Top Places to visit in City of lakes- Nainital
- Mapchemy
- Dec 10
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Content
Introduction
Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, located in the scenic Kumaon region. It is located at a distance of 276 km from the state capital Dehradun and 314 km from New Delhi, the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 m above sea level, the town is set in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina Peak (2,615 m) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m) on the south. The hill station attracts tourists round the year.
Famous for its peaceful lakes, misty mountains and pleasant weather. Nainital is a perfect destination for nature lovers, couples, family holidays and is called City of lakes. Surrounded by lush green hills and centred around the beautiful Naini Lake, the town offers a refreshing escape from city life.
History
The Kumaon hills came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816). Nainital was founded in 1841 when P. Barron, a British sugar trader from Shahjahanpur, built the first European house called Pilgrim Lodge. He famously described Nainital as one of the most beautiful locations he had seen during his travels through the Himalayas. During the British era, Nainital developed into a prominent summer retreat.
Best Time to Visit City Of Lakes - Nainital
Nainital enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year:
Summer (March–June): 10°C to 28°C – Ideal for sightseeing and boating.
Monsoon (July–September): 14°C to 22°C – Scenic but prone to landslides; best avoided.
Winter (October–February): 1°C to 12°C – Cold weather with chances of snowfall, especially in December and January.
Best time to visit: January to May and October to December for the best travel experience.
Famous Destinations in Nainital
Nainital offers many popular tourist attractions, including:
Naina Devi Temple – a sacred spiritual site near the lake.
Tiffin Top – known for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Eco Cave Park – a fun natural cave network.
G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo – home to rare Himalayan wildlife.
Mall Road – the main shopping and dining hub.
Kainchi Dham – a famous spiritual ashram located around 21 km from Nainital.
A 3-day trip is ideal to explore the town. The estimated budget for a 3-day trip ranges from £150 to £550, depending on hotel category, season and travel style.
Local Food and Dishes
Nainital offers delicious Himalayan and North Indian cuisine. Travellers can enjoy traditional Kumaoni dishes such as:
Kumaoni Raita (spiced curd)
Local lentils (Dal)
Fresh mountain vegetables
Pahadi Thali
Popular cafés and restaurants in Nainital include Brittany Café, Café Lakeside, Café Chica and Zooby’s Kitchen.
Language
Hindi is the main language spoken by local people, but English is widely understood and used in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.
Accommodation Options
Nainital offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every traveller:
Budget homestays
Airbnb stays
Luxury resorts and villas
Mid-range and premium hotels
Tourists can also rent a Scooty (two-wheeler) or hire a private cab to explore nearby attractions comfortably.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Visitors can buy memorable souvenirs from local markets such as:
Decorative Nainital candles
Fridge magnets
Pine cone handicrafts
Woollen sweaters and shawls
FAQs
Q1. Where is Nainital located?
Nainital is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It lies at an altitude of around 1,938 metres and is famous for its beautiful lake, hills and pleasant climate.
Q2. How far is Nainital from Delhi?
Nainital is approximately 314 km from Delhi by road. The journey usually takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Travellers can reach Nainital from Delhi by car, bus or train (via Kathgodam).
Q3. What is the nearest airport to Nainital?
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located around 70 km away. From the airport, travellers can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
Q4. What is the nearest railway station to Nainital?
The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), located approximately 34 km away. From there, taxis and buses are easily available to reach Nainital.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Nainital?
The best time to visit Nainital is from January to May and October to December, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Q6. How many days are enough to explore Nainital?
A 3-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions of Nainital, including sightseeing, shopping and nearby excursions like Kainchi Dham.
Q7. Is Nainital good for a family trip?
Yes, Nainital is a perfect destination for families. It offers boating, cable car rides, zoos, parks and scenic viewpoints that are enjoyable for all age groups.
Q8. What are the top tourist attractions in Nainital?
Top attractions include Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Mall Road, Eco Cave Park and G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo.
Q9. Can I see snowfall in Nainital?
Yes, snowfall can be experienced in December and January, depending on weather conditions.
Q10. Is English widely spoken in Nainital?
Yes, English is commonly spoken and understood in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.
Q11. What kind of accommodation is available in Nainital?
Nainital offers a range of accommodation including budget hotels, luxury resorts, homestays, villas and Airbnb properties.
Q12. Is Nainital safe for tourists?
Yes, Nainital is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take standard travel precautions, especially during the monsoon season.
Q13. What is special to buy in Nainital?
Popular souvenirs from Nainital include decorative candles, woollen shawls, pine cone crafts and fridge magnets.
You can also visit us at www.mapchemy.com for more queries and cutomising your trip.
Comments