Are you planning a hilly tour this winter with family or friends? If yes, then Nainital is one such place to visit. Located on the banks of Naini Lake at 2,084 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Kumaon ranges of the Himalayas, this hill station is worth exploring for its captivating natural treasures. With many stunning places to visit in Nainital, you can make your journey memorable with loved ones.
Places to visit in Nainital: Exploring the stunning sites of Uttarakhand’s lake jewel
Nainital is one of the famous hill stations in India that receives the most footfall. It can be visited in summer and winter. Although the monsoon enhances the beauty with clear-washed roads and clouds towering down to the feet, it is not advisable to visit the hill station because of heavy rainfall. Now, have an overview of the areas that should be there in your itinerary bucket list.
Naini Lake
Naini Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital, especially if you are a nature lover. The lake holds a mythological legend of goddess Sati and is named after her because her eyes fell on this spot. It is among the four lakes of Kumaon Hills: Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Naukuchiatal Lake. Surrounded by green hills, this place is worth exploring for boating and visiting Naina Devi Temple on this lake.
Kainchi Dham
As the name suggests, Kainchi Dham is a place that remarks the spiritual essence of Neem Karoli Baba. A stout devotee of Lord Hanuman, some miracles of his significantly impacted the followers. Do become part of the meditation programs, spiritual camps, and an annual fair organised in this popular ashram of Nainital.
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a picturesque town named after Bheema, the second among the Pandavas and a popular character from the Mahabharata. It is located 22 km from Nainital and is popular for its serene lake of the same name and pristine environment. Being less crowded, it is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and peace seekers.
St. John in the Wilderness Church
St. John in the Wilderness Church is a must-visit for those eager to glimpse into the colonial past. This ancient structure was established in 1844. One of the oldest buildings in Nainital, it captivates attention for its stained glass windows and brass memorial plaque dedicated to victims of the 1880 landslide. The architectural beauty and serene environment here make it a worthwhile visit.
Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top honours Dorothy Kellet, a British painter, which is why it is also called Dorothy’s Seat. One of the best tourist places in Nainital, it is a perfect spot to enjoy picnics and photography with loved ones. Reaching this serene hill point lets you get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the natural scenery of Nainital town.
Mall Road
Visiting Nainital merely to behold the breathtaking views of natural treasures will not complete your hilly journey. Mall Road is a buzzing marketplace where you can shop for many things, including woollen cardigans, shawls, carved wood artefacts, trinkets, handicrafts, fancy candles, etc. There are cafes where you can savour regional delicacies.
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, as the name suggests, means ‘Lake of Nine Corners’. Located 26 km from Nainital, this beautiful lake town offers a peaceful retreat amidst surrounding hills covered with lush green forests. Many activities are available here, including river rafting, paragliding, boating, and angling.
Other prominent attractions you should not miss
Besides these top places, other offbeat attractions in Nainital should not be overlooked. These are:
Kilbury
If you are curious to see the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, then Kilbury is a place you should visit. The place is 5 km from Nainital and is a perfect place to capture the majestic beauty of the world’s earliest mountain range with DSLRs. The best time to visit this place is in June.
Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts. It houses many endangered species, including Siberian tigers, snow leopards, gigantic black bears, and many more, in their natural enclosures in a well-maintained environment.
Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Gardens is a great initiative to educate visitors about the Himalayan ecosystem and wildlife. It is a network of interconnected caves that familiarise visitors with the flora and fauna of the Kumaon region. Eco Cave Gardens is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are from March to June and November to December.
Tibetan Market
Besides Mall Road, Tibetan Market in Nainital is a bustling marketplace with colourful stalls and a vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can collect souvenirs as a token of your memorable visit to this beautiful hilly wonder. You can shop for Tibetan handicrafts, woollen clothes, etc., here and experience the delicious taste of Tibetan cuisine.
Luxury stay in Nainital
jüSTa Lake View Residences is a luxury residential stay in Nainital featuring spacious, lavish accommodations equipped with modern amenities. Located amidst a lush green environment, it provides a peaceful retreat from the chaos of urban life. There are three room categories with unmatched comfort and privacy. You can enjoy an enchanting view of the surrounding lush greenery and the serene lake from the large windows and balconies.
All the rooms here are acquainted with a private pantry equipped with all essential items including modern cutlery, premium crockery, and essential appliances which helps in preparing your meals at your own pace. Another benefit of booking this luxury homestay is its proximity to Naina Devi Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Tiffin Top, Sariyatal, Naukuchiatal, Kainchi Dham, and Bhimtal.
Final words
This is all you need to know about the top places to visit in Nainital in 2025. Visiting these places will make your hilly weekend tour filled with joy and a cluster of lifetime memories. A brief overview of the places will motivate you to explore this wonderful lake jewel of Uttarakhand. So pack your travel bags and embark on an exciting and lovely vacation with family or friends.
