Nestled in the Kumaon hills of the captivating Himalayas, Nainital is an exquisite hill station occupying a steep forested valley around a unique, mango-shaped ‘Naini Lake’. Famously known as the “Lake district of India”, Nainital is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. The city abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Located at an altitude of 2084 km below the sea level, Nainital has a pleasant weather all year round, and can rightfully be called a scenic paradise for all nature lovers.
From witnessing the Himalayan mountain ranges to boating in the lake, from enjoying ropeway to shopping at the mall road, from sailing to old temples and heritage buildings to exploring Jim Corbett’s home, Nainital has all that you could hope for in a hill station. So, whether you are going for the lakes, weather, the adventure, the food, or even the shopping, Nainital has something for every wanderer. The lake city Nainital will definitely leave you in awestruck by its enthralling natural beauty.
Things to do in Nainital:
- Boating in the lakes of Nainital
- The thrill of a Ropeway Ride
- Camping in Nainital is the perfect dose of thrill
- Trek to Naina Peak (Cheena Peak)
- Exciting Horse Riding
- Try Paragliding in Bhimtal
- Shop ‘til you drop at Tibetan Market
- Explore Mall Road and buy fancy candles
Places of Attractions In Nainital:
Naini Lake: The Heart of Nainital!
Naina Devi Temple – The Sanctum for Peace Seekers!
The Mall Road – Paradise for Every Shopping Lover!
Tiffin Top – Views of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges!
Snow View Point – A thrilling spot!
Naina Peak – Highest Peak of The Lake District
Hanuman Garhi – For Those Seeking Inner Peace!
Sattal – All about Lakes, Pine, and Lofty Hills!
Eco Cave Gardens – Cluster of Interconnected caves!
h2>Places To Visit Near Nainital:
Bhimtal
Located amidst the Himalayas and a pristine blue lake, Bhimtal is a picturesque location that is situated 1370 m above sea level. Considered as the perfect weekend getaway, the ancient town of Bhimtal attracts visitors from far and wide due to its natural beauty. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the “Bhimtal Lake” with a small island in the middle adding more charm to its enthralling beauty. Bounded with a dense forest of pine, oaks, and shrubs along with the pristine lakes and salubrious weather, this place is certainly one of the most visited tourist places near Nainital.
Distance of Bhimtal from Nainital: 20.4 km
Places to visit in Bhimtal: Aquarium on Bhimtal Lake, Victoria Dam
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is a picturesque lake village that is an ideal place for those who seek quietude and tranquility under the shade of pure nature. As its name suggests, this place is popular for its nine cornered lake which is 40 meter deep and 1 kilometer in length.
Situated in the vicinity of Nainital, this small village is also attached to a legend. It is said that if a person views all the nine corners of the lake with his feet on the ground can make the viewer disappear into smoke to attain nirvana.
Several attractive places such as lakes and temples make it an enchanting place. Blessed with captivating beauty and a serene lake, Naukuchiatal allows you to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Distance of Naukuchiatal from Nainital: 25.3 km
Places to visit in Naukuchiyatal: Naukuchiyatal Lake, Hanuman Temple
Ranikhet
Ranikhet literally means “Queen’s Land”, is undoubtedly a wonderful hill station that is blessed with the natural beauty. Besides being beautiful, Ranikhet is the Headquarter of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. In addition to this, The Kumaon Regiment Center Museum is also located in the town with a splendid collection of weapons. Known for its ancient temples, views of the Nanda Devi Peak, mountainous climbs, orchards, golf courses, and trekking ranges, the vibe of this place makes it one of the best places to visit around Nainital.
Distance of Ranikhet from Nainital: 56 km
Places to visit in Ranikhet: Jhula Devi Temple, Bhalu Dam, Chaubhatia Orchards, Kalika, and Majkhali are some of the must-visit places in Ranikhet.
Kausani
Embellished with the lush green valley, verdant pine tree forests, magnificent Himalayas peaks, Kausani is one of the breathtaking hill stations in Uttarakhand. This town is famous for offering a panoramic view of the massive Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the mighty Panchchuli peaks.
Tourists can indulge themselves in several recreational activities such as bird watching, photography, and adventurous hikes. This hill station is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway; therefore, it deserves to be in the list of best places to visit around Nainital.
Distance of Kausani from Nainital: 115 km
Places to visit in Kausani: Baijnath Temple, Rudradhari Falls, Anasakti Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate.
Almora
Situated at an elevation of 1,638 meters, Almora is indeed a beautiful hill station that has pre-British heritage and rich history. Known for its cultural diversity, unique handicrafts, spectacular wildlife, and sumptuous cuisines, this hill station never fails to surprise its visitors.
Being surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, dwindling pines, and old oaks, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horse-shoe. Two major rivers pass from this hill station, namely, Koshi and Seyal, which adds more charm to this town. So, include this enchanting hill station to your itinerary to make the most of your trip.
Distance of Almora from Nainital: 63 km
Places to visit in Almora: Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, and Kalimath
Kainchi Dham
Your visit to Nainital would be incomplete if you do not visit this pilgrim center of Kainchi Dham because it is a perfect place for anyone who wants to connect with their own self while in the lap of nature. Situated in a close proximity to Nainital, Kainchi Dham is the ashram of the famous “Shri Neem Karoli Baba” that was established in 1962. Perched at a height of 1400 meters, the ashram also has an adjoining Hanuman Temple. On the 15th June every year, the temple celebrates “Pratistha Divas” when a large number of devotees visit this place.
Another exciting thing about Kainchi Dham is that Steve Jobs (Former CEO and Co-founder of Apple) and Mark Zuckerberg (Co-founder of Facebook) have also visited this temple.
Distance of Kainchi Dham from Nainital: 18 km
Places to visit in Kainchi Dham: Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram & Hanuman Temple
Ramgarh
Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Ramgarh is one of the hidden jewels of the Kumaon region. Perched at an altitude of 1789 meters above the sea level, embellished with picturesque landscapes, and offering impeccable views of snow-covered Himalayas, Ramgarh is not less than a treat. This hill station is also known as “Fruit Bowl of Kumaon” as it houses verdant orchards of apples, pears, plums, peaches, and apricots.
It is also a personal favorite spot of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore and social worker Narain Swamy. The quietude of this place and captivating sunrises and sunsets are a delight to watch. This depicts that it is an ideal getaway to satiate your wanderlust.
Distance of Ramgarh from Nainital: 35 km
Places to visit in Ramgarh: Orchards, Nathuakhan
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar sits high in Kumaon hills that are bounded by fruit orchards and coniferous forests. Perched atop at an elevation of 7,500 meters, this hill station offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Mukteshwar got its name from a 350-year-old temple, “Mukteshwar Dham” whose residing deity is Lord Shiva. Famous for the adventure sports, it lets tourists enjoy recreational activities like rappelling and mountain climbing. The colonial architecture of this hill station adds more charm to its scenic beauty. From Mukteshwar, one can have an alluring view of Nanda Devi and other peaks.
Distance of Mukteshwar from Nainital: 46.5 km
Places to visit in Mukteshwar: Chauli ki Jali, Mukteshwar Temple, The Renewal Park
Corbett National Park
The oldest National Park in India, “Jim Corbett National Park” was established in 1936 to protect the endangered Bengal Tiger. Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Corbett National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts as it houses a variety of flora and fauna. Set amidst the foothills of Himalayas and along the banks of Ramaganga river, this national park is home to 110 tree species, 580 birds species, 50 species of mammals, 25 reptiles living an area spread over 500 sq km. It has lots of riverine belts, lakes, hills, streams, and grasslands that make it even more beautiful and one of the best places to visit near Nainital.
Distance of Corbett National Park from Nainital: 66.4 km
Places to visit in Corbett National Park: Corbett National Park for Jungle Safari, Corbett falls, Garjia Temple.
Jageshwar
Jageshwar is believed to be the site of the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga – Nageshvara Jyotirlinga. Additionally, the temple city comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples that makes it even more special and worth visiting. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Jageshwar/Nagesh. This city receives thousands of pilgrims every year as it is a perfect destination to explore and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Distance of Jageshwar from Nainital: 96.8 km
Places to visit in Jageshwar: Mahamrityunjaya Temple, Jageshwar Mahadev Temple, Dandeshwar Temple.