Perched in Kumaon Hills, Nainital charms every visitor through its mesmerizing lakes and picture perfect scenery. The place is blessed with scenic ‘Naini Lake’, a pear shaped water body which is guarded by hills from all sides. Whether you are looking for a honeymoon paradise, a family friendly destination, a quiet place to spend time with your buddies or a weekend destination from the capital city, Nainital makes it all.
Here is how you can make the most of your Nainital Visit.
Major attractions
Naini Lake
Undoubtedly, Naini Lake is the prime attraction of the hill station. The most charming aspect about the lake is its hilly surrounding. In addition, here, you can indulge yourself in a number of activities. Take a boat ride across the poised lake which is an absolutely enthralling experience. The area surrounding the lake stays very happening with small shops, street vendors and above all hundreds of visitors. You can take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the ambiance. Or, explore a cosy place to sit around the lake and enjoy the lake as well as mist and clouds playing with the hills.
Mall Road
Mall Road is placed adjacent to Naini Lake. The street is very happening, crammed with hotels, resorts, shops, restaurants and roadside vendors. You will find good eating joints, wooden artefact stores and panoramic views of beautiful Naini Lake.
Snow View Point
Snow view point is located at one of the hills in Nainital and is second most visited the place by tourists. The view point offers unobstructed views of snow-capped Himalayan Mountains as well as thrilling hilltop views of Naini Lake & town. The spot is connected to cable cars, and recently an amusement park has been developed here for kids. You can hang out with tea & snacks along with the serene beauty of Himalayan range.
Tiffin Top
Located on Aryapatta Hills, Tiffin Top offers a stunning 360⁰ view of Nainital. It is a paradise for picnickers as well as photographers. You can book a pony ride to reach the place which will cost you around 1400 per person (without bargaining).
You can easily extend your Nainital visit to 4-5 days and cover the nearby places.
Itinerary from Delhi/Lucknow/Dehradun (Road trip)
If you are planning for 2-3 days trip, stick to Nainital and Bhimtal.
Day 1 – Reach Jim Corbett National Park by afternoon
Day 2 – Make a visit to the park early in the morning and leave for Nainital, Reach Nainital in the afternoon and make a visit to Naini Lake
Day 3 – Visit Snow View Point, Tiffin Top and do shopping at Mall Road
Day 4 – Leave for Bhimtal (either early in the morning or in evening previous day), stay over the night
Day 5 – Leave for Almora after breakfast. Stay overnight.
Day 6 – Return
Route Map and Distance
Option 1: Delhi → Moradabad → Dhampur → Jim Corbett →Kashipur → Kaladungi → Nainital → Bhimtal → Almora
Option 2: Delhi → Moradabad →Kashipur → Kaladungi → Nainital → Bhimtal
- Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park – 246 Km
- Jim Corbett National Park to Nainital – 151 Km
- Nainital To Bhimtal – 20 Km
- Bhimtal To Almora – 84 Km
Best time to visit Nainital
It is a year-round destination except for heavy rainfall seasons (July to September). During extreme winters (December to January), the place also receives snowfalls.
Useful Tips:
- It is advisable to book hotels near Snow View Point. It will give you stunning views and hilltop feel.
- Keep warm clothes and shoes with yourself, no matter at what time of year you are travelling.
- Wooden crafts are available at affordable price in the shops at Mall Road
- If you want to avoid crowds, avoid visiting the place during weekends.
- Book hotel in advance to avoid last moment hustle and bustle.
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