Exploring Nainital: Quick travel tips

Nainital is a hill station in the Kumaon Hills, occupying a steep forested valley around the eye shaped Naini Lake. Nainital, also known as the "City of Lakes," is richly endowed with natural beauty and exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of the early nineteenth century. Aside from natural wonders, the city is home to numerous landmarks, monuments, and religious shrines, each representing the colonial era's international presence.

Below is a quick glimpse of Nainital:

Places to See in Nainital

Lakes

Naini Lake: Nainital gets its name from the Naini Lake, a natural freshwater lake. The lake, which flows through the heart of the city and is flanked by Kumaon hills, is a popular tourist attraction. Rowing and paddle boating are accessible on the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Sariyatal Lake: The heart-shaped cerulean Sariyatal Lake is a 10-minute drive from Nainital. It is surrounded by tall, lush green trees that reflect on the lake's surface, creating a beautiful sight. The Himalayan Botanic Gardens Complex, which includes a butterfly park, herbarium, and fernery, is situated along the lake's shore.

Khurpatal Lake and Bhimtal Lake: Other emerald-colored lakes in Nainital include Khurpatal Lake and Bhimtal Lake, where you can enjoy a nice picnic, go boating, and try your hand at fishing.

Religious Sites

The ancient Naina Devi Temple sits atop a cliff on the northern shore of Naini Lake. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is associated with many mythological stories, making it a religiously significant site for Hindus.

The St. John's Church in Nainital, which was built in 1844, is one of the city's oldest churches. It's on the northern shore of Lake Naini. The Church's architecture, in addition to its religious importance, makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations. A memorial to the victims of the 1880 landslide in Nainital can be found right outside the main church building.

Other important places of worship in Nainital include the stone carved Pashan Devi Temple and Hanuman Garhi.

Natural Attractions

Nainital is blessed with many natural wonders and view-points that provide stunning views of the city and its surroundings, thanks to its scenic landscape. Tiffin Top, Naina Peak, Snow Viewpoint, and Land's End are all great places in the city to spend some time in nature with a beautiful backdrop. These natural landmarks are suitable for any traveller and adventure seeker, from hiking trails to picnic spots.

Things to Do in Nainital

• Experience the mouth-watering cutting chai from the nook shop
• Nainital is famous for its candles.
• Take a boat ride and have one of the most unforgettable encounters with Kumaoni flora and fauna. Don't forget to look out for the lovely orange and pearl coloured fish that will be joining you on your journey. You can also feed them with fish food available at the shores of the lakeWitness nature at its natural best at the Eco Cave Gardens
• Take blessings from Naina Devi at the Naina Devi temple
• Shop from local market at the Mall Road around the Naini Lake
• see outstanding beauty of Snow Viewpoint at a distance of 3 km from Nainital
• Just a km away is the Tiffin top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat
• Get astounded by the beauty of Naina peak, just 3 km away from the city center.
• Enjoy at the Nainital Zoo
• Enjoy bird activities at Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
• Witness Nainital’s royalty in Raj Bhawan

Entry fee and timings of Naini Lake Nainital

The Naini Lake is free to access, but there is a toll of Rs. 120 to reach the Nainital District. The cost of boating varies depending on the type of boat. The boats cost Rs. 160 for a half-round rowboat, Rs. 210 for a full-round rowboat, and Rs. 210 for a paddle boat every hour. Gandola Ride is also available across the lake which is Rs. 210 per person.

The lake timings for tourists are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days .

What to Eat 

A blend of spices and aromatic herbs characterises traditional Nainital cuisine. Rice and wheat are staples in Nainital cuisine, which are eaten with a range of chutneys. Ras, Baadi, Black and White Roti, and bhatt ki churkhani are some of Nainital's most common dishes. These dishes can be found on the menus of any eatery, from street stalls to fine dining establishments.

Have these at:

• Sakley’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop - Mallital
• Zooby’s Kitchen -Mallital
• Macchan Restaurant - Mallital
• Simz Café - Tallital
• Royal Kitchen - Mallital

Where to Shop

Many markets can be found throughout Manali's charming town. The markets in Nainital have everything from trinkets and junk jewellery to indigenous fabric, candles, and home-made squashes.

Mall Road: Several shops selling textiles, handicrafts, and junk jewellery line Nainital's Mall Road street market. On the Mall Road, there are numerous restaurants and food stalls to satisfy your hunger after a long day of shopping.

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Bada Bazaar: This is one of Nainital's oldest markets and a major tourist attraction. The market's shops sell a diverse range of goods, with handmade aromatic candles and wooden showpieces being the main attractions. Apart from these, Bada Bazaar also sells traditional woven garments as well as home-made jams and squashes.

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tibetan Market: Tourists flock to this flea market on the banks of Naini Lake. The market and its products, which are run by Tibetan refugees, provide a glimpse of Tibetan heritage and culture. Scarves, Tibetan handbags, Tibetan trinkets, junk jewellery, and accessories are all available for purchase at a reasonable price.

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

When to Go:

Nainital is a year-round destination due to its strategic geographical position. However, for winter lovers, October to February is the best time to visit Nainital because the city receives snowfall during this time, and for summer lovers, March to June is the best time to visit.

Weather

Average temperature: 13°C

Nainital's summers are milder than those of many other towns. The hottest month is July, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 24°C. The coldest month is January, with temperatures ranging from 1.7°C to 11°C.

How to reach Nainital:

By Air: 70 KM from Pantnagar Airport.

By Road: 40 KM from Haldwani Bus Station.

By Train: 34 KM from Kathgodam Railway Station.

Getting Around: 

Woollens must always be carried because mornings and evenings are cold. Bring thick woollens if visiting Nainital in the winter.

Since you don't want to miss out on catching the beauty of this captivating place, don't forget to bring your camera or leave plenty of room on your smartphone for photos.