Nainital is a town and the main center of the Nainital district in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It serves as the judicial capital of Uttarakhand, with the state’s High Court located there, and it is also home to the Governor of Uttarakhand. Historically, Nainital was the summer capital of the United Provinces.
In the past, Nainital was part of the Kumaon region. After the Katyuri Dynasty fell in the 10th century, Kumaon was divided into several small princely states. The area around Nainital was ruled by different branches of a Khasiya family. The Chand dynasty was the first to gain significant control over Kumaon after the Katyuris, but it took many centuries. Nainital and its surroundings were among the last areas to come under Chand rule. Trilok Chand built a fort in Bhimtal in the 13th century, but at that time, Nainital was not under Chand rule and was near the western border of the Kingdom. During Udyan Chand’s reign, the western boundary of the Chand kingdom extended to the Koshi and Suyal rivers, but Ramgarh and Kota were still under Khasia rule.
Nainital is a beautiful town in the Himalayas, known for its natural beauty and many lakes, earning it the nickname “Lake District” of India. The most famous lake is Naini Lake, surrounded by hills. The area has diverse landscapes and includes places like Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. Nainital’s endless scenic beauty is a true delight, offering a romantic and awe-inspiring experience with pristine nature.
Nainital offers a variety of beautiful spots like the serene Naini Lake, perfect for boating and picnics, and the breathtaking Snow View Point, which provides stunning views of the Himalayas. Stroll along The Mall Road for shopping and dining, explore the adventurous Tiffin Top for its panoramic views, visit the unique Eco Cave Gardens, and discover the diverse wildlife at the high-altitude Nainital Zoo.
Located in the heart of Nainital, Naini Lake is a stunning natural freshwater lake. Shaped like a crescent or kidney, it is one of the most famous lakes in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by Naini Peak to the northwest, Tiffin Point to the southwest, and snow-capped peaks to the north, Naini Lake offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s a popular spot for boating, picnics, and evening walks.
Snow View Point, standing at an impressive 2270 meters above sea level, is one of Nainital’s top tourist spots. As its name suggests, it offers a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas covered in snow. From here, you can see the famous peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. A large pair of binoculars is available for a closer look at these magical peaks. There’s also a small temple with images of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman, Durga, and Shiva. An aerial cable car connects you directly from the Mall Road to Snow View Point, providing spectacular views of the town.
The Mall Road in Nainital, running parallel to Naini Lake and connecting the two ends of the town (Mallital and Tallital), is the main hub for shopping, dining, and cultural activities. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious food and shop for local woolens. Built by the British, this road is now synonymous with Nainital. Tourists can be seen strolling along Mall Road throughout the day. Heavy vehicles and traffic are restricted during the peak seasons of May, June, and October.
Established in 1984, Nainital Zoo is located on the Sher ka Danda hill in Tallital, at a height of 2100 meters. Spread over 4.6 hectares, it is the only high-altitude zoo of its kind. Home to several endangered species, the zoo is a popular tourist attraction. Some of the animals you can see here include the Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Civet, Hill Partridge, Tibetan Wolf, Sambar, Barking Deer, and Royal Bengal Tiger. During the winter, the bird enclosures are covered with curtains to keep them warm. The zoo is funded by the entry fees collected from visitors.
Nainital offers a range of comfortable 4-star hotels for a pleasant stay. The Swiss Hotel and Spa, with its great location, is perfect for sightseeing and dining at ₹5,836 per night. The Palace Belvedere, a former summer residence, is a refined option just a 10-minute walk from Nainital Lake, costing ₹5,567 per night. Foxoso Heritage Hotel, overlooking Nainital Lake, is a laid-back choice at ₹4,467 per night, while Hotel Capri, located in the lakeside area, offers convenient access to cafes, gift shops, and boating for ₹5,456 per night.
Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining and getting around.
₹5,836
4 Star Hotel
Set in a former summer residence, this refined hotel is a 10-minute walk from Nainital Lake.
₹5,567
4 Star Hotel
Overlooking Naintal Lake, this laid-back hotel is a 9-minute walk from the nearest bus station.
₹4,467
4 Star Hotel
Lakeside area with cafes, gift shops & boating, plus a cable car to Snow View observation point.
₹5,456
4 Star Hotel
For travelers seeking accommodation near the railway station in Nainital, there are several budget-friendly options. Hotel H. K. Legacy offers a lively area with boat rides and souvenir shops at ₹1,552 per night. Hotel Maharaja provides views of Naini Lake and is close to the G B Pant High Altitude Zoo, priced at ₹3,542 per night. Hotel Cloud 7, located on busy Mall Road, is a convenient choice near Naina Devi Temple, costing ₹3,568 per night. Hotel Mount N Mist Nainital, set in a leafy neighborhood, offers a relaxed stay 25 km from Kathgodam train station for ₹2,426 per night.
Lively area with boat rides, souvenir shops & low-key dining, plus GB Pant High Altitude Zoo.
₹1,552
2 Star Hotel
Offering views of Naini Lake, this unfussy budget hotel is a kilometre from G B Pant High Altitude Zoo and 3 km from Cave Garden.
₹3,542
3 Star Hotel
In a modern building on the busy UT SH 41/Mall Road, this low-key budget hotel is 12 minutes’ walk from Naina Devi Temple on Nainital Lake.
₹3,568
3 Star Hotel
Set in a leafy neighbourhood, this informal hotel is 25 km from the Kathgodam train station.
₹2,426
2 Star Hotel
Nainital boasts a variety of delightful dining options. Giannis Pure Veg Restaurant offers a nice ambiance with quick service and tasty food. Nanak Restaurant is known for its excellent food quality and service, especially by staff members Manoj and Devendra. The Moonlight Restaurant serves a range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, South Indian, and Continental. Anupam Restaurant, a local favorite since 1938, offers Indian, Chinese, Tandoori, and local Kumaoni dishes, providing high-quality food at affordable prices.
Place has a nice ambiance, service is quick and food is tasty.
₹200–400
₹200–400
We are a multi cuisine restaurant We serve indian, chinese, mughlai, south-indian and continental food, we give our best to satisfy your taste.
₹200–400
Local’s favourite restaurant since 1938. Anupam Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, Tandoori & Local Kumaoni Cuisines.
₹200–400
To reach Nainital, you can fly to Pantnagar Airport, which is 70 km away and a two-hour drive from the town, or to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, about 300 km away, requiring a seven-hour drive. By train, the nearest station is Kathgodam, 23 km from Nainital, with direct trains from major cities. Buses and taxis from Kathgodam are easily available. For those traveling by road, the scenic drive from New Delhi takes about 7 hours, with well-maintained roads and plenty of rest stops along the way.
Kathgodam railway station, located about 23 km from Nainital, is the nearest train station. There are several direct trains to Kathgodam from major cities.
The closest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away, which is a two-hour drive. Direct flights to Pantnagar are available only from New Delhi.
Nainital is well-connected by road, making it accessible by bus or car. The journey from Pantnagar Airport to Nainital takes about 2 hours.
Nainital does not have local buses, but travel agencies offer bus tours around the city. Interstate buses also pass through Nainital, stopping at major attractions.
Starting at only 2 ₹/ Per KM
Private taxis and cycle rickshaws are widely available and popular for getting around Nainital. However, keep in mind that vehicles are not allowed on Mall Road from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are affordable and readily available at key locations in Nainital. These can be hired individually or shared, and prices are usually negotiable. Prepaid auto rickshaw stands with fixed rates based on distance are also available, mainly in Mallital and Tallital. Eco-friendly rickshaws are another option, charging Rs 10 per km.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10.Rs
Car rental services are available in Nainital, offering both self-driven and chauffeur-driven options for travelers who prefer the convenience of having their own vehicle.
Starting at only ₹1499.
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June, which is the peak season. The weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing and boat rides, with average temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Nainital has a lovely climate all year round, making it a great destination anytime.
From July to September, Nainital experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. This can cause landslides and road blockages, so it’s less ideal for travel. Winter in Nainital, from October to February, sees average temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. January is the best month to visit if you want to experience snow. Despite the seasonal changes, Nainital remains a beautiful place to visit throughout the year.
The Distance of Nainital to Mumbai is (1,727.3 km) via NE 4
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The Distance of Nainital to Delhi is (323.4 km) via AH2
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The Distance of Nainital to Bangalore is (2,266.2 km) via NH 44
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The Distance of Nainital to Chennai is (2,299.5 km) via NH 44
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When planning a trip to Nainital, it’s essential to book your accommodations and travel tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season from March to June. This popular hill station attracts many tourists, and last-minute bookings might not be available. To fully enjoy your trip, pack appropriately for the season. Light, comfortable clothing is best for summer, while warm layers are necessary for the cooler winter months. Always carry a good pair of walking shoes, as the hilly terrain can be challenging.
Respect the local culture and heritage while in Nainital. Avoid any actions that could damage historical sites or disturb the local environment, as such behavior is punishable by law. Choose dining spots carefully to ensure they meet hygiene standards, and try to savor the local cuisine, but be cautious about consuming raw or undercooked food. While there are no strict dress codes, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. This shows respect for local customs and helps you blend in comfortably.
For safety, it’s recommended to explore the town with a group rather than alone, especially when visiting isolated spots. Nainital is home to many beautiful and historical sites, some of which require an entry ticket. Always purchase tickets from authorized sellers to avoid any legal issues. Keep your belongings secure, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and rich history of this charming hill station.
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