Nainital Travel Guide
The Lake District of India -- emerald Naini Lake cradled by seven hills, misty Kumaon mornings, and the timeless charm of a beloved hill station.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to the Lake City
Welcome to the Lake City
Nainital, the jewel of the Kumaon Hills, is a destination that has enchanted travellers since a British sugar merchant, P. Barron, discovered this emerald lake in 1841 and declared it the most beautiful spot he had ever seen. The town takes its name from Naini Lake, a kidney-shaped body of water cradled by seven hills -- Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda. Legend holds that the lake formed from an eye (nain) of Goddess Sati, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. At 1,938 metres above sea level, Nainital offers a climate that ranges from pleasantly warm summers to magical snowy winters. The British developed it as a summer retreat, and their colonial legacy lives on in the Gothic churches, the Raj-era Boat House Club, and the wide Mall Road promenade. But Nainital is more than just its famous lake. Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal -- the satellite lakes -- offer quieter escapes. Pangot village is a world-class birding destination. The local Kumaoni cuisine, from the unique Bal Mithai sweet to hearty bhatt ki churkani, adds a flavour found nowhere else in India. Whether you come for the boating, the views, or simply to breathe mountain air by the lake, Nainital is a hill station that never disappoints.
Best Time to Visit Nainital
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Nainital
Naini Lake (Boating)
The emerald-green kidney-shaped lake that gives Nainital its name. Surrounded by seven hills, it is the heart and soul of the town. Boating options include paddleboats, rowboats, and yacht rides. The reflection of surrounding hills in the still morning waters is unforgettable.
Naina Devi Temple
A sacred Hindu temple on the northern shore of Naini Lake, dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Sati). One of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Rebuilt after the 1880 landslide. The temple's spiritual atmosphere is enhanced by lake views.
Snow View Point (Cable Car)
At 2,270 metres, accessible by a scenic aerial ropeway (cable car) from Mall Road. On clear days, witness a stunning panorama of Himalayan peaks -- Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot. The cable car ride itself offers spectacular views of the town and lake below.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
A hilltop viewpoint at 2,292 metres offering panoramic views of the Kumaon Himalayas. Named after Dorothy Kellett, a British painter. Reached by a pleasant 4 km trek or pony ride from Bara Pathar. The whole Nainital town and lake spread below like a postcard.
Eco Cave Garden
A network of interconnected natural caves named after animals -- Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Bat Cave, and more. Narrow passages add adventure, especially for children. Musical fountain show in the evening. Well-maintained gardens surrounding the caves.
Mall Road
The bustling main street of Nainital running along the lake between Tallital (lower end) and Mallital (upper end). Lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and the famous Flats. A flat, easy walk with the lake on one side and the hills on the other. Car-free on peak season days.
Bhimtal Lake
A larger and quieter lake than Naini, located 22 km from Nainital. Features a unique island aquarium in the centre. Less crowded with better boating opportunities. The surrounding villages offer a peaceful escape from Nainital's tourist bustle.
Sattal (Seven Lakes)
A cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes nestled in dense oak forests, 23 km from Nainital. A paradise for birdwatchers with over 500 species recorded. Kayaking, nature walks, and butterfly watching available. Far less commercialised than Nainital.
Pangot (Birding Paradise)
A tiny village 15 km from Nainital, famous among birdwatchers for sightings of over 580 species including the Lammergeier vulture, Koklass Pheasant, and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker. Dense oak and rhododendron forests. Ideal for nature photography and peaceful walks.
Nainital Food Guide
Kumaoni delicacies, lakeside snacks, and the legendary Bal Mithai
Bal Mithai
Nainital's most famous sweet -- a chocolate-brown fudge made from roasted khoya, coated with tiny white sugar balls. Originated in Almora but perfected in the Kumaon region. Every visitor takes boxes home. Available at every sweet shop on Mall Road.
Singauri
A delicate Kumaoni sweet made from khoya (reduced milk) wrapped in a mallu (green) leaf. Fragrant, soft, and unique to the region. Best bought fresh from local sweet shops. Pairs perfectly with a cup of masala chai.
Kumaoni Cuisine
Authentic hill cuisine rarely found elsewhere -- bhatt ki churkani (black bean curry), kafuli (spinach dish), aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes with local herbs), and ras (a lentil curry). Try at local Kumaoni restaurants away from Mall Road.
Cafe Food & Bakeries
Nainital's lakeside cafes serve excellent coffee, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and freshly baked goods. Sakley's Restaurant and Machan are iconic. The British-era bakery culture lives on with fresh breads and pastries.
Lake-Side Snacks
Hot maggi, roasted corn (bhutta), steaming momos, and spiced chai from stalls along Mall Road and the lake. These simple pleasures define the Nainital experience, especially on a misty evening overlooking the water.
Local Fruits & Preserves
Fresh peaches, plums, apricots, and strawberries in season (May-July). Homemade fruit jams, marmalades, and squashes are excellent souvenirs. Bhowali market (11 km away) is the fruit hub of the region.
Shopping in Nainital
Nainital Candles
₹50 - ₹2,000Nainital's most iconic souvenir -- handmade decorative candles in every imaginable shape, colour, and design. From animal figures to elaborate scenery candles, they are a tradition unique to this lake city. The Tibetan Market has the best selection.
Woollen Wear
₹200 - ₹5,000Sweaters, shawls, caps, and jackets at excellent prices. Both machine-made and handknit options available. Mall Road shops and the Tibetan Market offer wide variety. Bargaining is expected at market stalls.
Fruit Preserves & Honey
₹150 - ₹1,000Locally made jams (peach, plum, strawberry), marmalades, squashes, and pure Kumaoni honey. Excellent gifts and far superior to commercial brands. Buy from Bhowali market or Mall Road speciality shops.
Tibetan Handicrafts
₹100 - ₹5,000Prayer flags, Buddhist jewellery, wooden crafts, and handmade bags from the Tibetan refugee community. The Tibetan Market near Mall Road is a compact treasure trove. Reasonably priced and supports the community.
Getting Around Nainital
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹1,800-3,500/day
AC car with driver. Essential for Bhimtal, Sattal, Pangot, and Kathgodam transfers. Delhi-Nainital one way from ₹5,500. Call 7668570551.
Local Taxi / Shared Jeep
₹50-250/trip
Shared taxis run between Tallital and Mallital, and to nearby lakes. Private taxis for Bhimtal, Sattal, and Bhowali. Available at the bus stand.
Cycle Rickshaw / Pony
₹50-400/trip
Cycle rickshaws along Mall Road (flat stretch). Ponies for Tiffin Top and Snow View. Negotiate prices before starting. Ponies are a fun option for children.
Walking & Cable Car
Free / ₹200
Mall Road is best explored on foot -- flat and scenic. The aerial ropeway (cable car) to Snow View Point is both transport and attraction. Most central sites are walkable.
Where to Stay in Nainital
Mall Road / Tallital
₹800-8,000/nightThe most popular and central area. Direct lake access, restaurants, and shops at your doorstep. Tallital end is close to the bus stand and Kathgodam road. Premium lake-view rooms command top prices. Noisy during peak season.
Mallital
₹600-5,000/nightThe northern end of the lake near the Flats and Naina Devi Temple. Slightly quieter than Tallital. Close to Snow View cable car station. Good mix of budget and mid-range hotels. Better views from higher floors.
Bhowali
₹400-3,000/nightA peaceful town 11 km from Nainital on the Kathgodam road. Known for its fruit market and TB sanatorium-era heritage. Budget-friendly with cleaner air. Good base for visiting Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal.
Bhimtal
₹500-4,000/nightA serene lakeside town 22 km from Nainital. Much quieter with its own beautiful lake and island. Ideal for those who want a peaceful Kumaoni experience without crowds. Several resorts with lake views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Nainital?
2-3 days is ideal. Day 1: Naini Lake boating, Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, Tibetan Market. Day 2: Snow View Point cable car, Tiffin Top trek, Eco Cave Garden. Day 3: Bhimtal Lake, Sattal, Pangot (for birding enthusiasts). Add a day for Mukteshwar or Ranikhet excursion.
Q2What is the best time to visit Nainital?
March to June and September to November are best. March-June offers pleasant weather (10-27 degrees) and clear lake views. September-November is post-monsoon with lush greenery and fewer crowds. December-February brings snowfall and freezing temperatures (0-8 degrees). July-August has heavy rainfall that can cause landslides.
Q3How do I reach Nainital from Delhi?
By car: 300 km, 7 hours via NH9 through Moradabad and Haldwani. Our cab costs ₹5,500-7,500 one way. By train: Nearest station Kathgodam (35 km), then 1.5 hours by road. Shatabdi Express runs from Delhi. By bus: UPSRTC/ISBT Volvo (8-9 hours overnight).
Q4How do I reach Nainital from Lucknow?
By car: 350 km, 8 hours via Bareilly and Haldwani. Our cab costs ₹6,000-8,000 one way. By train: Lucknow to Kathgodam (8-9 hours) then 35 km by road to Nainital. We offer station pickup from Kathgodam.
Q5What food is Nainital famous for?
Bal Mithai (a brown fudge-like sweet coated in sugar balls) is Nainital's signature sweet -- buy from any Kumaoni sweet shop. Singauri (wrapped in mallu leaf) is another local delicacy. Try Kumaoni cuisine: bhatt ki churkani (black bean curry), kafuli (spinach dish), and aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes).
Q6Is boating safe on Naini Lake?
Yes, very safe. The Nainital Boat Club and government-regulated boat operators maintain strict safety standards. Life jackets are mandatory. Choose from paddleboats (self-operated), rowboats (with rower), or yacht rides. Avoid boating during heavy rain or storm warnings. Best during morning hours for calm waters.
Q7Can I see snow in Nainital?
Yes! Nainital receives snowfall from late December to February, primarily in January. Snow View Point lives up to its name during winter. The higher areas around Tiffin Top and China Peak get the best snow coverage. Mall Road and the lake look magical when dusted with snow.
Q8What should I buy in Nainital?
Nainital is famous for its candles -- handmade decorative candles in every shape and colour are a beloved tradition. Also buy woollen wear, Kumaoni fruit preserves and jams, local honey, and handmade paper crafts. The Tibetan Market and Mall Road are the main shopping areas.
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Need Help Planning Your Nainital Trip?
Naini Lake boating, Bhimtal excursion, Pangot birding safari, and Kathgodam pickup -- we arrange it all.