Source –
flickr.com/photos/sreetama/

Nainital is a picturesque resort town in Uttarakhand. The main township area surrounding the Nainital Lake is one of the most popular tourist weekend getaway destinations since the British Raj. At an elevation of 2,000m the town has a panoramic view of the mountains including the Nanda Devi peak which is the tallest in Uttarakhand. People flock in huge numbers for the vast array of things to do at Nainital, from mountain views, to national parks to waterfalls, it’s a complete package.

How to reach Nainital?

By Rail –Kathgodam is the nearest rail head which is at a distance of 35 km from the city center. The station has connecting trains from all around the country and especially from the capital – Delhi which is a plus point. However, according to the city tour guide to reach the main town one needs to board a taxi from the station which might cost one INR 600-900 or INR 75 per head on sharing basis which needs to kept in mind.

By Road – There are daily buses from Delhi from ISBT Anand Vihar Delhi which connect the capital city to Nainital and are run by Uttarakhand Roadways. Road trips are also a good plan as it takes just 7-8 hours to reach Nainital from Delhi via NH 24 which connects Delhi to Rampur via Hapur and thereafter taking NH 87 from Rampur to reach the city of lake – Nainital.

Places to visit in Nainital

Historical Monuments and Places

1)Pines Old Cemetery –

Source-flickr.com/photos/auvet/

It is a burial ground which was functional is the British era in the 1800s but now is a desolate ground with a little ere yet serene atmosphere. Among the things to do one can visit this place to enjoy some lonely time but the small waterfall that this place houses.

Location – Nainital, Uttarakhand

Religious Places in Nainital

1)Naina devi temple –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/devenderwebdesigner/

It is an old Hindu temple adjacent to the famous Nainital lake with beautiful view of the lake and colorful shrine of its own is a popular religious spot in Nainital. There are also many legendary stories surrounding the temple which the locals will tell you once you visit the place.

Location – Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand

2)Hanuman Garhi –

Source –
flickr.com

Built in 1950 the temple is a new addition to the religious structures in Nainital. Going by the name itself, the temple is dedicated to Lord Human is now included in all best Nainital packages for tourist to visit the place, absorb the purity and the calmness of the location with the perfect view of the sunset and sunrise which is breath taking.

Location – Haldwani Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand

3)Kainchi Dham –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/colours_of_nature/

The temple is one of the cleanest temple complexes in town with contemporary architecture. The temple finds its legend with Neeb Karoli saint, who was believed to have spiritual powers. Few well known names like Steve Jobs & Mark Zukerberg are amongst famous celebrities, who visited the site and became disciples of the temple. It is easily accessible temple via road. Every year on 15th June, a big fete is organized by the temple trust and the locals who are both enjoyable as well as enriching, hence a visit to this temple will definitely make it the best Nainital trip for sure.

Location – Bhowali Range, Uttarakhand

4)Ghorakhal

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Source –
flickr.com/photos/nagesh_kamath/

Almost 4 KM from Bhowali, your visit to Nainital is incomplete without visiting this temple. The Temple is filled with brass bells of all shapes and sizes as well as letters all over the temple. There is a saying, if your wish is fulfilled you need to visit again and donate the brass bell. You can see ten-twenty lakh bells in varying sizes which shows the magnitude of the belief of the people. It is a very famous spot among tourists and locals; there are also many vendors outside the temple to grab some snacks making it the best Nainital trip.

Location – Ghorakhal-Shymakhet Road, Bhowali, Uttarakhand

5)Jama Masjid Mosque –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/anilbisht/

It is one of the most important mosque in Nainital that stands beside the Nainital lake with sheer magnificence which is visited by Muslims from all around the place as it holds regular prayer.

Location – Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Natural Structure and Sightseeing

1)Nainital Lake –

Source –
flickr.com

Shaped like a kidney this freshwater lake makes for the most iconic tourist location. Probably the reason that makes Nainital so famous is this lake as the beauty of the surrounding city sights are just the refection of this lake. The beauty and splendor of the lake is mesmerizing with mountains all around and temples and city lights. One of the things to do here is a walk by the lake enjoy the crude beauty of it making it a perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Location – Nainital, Uttarakhand

2)Pandit G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo –

Source – flickr.com/photos/gurukulevents/

At an elevation of 2,100m the zoo was opened in the year 1995 to the common people to learn about the various mountain species which is a learning experience. However the actual structure of the zoo was built in 1984 and was then managed by “Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo Management Society” from 1st March 2002.

Location – Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Timing – 10AM – 4:30PM (Monday closed)

3)Snow View –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/antoinettevanderieth/

A fine place for family fun. Visited by huge number of tourists and travelers is one of the busiest locations in Nainital. There are many things to do among which are the many kids adventures games which are totally fun filled. However it is recommended to get the tickets to the place before hand as the location is often crowded and is has a queue due to high demands as best Nainital trips are not complete without a visit to the snow view.

Location – 7, Maldon Cottage Road, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Timing – 9AM – 10PM

4)
Tiffin Top –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/rajakrishnan/

It is a mesmerizing trip to Tiffin top from where the whole of Nainital is visible. According to the city tour guide travelers can enjoy a horseback ride or they can also hike their way to the top. The view from the top is absolutely stunning especially during the sunset when the whole arena changes its color with the last sun rays reflected from the ice capped peaks of the surrounding vicinity.

Location –Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Timing – 8AM – 11PM

5)Naina Peak –

Source – flickr.com

It is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand which offers the best view of the Himalayan Mountain range. The sheer magnitude of the beauty of this place cannot be experienced without the visit to this peak. While the whole town is at the bottom and the Himalayan mountains at par, one gets the feeling of being on top of the world which is a definitely an experience worth the trip. Thus it is highly recommended to visit this place to make it the best Nainital trip while on your weekend getaway.

Location – Nainital, Uttarakhand

6)Cave Garden –

Source –
.flickr.com/photos/

Typically a venture into the nature. The cave garden provides the travelers to experience the tranquility of the fresh Himalayan trees and the clean air. It somehow brings out the explorer that lies deep within oneself.

Location – Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Timing – 10AM – 4:30PM

7)Sattal –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/

A beautiful lake which is a popular tourist spot for the adventure activities that it provides, that is camping and bird watching which is an absolutely enthralling experience for bird watchers and other enthusiasts who want to experience the fun of camping in the natures lap. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains all around it is has an amazing scenic view.

Location –
Bhimtal, Nainital district in Uttarakhand

8)Himalayan Botanic Garden –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/nicoangleys/

Located at a distance of 25 minutes from Nainital the Himalayan Botanic Garden is a place of Knowledge about Himalayan plans especially the ones with medicinal value. Often visited by researchers and botany students, the garden can also e a good sightseeing experience it has different varieties of flowering plants which looks stunning during the time when it is blossomed to its full possibility. The garden also houses a cafeteria which acts as an added bonus to the travelers. Definitely a stroll through the garden is of the things to do here.

Location – Smanora Range, Uttarakhand

Timing – 10AM – 5PM (Monday closed)

9)Eco Cave Gardens –

Source –
flickr.com/photos/mydearvalentine/

Another spot to enjoy a few adventures activates in the lap of nature. It is a nice spot for trekking and mountain exploring.

Location – Kaladungi Road, Mallital, Nainital, India

10)Saritatal Waterfall –

Source –
flickr.com

Inarguably the most clean and fresh waterfall one has ever witness, and definitely one of the busiest sightseeing spot in Nainital. Another beautiful lake in Nainital, which is formed of a small waterfall, the water is cold and refreshing, monsoon is the time when one must visit this location as the lake is then in its full glory.

Location – Nainital Road, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

11)
Appu Ghar –

Source –
flickr.com

It is a small amusement park at Nainital, not really an important place but travelers with children bust visit this place as it is a kid’s friendly location with many small rides and adventures which is definitely important to make it the best Nainital package trip for your kid while the family is on their weekend getaway.

Location – Opposite Zoo, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Timing – 10AM – 5PM

12) Himalaya Darshan (Himalaya View Point) –

Source –
flickr.com

The location is at a high peak from where one can witness the clear view of the Himalayan range. Cemented paths and sitting areas have been made by the government for the comfort of the travelers. The location is busiest during the sunrise and sunset, however during foggy days it is really difficult to get a clear and nice view. According to the city tour guide there are also telescopes which the visitors can use to get a better view only at INR 20 per person. A visit to this point is included in all best Nainital packages to make it the best trip experience.

Location –Kilbury Road, Naina Range, Uttarakhand

Timing – 24 hours

Adventure activities to do in Nainital

1)Cliff Rappelling –

Source – flickr.com/photos/luke_w_shy/

It is an adventure activity which is a controlled drop from a rock or small hill with the help of a rope. However the event might be nerve racking but there are great mountaineering instructors to help you with this activity. It is however a very demanding activity which class for both strength as well a thirst for adventure. One definitely needs to try the activity to have the best weekend getaway.

Location – Barapaththar, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Time – 10AM

Price – INR 350 per person

2)River/Valley crossing activity –

Source – flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/

At a speed 160kmph one cuts through the rushing wind to complete his slope of crossing one hill to another amidst the streams and the surrounding fauna beneath him. It has a thrill that no other sport has; it is literally like flying for humans. The instructors are well trained so there is no option of not making it the best Nainital trip by not going for it. So it is a must do thing while on your weekend getaway trip.

Location – Barapaththar, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Time – 10AM

Price – INR 350 per person

3)Water Zobring –

Source – flickr.com/photos/posimage/

It is literally walking on water. After being the closes to flying with crossing the valley activity, water zorbing is definitely a must try activity. However and adventure activity yet not a very strength demanding sport which makes is easy for all visitors to experience this activity.

Location – Barapaththar, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Time – 10AM

Price – INR 150 per person for 15 minutes.