Nainital, also called the “Lake District of India,” is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand. This place is surrounded by tall mountains and has the famous Naini Lake in the center.
With cool weather, amazing views, and lots of fun places to visit, it is great for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for adventure. Here’s an easy guide to help you plan your visit to this lovely town.
Best Time to Visit Nainital
You can visit Nainital anytime of the year, but each season is special in its own ways:
- Summer (March to June): The climate is quite cool with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C. This is a wonderful time to explore and indulge in boat rides in Naini Lake.
- Monsoon (July to September): The hills turn beautiful shades of green, but then, you have to be more cautious of landslides. It is also a less crowded time.
- Winter (October to February): This is a perfect time for you to visit if you like snow and cold. It will reach 0°C in the temperature and make this town look beautiful.
How to Reach Nainital
To reach Nainital is quite easy with plenty of ways of traveling.
- By Air: The closest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, that is 70 km from there you can go through taxi or bus to reach Nainital.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 34 km from Nainital. It connects to cities like Delhi and Lucknow.
- By Road: You can drive or take a bus from cities like Delhi (300 km) and Dehradun (280 km). Taxis are also available.
Top Places to Visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake: This beautiful lake is perfect for boat rides and photography.
2. Naina Devi Temple: This temple is a serene place near the lake, dedicated to Goddess Naina.
3. Snow View Point: You can take a cable car to this spot and enjoy breathtaking views of snowy Himalayan peaks.
4. The Mall Road: A busy street by the lake where you can shop and try local food.
5. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): A picnic spot with wonderful views of the hills.
6. Eco Cave Gardens: Amusing caves to adventure out, particularly for the little ones and families alike.
Places Around
- Bhimtal (22 km): Famous for its biggest lake and aquarium on an island.
- Sattal (23 km): Seven lakes surrounded by dense forests and a real heaven for nature lovers
- Naukuchiatal (26 km): For nine-cornered lake; for paragliding as well
- Mukteshwar (47 km): An extremely quiet town that houses the most beautiful sight along with orchards for apple and the Mukteshwar Temple.
Best Hotels to Stay in Nainital
- The Naini Retreat: A luxurious hotel with great views and excellent facilities. Website: www.nainiretreat.com
- Shervani Hilltop: A cozy resort with lovely gardens and comfy rooms. Website: www.shervanihotels.com
- Hotel Himalaya: A budget-friendly hotel with great views of the lake. Website: www.hotelhimalayanainital.com
You can also book hotels online on websites like Booking.com or MakeMyTrip.
Best Viewpoints for Photography
1. Snow View Point: See the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul.
2. Land’s End: Stunning views of Khurpatal Lake
3. Tiffin Top: It is one of the perfect places for sunrise and sunset photographs.
4. Hanuman Garhi: This is a calm temple, perfect for clicking the sunsets.
Must-try Cafes in Nainital
1. Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop: It is renowned for the delicious pastries and continental food.
2. Café Chica: A very cozy place with an open seating area and fresh bakery items.
3. Zooby’s Kitchen: Serves Indian and Chinese cuisine while the lake is visible in front.
Travel Tips for Nainital
1. Pack warm clothes, even for summer, as the nights can be quite cold.
2. Wear comfortable shoes that can be used to wander around the hilly locations.
3. Boat on Naini Lake at sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience
4. While shopping on Mall Road, do not forget to bargain for the best prices.
It is an enchanting place with excellent views, exciting activities, and many quiet moments. Traveling here with your family, friends, or on your own, this travel guide will make your visit here unforgettable. So pack up and enjoy the beauty of Nainital!