9 Uniquely Amazing Places in Nainital You Should Visit for Sure

One of the most romantic hill stations in India, Nainital is nothing short of a wonder. This beautiful place has a great history of attracting tourists from all over the country and is a part of the country which was occupied by the British. Owing to this, the buildings have a charm in themselves with some of the most refreshing sceneries that will take you on a trip of nostalgia. There are many places to visit in Nainital that will awaken your vacation mood and give you all the peace and tranquillity that you seek.

Each place you visit in Nainital has its own quirks which will draw you back into that place. Ranging from spectacular scenery to breathtaking atmosphere, everything in Nainital is near to perfection. This beautiful town in the lap of the Himalayan Region is blessed with glistening lakes and adventurous sites that stand true to its title of the ‘Queen of Lakes.’ Thomas Cook has curated eleven wonderful places to visit in Nainital to get a broad outlook on this beautiful town.

Best Places to Visit in Nainital

1. Row, row, row your boat along the beautiful Naini Lake

With clear waters that will make you want to take a dive in it and smooth waves that will awaken the bliss, Naini Lake is one of those lakes you cannot miss! Amidst this beautiful lake, there is the Naina Devi Temple which is believed to be the place where Sati’s eyes fell on Earth after her act of self-immolation.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar Airport is roughly 69 km away from the Nainital Lake, and it will take you 2-3 hours approximately to reach from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: Evenings are the best time to visit the Nainital lake because the weather is terrific.
• Must Try: Try the famous Nainital boat rides.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend 3-4 hours in this lake to try out everything there.
• Operating Hours: This Lake is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day except on public holidays.
• Cost for Two: The entry is free. However, the boating will cost you INR 300-800 approximately for two people.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

This place is an amazing place to go for a romantic walk in the evening with the cool breezes that caress your face.

2. Explore the High-Altitude Zoo 

Situated between the Himalayan Mountain Ranges and the Shivalik Ranges, this zoo covers a major portion of the evergreen trees that are the natural habitat of most of the animals that belong to this zoo. The animals here include Tibetan Wolves, Royal Bengal Tiger, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Lady Amherst Pheasant, and many other endangered species of animals.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar Airport is the closest to this place, and it lies 69 km away from it. It will take you around 2 hours to reach the place from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is usually in the mornings.
• Must Try: Make sure you try the cab ride if you want to enjoy picturesque views.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend 2-3 hours approximately in the zoo.
• Operating Hours: The zoo is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
• Cost for Two: It will cost you INR 100-150 approximately for two people as an entry fee. Entry is free for senior citizens and disabled people.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

This amazing zoo is one of the most interesting places to visit in Nainital.

3. Explore the Mysterious Eco Cave Gardens

Located a kilometre away from the mall road, this offers a little sneak peek into the way of life among the Himalayans. All the caves here narrow down into tunnels, giving it a natural look that makes you feel like an explorer. You can find many Himalayan animals in this cave that you can spot in their natural habitat. This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Nainital.

• Distance from Airport: The Eco Cave Gardens are roughly 71 km away from the Pantnagar Airport. It will take you 2-2.5 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is usually in the mornings.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend around 2-3 hours in this place.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm every day.
• Cost for Two: It will cost you INR 70-100 for two people approximately including the entrance fee and the camera fee.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

This is the perfect place to visit in Nainital if you are a fan of mysterious locations!

Must Read: The Most Exciting & Enticing Things To Do In Nainital

4. Talk to the Almighty at the Mukteshwar Temple

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Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 350-year-old temple in the lap of Uttarakhand is one of the famous places to visit in Nainital. Though it is not entirely in the town of Nainital, it is still recommended to give it a visit due to its beautiful construction.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar airport is around 65 km from the town, and it will roughly take you 1-2 hours to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: The summers are the best time to visit due to the moderate heat waves and occasional drizzles.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend around 2-3 hours in this place.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Cost for Two: The entry is free.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

It is a must-visit place among the list of places to visit in Nainital for all the worshippers of Lord Shiva.

5. Kainchi Dam, the religious epicentre of Nainital:

Your trip to Nainital will not be complete if you do not visit the Kainchi Dam temple. Being girdled among the trees and hills, it has a river flowing beside, thus making it a location where two hills cross each other making it look like scissors. It is an important place for all the followers of Shri Neem Karoli Baba.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar airport is roughly 76 km away from the Kainchi Dham. It will take you 2-2.5 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during June 15th of every year at the time of Pratistha Divas.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend 1-2 hours in this temple.
• Operating Hours: It is open almost every day.
• Cost for Two: The entry is free.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5
• Conclusion: If you are a follower of Shri Neem Karoli Baba, then it is a must visit place for you.

6. Gaze at the city from Tiffin Top – Among the top places to visit in Nainital

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This favourite picnic spot in Nainital; is also its highest point offering spectacular views of the Lake District. Located on the Ayarpatta Hills, this place is surrounded by the Kumaun Hills that offer a panoramic view.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar Airport is approximately 86 km away from here, and it will take you 2-2.5 hours roughly to reach.
• Best Time to Visit: Any time is the best time to visit this place.
• Must Try: Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Hiking.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend an entire day here to get the best of this place.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 8 am to 11 pm every day.
• Cost for Two: The entry is free.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

Apart from the magnificent views and beautiful landscapes, this place also offers many adventurous activities, making it a must-visit for all the adventure seekers!

Also Recommended: Discover The Best Time To Visit Jim Corbett National Park

7. Get the best of Nainital at the Naina Peak

Offering a spectacular bird’s eyes view of the entire town of Nainital, the Naina Peak is one of the most sought-after tourist spots here. Furthermore, you can stroll along the lush green meadows and get a picturesque view of the Himalayas, Terai areas of the Kumaon, Nanda Devi peak and the Tibet border mountains from this summit. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar airport is approximately 90 km away from here. It will take you more than 2 hours to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: Winters make the place perfect due to the snow.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend half a day here.
• Operating Hours: Open 24 hours.
• Cost for Two: The entry is free. However, there are separate charges for the horse ride.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5
• Conclusion: This is the best place to visit to get a beautiful view of the picturesque Nainital.

8. Relax at the Sariyatal Lake

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One of the most serene lakes in the city of Nainital, the Sariyatal lake is famous for its tranquil ambience. It also has a botanical garden, called the Himalayan Botanical Garden featuring various kinds of flowers that will attract the botany and science lover in you.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar airport is roughly 79 km away from the lake. It will take you 1-2 hours approximately to reach here.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the evenings before the sunset.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend 2-3 hours in this place.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.
• Approx. Cost for Two: The entry ticket will cost you INR 40-50 approximately for two people.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 3/5
• Conclusion: Though this lake is comparatively smaller, you can spend the most peaceful evenings in Nainital here.

Nainital tour packages will allow you to indulge in the famous tourist destination which one must surely visit

9. Go Bird Watching at the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:

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Do you love birds? Then take some time out of your Nainital schedule and visit the Kilbury bird sanctuary. This sanctuary features more than 500 species of rare birds which are a treat to eyes. It includes many birds like the Brown wood owls, fork-tails, white-throated laughing thrushes and many other birds.

• Distance from Airport: The Pantnagar Airport is roughly 95 km away from the sanctuary, and it will take you more than 2 hours to reach.
• Best Time to Visit: This place is at its best before the sunset.
• How much Time to Spend: You can spend half a day here.
• Operating Hours: It is open until before the sunset as it gets dark after the sunset.
• Cost for Two: The entry is free.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5
• Conclusion: This place is paradise for everyone who is a fan of watching birds. It is an experience that will etch a place in your heart forever!

Better late than never, if you are looking to go for a perfect romantic getaway, then Nainital is the perfect place for you. There are many places to visit in Nainital with many variations to have the best vacation of your lifetime. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the mystical lands of Nainital to experience pure bliss!

FAQs About Nainital:

1. Which are the best lakes to visit in Nainital?

There are many beautiful places to visit in Nainital. Among these, the Nainital lake, Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Khurpatal Lake are the best. Apart from these, many other beautiful lakes will grab your attention.

2. What is the best way to roam around in Nainital?

It is suggestable not to rent any bikes here as the road conditions are very harsh to ride on. Hence, always opt for public transport or go for cabs if you can. The public transport is not much developed either. So, the cars would be a better option for you to go around the beautiful Nainital.

3. What is the best time to visit Nainital?

If you are planning a trip to Nainital, then the best time to visit this place is either during the Summers or Winters. If you like cold temperatures, then there is no better time that winters to land in this mystical land.

4. What is Nainital famous for?

Nainital is the most famous for its viewpoints which offer amazing picturesque views over the magnificent Himalayan range. Apart from that, it is famous for its glistening lakes and ponds that are the best points to spend relaxed evenings.