Undoubtedly, Nainital is one of the best destinations to visit in Uttarakhand and all of India. It is a beautiful hill station that houses some of the finest attractions of the state. Surrounded by lush green mountains that are overlooked by the snow-clad peaks, Nainital has a unique charm that lures people throughout the year.
But what’s important here is the balance between the beautiful attractions and amazing things to do in Nainital. Want to know more? Let’s check out the best activities that can be done in this breathtaking Nainital hill station.
Here are the Top 12 things to do in Nainital for a blissful vacation
- Boating in the Naini Lake
- Trek to the amazing Tiffin Top
- Enjoy a trek to Naina Peak
- Horse ride at Nainital
- The beauty of St. John Wilderness Church
- The thrill of a Ropeway Ride
- Delights of shopping at Tibetan Market
- sunset at Hanuman Garhi
- Naina Devi Temple
- wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park
- Go for a Lake Tour
- Head to the Kainchi Dham
1. Boating in the Naini Lake
- Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
- Charges: Pedal and Row boating- 120 INR/ hour
- Gondola boat’s round trip- 150 INR
Naini Lake holds a lot of importance not just from the tourist point of view but also from a historic and mythical as well. The lake is one of the best places to visit in Nainital and an attraction where adventure junkies have a great time too.
Amongst the top-notch things to do in Nainital with family, boating in the Naini lake remains the best. Apart from this, enthusiasts can enjoy water sports like kayaking, yachting, and paddling in the lake.
While you enjoy the water sport here, keep your camera on so that you don’t miss out on the wonderful view of the surroundings. Nainital lake is surrounded by 7 lush green mountains so show your photography skills while rowing or boating.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Nainital in 2 Days Trip
2. Trek to the amazing Tiffin Top
- Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
- Timings: Monday to Sunday; 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Charges: There are no entry charges all that you will have to pay is for the pony ride which is between 500 INR to 700 INR per person
One of the finest attractions of Nainital is Tiffin Top. And trekking to Tiffin Top is one of the best things you could do while in the city. The summit of this attraction is approximately 2290 m high above sea level and a heaven for photographers and adventure enthusiasts. Although you can visit here 24×7, the sunset view from the mountain top is simply breathtaking.
While you trek to the Tiffin Top, there are a few important things that you will have to keep in mind. Check out more details here!
Nainital Tour Packages
3 Days Tour to Nainital
Corbett Nainital Tour
Nainital Kausani Corbett Tour
Scenic Nainital Tour3. Enjoy a trek to Naina Peak
- Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Timings: Early mornings and early evenings are the best time to visit here
- Charges: None
One of the most exquisite places to witness the beauty of Nainital is the Naina Peak also known as Cheena Peak. There are endless things to do in Nainital in summer and one of them is to trek to Naina Peak which is also the highest point of the city. The entire mountain is covered with Deodar, Rhododendrons, and Cypress forest, and trekkers have to go through all of this.
But once you reach the summit, everything looks worth it! A beautiful view from the top is what takes away the fatigue. Starry eyes with jaw-dropping beauty are the reward of every traveler.
Also, once you complete the hike, you can see the amazing snow-capped Himalayan Range at a distance. If you are here during the evening, the entire city looks simply breathtaking.
Checkout: Trekking Destinations in Uttarakhand
4. Horse ride at Nainital
- Location: Nainital Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Naina Peak
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (the timings are subject to change as per the weather and a few other things.)
- Charges: 500 – 700 INR average (The charges are also subject to change from place to place.)
Apart from everything else, horse riding in Nainital is considered to be an important thing to do with kids. Right from the Mall Road to reaching the Tiffin Top; there are ample places where you can enjoy this activity. While you are looking for the best things to do with the family in Nainital, this outdoor activity is going to pop up each time you search.
In fact, while you trek to the Naina Peak, you can enjoy horse riding there as well. Hire a pony and go for a ride. If you have already done this sport, you can take the pony all by yourself too! Sounds interesting?
5. The beauty of St. John Wilderness Church
- Location: 9CVW+PP7, Sherwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Timing: Sunday 7 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 6:30 pm
- Charges: Free of cost
Are you a pilgrim? Or a history buff? Or maybe someone who is keen to visit places that are serene and blissful. If any of these are true to your personality then visiting St. John Wilderness Church in Nainital is a must. With an array of things to do in Nainital, there is something about this attraction that people don’t fail to miss.
People come here for multiple reasons; right from worshipping to exploring to enjoying the natural beauty around the place. You only need 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the entire vicinity and things around the church.
The first thing that would captivate your eyes is the wonderful architecture of the church. Explore the rich heritage and the vicinity of the place.
You can also take a tour of the cemetery to offer your condolences to people who lost their lives in the terrible landslide. You will not be allowed to use your camera in the church but click pictures of the beauty around.
Get the best deals on Uttarakhand honeymoon packages at IndianHoliday
6. The thrill of a ropeway ride
- Location: From Mallital to Snow View point, Nainital
- Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
- Charges: Adults – 150 INR and Children between 3-12 – 100 INR (both ways) (The prices might change at any moment, this is just an approximation of the same)
If your definition of enjoyment is taking some crazy high-altitude rides then one of the best adrenaline-rushing activities to do in Nainital is to take the ropeway ride. Also known as the cable car ride, it is one of the most popular activities held by the city.
The people here call it to snow view activity because when you reach the high altitude viewpoint, the entire snow-capped Himalayan mountain range is for you to enjoy.
The entire place is apt for everyone right from kids to adults. The entire setup of this place is like a miniature theme park/ fun park. Go-karting, playing other games, and enjoying the view, isn’t that enough for you to call it an amazing trip to Nainital? The only thing that can spoil it for you is the weather. The clearer it is, the better for you.
If are you are planning Summer vacations, check out 15 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in Summer with Family and Friends
7. Delights of shopping at Tibetan Market
- Location: Around the Naini Lake, Nainital
- Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
- Charges: No entry fee
Now, whenever you visit a destination, one thing always crosses your mind and that’s shopping. But shopping at the Mall Road in the branded shops is not a thing for everyone, and probably it might not be something memorable, right?
So, for those who want to buy some souvenirs, Tibetan Market Nainital is the right place for you to visit. It is going to be a delightful shopping session.
From clothes to a lot of stylish artificial ornaments, one can buy and explore varied things. Its proximity to the Naina Devi temple and the Naini Lake makes it a wonderful place to visit. After exploring the market, you can also take a break at the restaurants around. Isn’t this one of the best things to do in Nainital according to you?
Jim Corbett with Nainital Tour8. Witness the beautiful sunset at Hanuman Garhi
- Location: Haldwani Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
- Timings: Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM – 9 PM
- Charges: No entry fee
Being in Nainital means an amazing view of the surroundings wherever you go, isn’t that right? Your eyes are always treated by breathtaking sights and enchanting natural beauty, and that’s not at all an exaggeration.
One of the finest things to do in Nainital with family or even solo is to visit Hanuman Garhi. If you think that this is a place for only devotees, then you might reconsider this thought of yours.
The amazing temple which is known as Hanuman Garhi is one of the finest places to visit in Nainital for nature lovers as well as devotees.
It is approximately 3.5 km from Naini Lake and 6 km away from the Eco Cave Garden. The Hanuman Garhi is also a serene place where you can sit and enjoy the calmness and peacefulness sprawled in the air.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit Near Delhi for 2 days Trip
9. Seek blessings at the Naina Devi Temple
- Location: Ayarpatta, Near Naini Lake, Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6 am to 10 pm (Morning aarti- 7 am and Evening aarti- 7 pm)
- Charges: No entry fee
The most important attraction of Nainital is the Naina Devi Temple and one of the most important things to do in Nainital is to visit here. The temple is located right around the corner of Naini Lake.
The Naina Devi Temple is located on the Mallital side of the lake. The temple is also important for Hindu Pilgrims because it is among the 51 Shaktipeeths in India.
It is believed that this was the place where Goddess Sati’s eye fell when Lord Shiva flew over this place with burning Sati in his hands.
Make sure that you do visit here and offer your prayers. Naina Devi Temple is believed to have a lot of significance in a lot of things and should not be missed or skipped while you visit Nainital.
After visiting here, you can head to the Tibetan Market for your shopping session, it’s right in front of the temple.
10. Explore wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park
- Location: Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm (The timings change as per the month you travel here and this is not the timing for safari)
- Charges: You will have to contact the office of Ramnagar to know the exact price.
One of the finest places to visit in Nainital is the Jim Corbett National Park, which is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It holds the distinction of being the oldest and most prestigious national park and is one of the must-see places in Nainital.
The park stretches over an area of almost 520sq. km is one of the few tiger reserves which allows the option of an overnight stay inside its premises.
Besides tigers, this place is also a haven for bird lovers. The thriving biodiversity of this area is also reflected by the over 50 species of raptors found here.
If you are planning on visiting Nainital, you can take a Nainital Mussoorie Tour Packages to any of the gates and then visit the amazing national park. A safari at the Jim Corbett National Park is simply the best thing to do in Nainital as a couple or with family.
Also Read:
- Planning a Road Trip to Jim Corbett from Delhi & Jungle Safari
- Places Visit in Uttarakhand in December for a Joyful Getaway
- Top 10 Jungle Resorts near Jim Corbett
11. Go for a Lake Tour
- Location: Nainital District, Uttarakhand
- Timing: None
- Charges: None unless you opt for a paid activity
There are a few obvious things to do in Nainital, and almost everyone loves doing those for one or the other reason. While you are here in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, you won’t be able to resist your temptation to go on a lake exploring spree.
The entire district is dotted with a number of lakes including some top-notch attractions like Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Khurpatal, and Sattal. From all the other lakes, these are the must-visit places in Nainital.
There are a lot of amazing things that can be done at each of these lakes. At Naukuchiatal you can enjoy boating, at Bhimtal you get to enjoy Paragliding. And so on!
Also Read: 53 Most Spectacular Lakes in India
12. Head to the Kainchi Dham
- Location: Bhowali Range, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263132, India
- Timings: Monday to Sunday ( 5 am to 4 pm)
- Charges: No Entry Fee
Kainchi Dham Baba Neem Karoli Ashram is another very important and fine destination to visit in Nainital. Offering prayers at the Dham is an important activity to do in Nainital as it is considered to be a holy place.
The Kainchi Dham Baba Neem Karoli Ashram is approximately 17 km from Nainital hill station on Almora Road. This Dham is so popular and considered to be important that Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs have visited the ashram too.
There are a lot of beliefs that revolve around the temple/ ashram, but that shouldn’t be the reason for your visit. With a unique charm and an enchanting view around, Kainchi Dham also offers peaceful surrounding. People love spending time at the Dham as they feel rejuvenated after visiting here.
Conclusion
Any city, hill station, hamlet, settlement, or any other place you visit in Uttarakhand; will be more or less equally blissful. There will be a lot of amazing places just like in Nainital. A lot of people visit Nainital every year and they enjoy their time at the hill station. Be it summer or winter, you will find people throughout the year.
The above-given list of things to do in Nainital is quite extensive and it covers all the major things that are available here. Make sure, you include each one of them, during your visit here.
Nainital Packages
Let’s Plan Nainital Tour with Indianholiday.com
Related Post
- 12 Most Beautiful Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand
- Top 10 Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand
- 16 Best Places for Camping in Uttarakhand
Shashank Yadav
A bachelor's in technology passed out student, who decided to follow his heart, has looked forward to see his future as a traveler and a travel writer. This was his passion that ignited the spark of travelling to different places and share his experience with others. It's his writing and pictures that do all the talking now.
Thank you for sharing, I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post.
Hi Nadiya
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts in the future!