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Nainital

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About Nainital

Nainital, the hill resort town in the district of the same name, derives its name from the emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) which the town is built around. The British Sugar trader, P. Baron, founded the town in the year 1841 and thank God that he did! There could not be a better getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The moment you enter Nainital district, you step into a new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to scenic splendour of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through live experience.

No wonder then that the Kumaon Himalayas are regarded as “devbhoomi” ( land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of the most intricate natural laws, working for millennia, to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who remain standing as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s appeal comes across as no less than a dreamscape. The British elites had used the location as a retreat during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland once upon a time, and the tradition remains alive for native Indians, as well as our foreign guests to this day.

With the changing climatic patterns ushering in harsher summers, Nainital as an easily accessible and highly affordable getaway vacation spot appears as no less than a prayer answered. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the Naina Devi temple, St John in Wilderness, Hanuman Garhi for the pious ones, Mall road market,Tibetan market for the spendthrift ones, Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Jim Corbett National Park, Snow Viewpoint for the nature and adventure lovers, Nainital has a very inclusive agenda in terms of provisions - there is something for everyone.

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Nainital FAQ's

What are the best things to do in Nainital at night?

1. Enjoy Sunset from the Tiffin Top:
Nightlife in Nainital begins with an awestruck feeling while enjoying the breath-taking view of setting sun from Tiffin Top. Tiffin top also known as Dorothy’s seat offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the town and surrounding hilly area. It is fascinating to view the daylight dim and the sparkling city lights glitter to welcome a pleasing evening ahead.

Location - Tiffin top, Ayarpatta hills, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing 8 AM to 6 PM.

2. Sunset Boating at Naini Lake:
Enjoy a peaceful sunset view while boating at the Naini Lake. Boats are available for 30 minutes to 60 minutes ride. The sunset boat ride can be among the very first things to do in the list of Nainital nightlife.

Location – Naini Lake, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price –
-Gondola-like boats: INR 210 per hour.
-Boat ride through Nainital Boat Club: INR 350 per hour.
-Pedal boat: INR 150 per hour.
Timing – 6 AM to 6 PM.

3. Shop for local Souvenirs at the Tibetan Market:
Running parallel to the Naini Lake, mall road is synonymous with the city itself. Nightlife in Nainital begins here as it serves as the prime spot for culture, food, and shopping for the tourists.

Mall road is the go-to place for delicious food, especially heaven for momo-lovers. Other attractions include local craft, woolens, and artifacts. It is also the main market for Nainital’s special candles and other aromatic products.

Location – Mall Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

4. Mall road shopping:
A go-to place for shoppers, this is the most popular street market in town. With a wide range of winter wear, souvenirs like pine woodcraft, bamboo fabric, Tibetan ethnic wear, and delectable Tibetan food.

Location – Tibetan (Bhotia) Market, Nanda Devi Path, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Timing – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

5. Visit the Pubs and Bars with family and friends:
A good serving bar and restaurant makes most of Nainital's nightlife. One can spend some quality time with family and friends here while enjoying drinks, good music, and tasty treats. These pubs and bars make sure that travelers coming can have a great time and create the buzz of nightlife in Nainital.

Location – Most of these bars and pubs are located at Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price – INR 2000 and above for 2 people.
Timing – Lunch hours and dinner hours (till 10:45 PM/ 11:00 PM).

6. Bonfire at Corbett national park:
Jim Corbett national park is one of the major highlights near Nainital and can be summed up as an entire trip. But, one can opt to have the best version of Nainital’s nightlife with a quiet and peaceful night stay or can enjoy the cultural shows and crackling bonfires that are hosted by the resort.

One can indulge in some sparking drinks to quench the thrust and have some great time with the group at the in-house discos.

Location – Jim Corbett National Park, Ramnagar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand.
Price – INR 3000 onwards.

What are some famous places to visit in Nainital?

Nainital is home to a number of beautiful tourist attractions. Some of the must-visit places are:

1. Nainital Lake:
Nainital Lake is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and is flanked by lush green hills and the Naina Devi temple. This natural freshwater lake is the perfect spot to relax and spend quality time with loved ones.

Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the waters of the lake and even enjoy a pleasant picnic on the banks. The natural beauty of the place is truly breathtaking and offers the perfect respite from a hectic day.

Location:
Nainital, Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
Entry Fee/Price: While there is no entry fee, you have to pay INR 150 for a 30-minute boat ride.

2. High Altitude Zoo:
Also known as the GB Pant High Altitude Zoo, this animal sanctuary sits 2,100 meters above sea level. Built in 1984 and spread across 4.6 acres of greenery, this zoo has a wide variety of exotic animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Bears, Hill Partridge, Red Jungle fowl, Kalij Pheasant and the Tibetan Wolves. This is also one of the three high altitude zoos to exist in all of India.

Location:
Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India.
Entry Fee/Price: Adults- INR 50, Children- 20, Still camera- INR 25, Professional Videos Camera/ Senior citizen/ specially-abled individuals- INR 200.

3. Eco Cave Gardens:
The Eco Cave Gardens are a series of natural caves which together forms a cave garden. This cave garden consists of 6 animal shaped caves. This makes it ideal for tourists and children to see a wide number of animals in their natural environment. The cave garden is also decorated with a musical fountain and the caves itself are decorated with hanging gardens along the paths.

Location:
Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001, India.
Entry Fee/Price: Adults- INR 60, Children- INR 25, camera- INR 25.

4. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:
The Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is the ultimate destination in Nainital for those who love bird watching. Placed in the middle of the reserved forest, this sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic birds in Nainital. Tourists and travellers often visit this ecological paradise to watch birds and spend time in the midst of pristine nature.

Location:
Kilbury Road, Panghat Village, Uttarakhand.

5. Kainchi Dham:
Built in the year 1962 by Neem Karoli Baba, the Kainchi Dham serves as a popular place of pilgrimage in Nainital. The Kainchi Dham is surrounded by nature and lush greenery and is located by a sparkling river.

The temple is in dedication to the Hindu god Hanuman and is frequently visited by tourists and devotees. Each year, the temple hosts a fair on the 15
th of June which is attended by locals and tourists alike.

Location:
Nainital-Almora Road, Uttarakhand.

6. St. John’s Church:
Constructed in the 1800s, the St. John’s Church is one of the most visited tourist attractions there is in Nainital. Also known as St. John’s the Wilderness, this church was named by a Bishop from Kolkata and is best experienced during its prayer services and religious sermons.

The church grounds also consist of a cemetery that is dedicated to the victims of a landslide that occurred in Uttarakhand.

Location:
Nainital - Kaladhungi Rd, Sherwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India.

Must Book: Nainital Tour Packages For Couple

What are the different activities one can do in Nainital?

1. Visit the many viewpoints:
When it comes to sightseeing, Nainital has something to offer at every turn. Whether it is the scenic natural beauty of the Naini Lake at the heart of Nainital, or the elevated viewpoints like Tiffin Top from where you can catch the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Several tours operate from Nainital which you can avail to explore all the natural and historical wonders of Nainital city.

Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand.

2. Tour the Jim Corbett National Park:
The Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in the country and is home to a number of exotic India plants, birds and animals. When you are exploring the National park, you can come across free-roaming sloth bears, leopards, tigers, black bears, elephants, spotted deer and other animals.

Location:
Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715.
Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indians; INR 1000 for foreigners for a 1-hour tour.

3. Shopping at the Bazaar:
Visit Nainital’s famous shopping stretch at Mall road. This 1.5 km long road connects the two ends of Nainital and passes through the heart of the town next to the Nainital Lake. You can shop from an abundance of different vendors and stores selling exquisite handmade products such as unique hand-knit woollen cardigans, all the while getting a breath-taking view of the Nainital Lake.

Location:
Mall Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand.

4. Boating in Nainital Lake:
Nainital is famous for its natural beauty and the many activities that people can enjoy when they visit. Enjoy a relaxing and leisurely boat ride on the calm waters of the lake whilst checking out the rolling hills on either side. After you finish boating, you can also stroll along the banks of the lake and enjoy a quiet picnic.

Location:
Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price: INR 150 for 30 minutes of boating.

5. Horse Riding at Bara Pathar:
No hill station visit is complete without a horse ride on the sloping mountain roads. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, you can enjoy this activity with ease.

If you haven’t ridden a horse before, then you can also avail the services of a guide who will keep you and the horse steady while you ride along the winding mountain paths, taking in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Nainital city.

Location:
Bara Pathar, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Price: INR 150.

Also Checkout: Nainital Tour Packages From Delhi

How can I reach Nainital?

Nainital is a very popular tourist city in India, and there are several ways in which you can travel to this beautiful city.

-By Road
: Nainital has a lot of roads connecting it with cities of North India. If you are travelling to Nainital from Delhi, you have to go via Ghaziabad and the city of Hapur via NH24, after which you have to shift to NH121 from Moradabad. This is the easiest route by road. There are also frequent buses that leave from Delhi, Amritsar and other important cities. You can even hire a private car for the purpose.

-By Flight
: There is no airport in Nainital, and the closest domestic airport is located at a 1-hour drive away from the city in Pantnagar. You can take a car from here to Nainital, or you can also travel to the city via road from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

-By Train
: The nearest station to Nainital is the Kathgodam Railway Station located 34 km from the town with several trains connecting it to Delhi and Dehradun.

Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Nainital?

Nainital offers a taste of its local cuisines both in street side stalls as well as proper restaurants. Sonam Fast food centre, for example, is famous for its mutton momos. It is located in the Tibetan Market.

A few other places that offer local cuisine are :

Embassy Restaurant

Zooby’s Kitchen

Machan Restaurant, Bhimtal

Boat House Club

Sher-e Punjab

You Can Also Book: Nainital Tour Plan From Kolkata

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Nainital?

Nainital with its marvellous view tempts one to explore on foot most of the time. Nothing like a nice long stroll along the markets in Mall road with a clear view of the lake to keep company. However there are cycle rickshaws available to travel from one end of the town to the other from 8 am in the morning to 6 pm in the evening. One can also avail of taxi services to explore the city. However it is to be noted that taxis are not allowed to enter Mall road after 6 pm in the evening.

You May Also Book: Nainital Trip From Mumbai

What can I buy in Nainital?

Nainital is a treasure trove of handmade items that are unique and make for the perfect souvenir that you can take home. Here are some items you can buy when you are in Nainital:

Scented candles

Handcrafted pine cone decorations

Locally crafted woollens

Popular fruit products like exotic jams concentrate and squashes

Also Checkout & Book: Nainital Packages From Lucknow

What is famous in Nainital?

Nainital is quite famous for its tourist attractions like the Nainital Lake, Naina Devi temple, the Jim Corbett National Park, etc. It is also known as an adventure lover’s paradise, where you can enjoy trekking, camping and other adventure sports in the rocky, mountainous terrains.

Is there snowfall in Nainital?

Yes, Nainital experiences fresh spurts of snowfall all throughout the winter season from December till February with the temperature often falling below zero degrees.

Is Nainital safe to travel?

Yes, it is safe to visit Nainital. Even during rain, Nainital is safe from landslides and flooding and has pleasant weather. It is also a very popular tourist city which means thousands of people visit throughout the year, making it friendly, homely and welcoming. As long as you take the basic precautions when you are travelling in a new city, you should be absolutely safe.

What are the best treks in Nainital?

1. Snow View Peak Trek:
The Snow View Peak Trek is one of Nainital’s most famous trek routes. This route has a complex with different temples at the top and offers one of the most stunning views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. During the trail, you can catch breathtaking views of famous mountains such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul.

Altitude:
2,270 meters.
Distance: 3 km.

2. Tiffin’s Top Trek:
Also known as Dorothy’s Peak, this is the perfect trek for beginners who want to catch a panoramic view of the natural landscape.

Altitude:
2,292 meters
Distance: 4 km.

3. Land’s End
trek:
This trek literally ends at the lands’ end as beyond the end of the trail lies hundreds of meters of nothingness. This short trek makes it an ideal activity for a picnic with your loved ones.

Altitude:
2,118 meters.
Distance: 4 km.

4. Kunjakharak Trek:
This jungle trek of moderate difficulty offers a novel experience for trekkers. The trek starts at Pangot and takes 2 to 3 days to complete as it takes you through lush rhododendron and oak forests.

Altitude:
1,343 meters.
Distance: 36 km.

5. Guano Hills:
The Guano Hills trek is known for its potential for bird watching. The trek route resonates with the sound of chirping birds and the deodar and bamboo forest create a meditative ambience which has resulted in this trek being dubbed a “hikers’ paradise.”

Altitude: 1,800 meters.
Distance: less than 5 km.

Book Now: Uttarakhand Honeymoon Packages

Which are the best places for camping in Nainital?

1. Ayar Jungle Camp:
The Ayar Jungle camp is an ideal getaway from the daily bustle of urban life. This camp provides adventure lovers with the perfect natural wildlife adventure by providing a wide range of amenities like night treks, caving, rock climbing and much more.

2. Camp Mehi:

This camp offers its guests a perfect blend of a soothing environment and the thrill of adventure. Being 15 km from Mall road, it sits on a convenient location amidst the scenic hills.

3. Camp Kyari:
Camp Kyari sits at an elevation of 2,800 ft and is the ideal spot for camping in order to see and explore the trails, go mountain biking, check out harvesting at an organic farm, play volleyball, enjoy body surfing and indulge in many more unique activities.

4. Sattal Birding Camp:
This camp overlooks a wooded valley and is the perfect getaway spot for bird lovers. Set at a height of 4,400 ft above sea level, this camp provides its guest with a natural ambience of its surrounding and fun activities like fishing in the lake, boating, rock climbing, taking, barbeques and bonfires.

Also Book: Uttarakhand Family Tour Packages

How difficult is Roopkund trek? What is the approx. cost of trek?

 The Roopkund trek is a one of lifetime experience and as such experience demands commitment and conviction, it naturally involves a readiness to brave the challenges of harsh weather at an altitude of 4800 metres. The trek begins from Lohajung uptill which there are motorable roads. The trek leads up to a famous glacial lake through grassy meadows or bugyals and an unimaginable range of varied mountain topography.

The approximate cost of the trek is around 11,000 rupees.

Must Book: Auli Tour Packages

What are adventure sports to do in Nainital?

Nainital is home to an abundance of exciting sporting activities such as:

1. Paragliding:
Take to the skies and enjoy a birds-eye-view of Nainital by paragliding over valleys, forests and mountains. You can choose to do the activity alone or with a professional guide, or a partner.

2. Rock Climbing:
Rock climbing is one of the most popular adventure sports to indulge in Nainital. Rock climbing the Aamod cliff at Bhimtal is highly preferred by a tourist who is seeking something to test their mental and physical strength.

3. Trekking:
Nainital is famous for its calming and scenic treks. Some of the most famous trekking trails in India can be found in India. You can trek to places such as Tiffin’s Top, Snow View Peak, Naini Peak, Guano Hills, etc. are some of the noteworthy treks here.

4. Parasailing:
Parasailing is Nainital’s favourite water adventure sport. This extreme sport is a must-try for adrenaline junkies who want to have an unforgettable experience in Nainital.

5. Rappelling:
Rappelling is another must-try adventure sport that you can do on Sattal Lake in Nainital. The lake is situated at a height of 6,863 ft and tourists and adventure sports fans can easily take part in the activity safely amongst the soothing atmosphere surrounding the lake.

You May Also Book: Auli Tour Packages From Kolkata

Where can we do paragliding in and around Nainital? What will be the cost of Paragliding?

Paragliding is for the ones who are looking for a surge in adrenaline to be a part of their experience in Nainital. These adventure seekers are not going home disappointed. There are affordable paragliding provisions in Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal near Nainital. The approximate cost of paragliding can be expected to be around 1500 rupees.

How far is Pangot from Nainital? What all places are must visit in Pangot?

Pangot is located 15 kms from Nainital. It takes around 47 mins approximately by road to reach the location.

Pangot is famous for its bird sanctuary and for being the perfect place for long strolls amidst nature. Cheena Peak, Kilbury and Snow View point surround the location and its forested landscape is a rich repository of a wealth of birds and plant species. Visiting the peaks such as Snow Point, Cheena Peak and Kilbury and visiting the bird sanctuary are a few things that one could indulge in while visiting Pangot.

Nainital Reviews

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Nitin Kelkar
Reviewed: 17 Nov 2023
5.0/5
It was a very well-planned and even better-executed trip. The properties we as promised and there was absolutely no difference between the proposed plan vs what we got. The driver was patient and very friendly. The vehicle was in decent condition. Overall, it was a very worry-free trip. We just went... Read More
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Nitin kelkar
Nitin kelkar
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Kashmira
Reviewed: 31 May 2023
4.0/5
The best part was the trillophilia customer service.the co ordinator Jyoti Gupta was on track with us n was constantly ensuring our stay was fine n things were in place.5* to her
Kashmira .
Kashmira .
Kashmira .
Kashmira .
Kashmira .
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Anantha Raman KN
Reviewed: 21 Sep 2023
5.0/5
Hello thrillophilia, I'm Anantha Raman from chennai. First time I have booked for Nainital trip through thrillophilia from 15 to 19th of September. Right from initial assistance till return of my journey, the team guided me in all aspects. Especially Jothi mam from Uttarakhand operations has so... Read More
Anantha Raman  KN
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Kalpesh Rabari
Reviewed: 01 Dec 2023
5.0/5
Good
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Anil Upadhya
Reviewed: 23 May 2023
5.0/5
The trip was planned pretty well. Only thing I want to suggest is the pls provide the accomodation near to location instead of travelling back to hotel... Other than that all went according to plan
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Sriram Venkatram
Reviewed: 15 Dec 2021
5.0/5
This magnificent resort in Shervani Hilltop is the most gorgeous resort I have ever visited. My Instagram feed is overflowing with gorgeous holiday photos.

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