20 kilometers. Bus and taxi transportation to the sanctuary is widely available.
9. Naini Peak
The tallest peak in Nainital, Naina Peak, also known as China Peak, offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the whole town. Hiking to Naina Peak is a popular activity for adventurous couples. At the summit, one can behold a breathtaking panorama of surrounding mountains and valleys that creates an atmosphere filled with awe and wonder. The gentle breeze, serene ambiance, and magnificent vistas make Naina Peak an ideal destination for couples seeking to cherish quality moments together.
Timings: Naina Peak may be visited at any time, although it is preferable to go during daylight hours.
Entry fees: There is no admission fees for visiting Naina Peak.
How to reach: Naina Peak is situated roughly 6 kilometers away from the Nainital town. You may hire a cab or take a hiking path to reach the top.
Conclusion
With its natural beauty and calm environs, Nainital provides an excellent experience for guests of all types. Whether exploring the calm lakes with friends, enjoying family excursions at the numerous attractions, or seeking a romantic holiday with your spouse, Nainital has something to offer everyone.
From the gorgeous Naini Lake to the adventurous Tiffin Top, from the informative Eco Cave Gardens to the romantic Lover’s Point, each area in Nainital has its particular charm and attraction. So, plan your vacation to Nainital and immerse yourself in the splendor of this charming hill station.
