Tourist places in and around Nainital
Mountain Gazing
For the best views, take the cable car to Snow-View Point. If the skies are clear, you can spot the soaring Nanda Devi; at 7,816 m, it is among the tallest mountain peaks in the world. The cable car operates between 10 am and 4 pm.Dorothy Seat and Tiffin Top
As the name suggests, pack a picnic hamper and head to this rugged hillside for a lazy afternoon. Dorothy Seat is a memorial for an English painter named Dorothy Kellet, built by her husband and admirers. You can cover Tiffin Top and Land's End in one go.Also known as ‘Tiffin Top' is a memorial to Mrs. Dorothy Kellet built by her husband. It commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighbouring country side. It is around 4.3km from the town. One can trek or negotiate on horseback.
Also known as Tiffin Top, it is located 4 km west of the lake and offers somewhat spectacular views of Nainital. This seat was built by Kellet, an Englishman in memory of his wife, who died in an air crash.
Naini Lake
The core of this city is this beautiful green Naini Lake, where the reflection of the hills with their hotels and cottages form a pretty picture. The promenade is lined with shops selling trinkets, woolens and the very artistic candles, a bandstand, a fountain and a skating rink. The lake is ideal for yachting and boating, so you must try your hand at sailing these multi-coloured boats especially during the annual boat festival. The lake is especially pretty during night-time when Nainital's lights are reflected in its waters.This the most popular picnic spot in Kumaon. IT commands a bird's eye view of Nainital and the sparkling snow laden Himalayas can be seen in their towering glory from this beautiful spot. It is about 5.6km from the town and one of the most beautiful treks. The soft cool air, the shade of the tall trees, the songs of the birds, and the quaint summerhouse welcomes you.
The eye (naina) shaped lake named after Goddess Naini set amidst lush hills is said to be formed when the eye goddess sati fell here. The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake marks the exact spot where the eye of sati is sid to have fallen. The gaily coloured yachts sail the waters of the lake is a sight to behold.
This attribute lake is said to be one of the emerald green eyes of Shiva's wife, Sati (naina is Sanskrit for eye). When Sati's father failed to invite Shiva to a family sacrifice, she burnt herself to death in protest. Shiva gathered the charred remains in his arms and proceeded to engage in a cosmic dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To terminate the dance, Vishnu chopped up the body into pieces, and the remains were scattered across India. The modern Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake is built over the precise spot where the eye is believed to have fallen.
Naina Devi Temple
Located at the north of the lake, this temple is dedicated to Naina Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that this is the spot where Goddess Sati's left eye fell, when Vishnu chopped her body to stop Shiva's cosmic dance of destruction. Also located close to the temple is the Naina Devi cave.Naina Peak (China Peak) (6 km)
The highest peak of the town, it commands a panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas, from Bandar Punch in the west to Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east. You can also get a bird's eye view of Nainital town. For those not wanting to exercise their legs, there are ponies and horses to ride upto Naini Peak. These can be hired from Snow-View Point or from Mallital.the Naina Peak is the highest peak surrounding the lake. It is a popular picnic spot and affords marvellous views of the Himalayas, the Nanda Devi Peak and the mountains of the Tibetan border.
Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres. Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.
Naina Peak known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with you.
Laria Kanta (6 km)
Picnic spot at an altitude of 2,481 metre. Affords panoramic views of the Himalayas.Lands end (4 km)
At an altitude of 2,118 m, you get a bewitching view of the surrounding hills and valleys and the lovely Khurpatal Lake. The place couldn't have been better namedas you walk up the gentle slope, the land really doe seem to end. The best way to get here is to take a drive up to Barapatthar and then walk the last kilometre.Located on the southern corner of the lake, Lands End offers panoramic views of Khurpa Tal.
One does not have to climb much, about 4km and as the name suggests, one feels on reaching the area that the end of the land has really come. Needless to say, the view of the neighbouring hills and the valley and the Khurpatal lake is exquisite from here.
Mukteshwar
About 51 km from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is one of Kumaon's beautiful resorts. It abounds in fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is located in Mukteshwar.Beyond Ramgarh is Mukteshwar, 51.49km from Nainital. It is the seat of the Indian Vaterinary Reseach Institute (IVRI). In close proximity is the stone," Chauli Ki Jali", dedicated to Lord Shiva where childless couples come to pray for children. Famous for its Himalayan views, from Api-Nampa peaks of Nepal to the Chaukhamba Peak of Garhwal, Mukteshwar daringly overlooks a deep ravine on one side and the beautiful town of almora on the other. It is a heaven for nature lovers, and those who have a penchant for spiritualism.
This small hill station amidst thick wooded forest affords majestic view of the Himalayas. Nearby is a stone hole of Chauli ki Jali, dedicated to lord shiva. Spectacular view of Almora and the peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba peaks of Garhwal can be enjoyed a moonlit night.
This beautiful place is 2286 mts in altitude and 51 Kms. from Nainital. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya. An old temple of Lord Shiva exist on the top of a rock.
Other Lakes
Other than the Naini Lake, Nainital is also home to seven other picturesque lakes. Among these, Bhimtal is one of the most beautiful and popular. It has wonderful boating facilities and the island in the midst of it has a floating restaurant accessible only by boat! Saat Tal is an amalgamation of seven interconnected lakes and is set amidst dense oak and pine trees, home to migratory birds. Naukuchiatal or literally the nine-cornered lake is a good option for boating and fishing. A popular belief goes that if you visit all nine corners at one go, you are sure to attain Nirvana! Khurpatal, Harishtal, Lokhantal and Malwatal are also scenic spots known for very good angling options.Boat House Club
Dating to the 19th century, visit the Boat House Club, which has a bar and billiards room facing the lake. Catch shimmering views of the city at night when millions of lights reflect on the lake.Nainital Boat House Club, the Mall. Rest. Bar. The real reason for coming to Nainital. Delighful, relaxed, old- fashioned bar- lounge, or you can enjoy your drink on the terrace beside the lake. Sailing. Billiards. Table tennis. Membership Rs 205 for there days or Rs 305 for seven days for a couple. Children are not allowed in bar or Young's.
Hanumangarhi (3.2km)
Located at an altitude of over 6000 ft near Tallital, Hanumangarhi has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is depicted tearing his chest open to reveal Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This high altitude also offers beautiful views of the sunset. Especially worthwhile is visiting it during the Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti Festivals.This place is of great religious importance. Situated at a height of 1951 metres, this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi, tourists generally watch the sunset, which is a spectacular sight. One can go to Hanuman Garhi by taxi, bus or even on foot from Nainital. It has a huge temple complex, and the presiding deity is Lord Hanuman, besides Ram and Shiva. On the other side of the hill, there is the Shitala a Devi temple and the Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu.
Pilgrim site well known for spectacular sun-set views.
This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of 1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman Garhi.
Bara Bazaar & Snow View
Bara Bazaar is a vibrant market in Mallital. Its highlight is the ropeway or cable car, which leads to the Snow View. Located at an altitude of over 7000 ft, Snow View, on a clear day offers brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks.Open from: 10.00 am 5.00 pm
Ropeway fare: Round trip Rs 70 (1 hr)
At the top, a close up view of Nanda Devi (7816m), which was, as the old brass plate here tells you, 'the highest mountain in the British empire'. Naina Devi was India's highest peak until Sikkim (and thus Kanchenjunga) was absorbed into the country. There's a small marble temple dedicated to Dev Mundi housing images of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman. From Snow View you can walk west to another point and then continue on to the main road to Kilbury. From here you could continue up to China Peak or head down the road to Sukhatal, passing great views of the lake in route. A walk up to Snow View can take in the tiny Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa of the Gelukpa order (of which the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader). Take the road uphill from the hotel city heart, from where a path branches off towards the gompa (the colorful prayers flags are visible from the road). The gompa serves Nainital's small (and mostly itinerant) Tibetan community. Most of the Tibetan families travel to Nainital in the summer season to sell sweaters and shawls, and in winter descends to the plains.
Astronomical Observatory
Set up because of the clear skies here, the observatory is said to have one of the most advanced telescopes in India. This telescope is said to calculate the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies extremely precisely.It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artifical earth satellites.
High Altitude Zoo (1.5 km)
Located at a high-altitude, the Zoo is home to the rare Snow Leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan Black Bear. The regal spotted owl is believed to emit a human voice if kept awake for 40 days.Open from: 10 am-4.30 pm, (except Monday)
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25
Animals living at high altitudes can be seen here.
Eco Cave Gardens
A naturally maintained park, this is a great place for children. The park has a musical fountain operating only in May and June. The six caves here are interesting to visit.Open from: 9.30 am-5.30 pm
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25
Governor's House
The Raj Bhavan has gardens spread over 220 acres lined with deodar trees. The portico is designed in the shape of the British crown. The other memorabilia's worth watching are the magnanimous fireplace, the mailbox next to the writing table and conservatories called ‘glass houses'. You can also try your hand at the 18-hole golf course at a fee of Rs 450.Open from: 11 am-5 pm Entry fee - Rs 50
St John Church in the Wilderness
Located in the thick of pine forests, the church is an ancient marvel, complete with stained glass windows and old wooden pews. Dilapidated, but worth visiting is the old cemetery within its grounds, which is the resting place of the Britishers.This is one of the earliest buildings as well as churches erected in Nainital. It is beautiful church with a marvellous interior and stained glasses on the windows.
Raj Bhavan
The magnificent Nainital govt. House modelled after the famous Buckingham Palace was built in March 1900. Its 50 acres lush golf course was opened for public in 1994.Other attractions - snow view (2.5 km); Dorothy Seat (4 km).
Killbury
About 11 km from the town, Killbury is a sanctum sanctorum of bio diversity and an ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers for a quiet and peaceful holiday.Khurpa Tal (5 km)
The lake on Nainital - Ramnagar road is an angler's delight.The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields.
Sat Tal
Sat Tal is about 21 km away from Nainital. It was a cluster of seven tal or lakes originally. The pine and oak trees add to the beauty of the Sat Tal. You may try boating in the lake, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake at the same.At a distance of about 23 km. from Nainital at an altitude of 1370 mts. Sattal is a unique, unforgettable spot having cluster of lakes placed amidst the oak forest. It is comparable with Westmoreland of England. As one approach toward Sattal first lake is old Nal Damyanti Lake. On moving ahead there is the ashram of Stanley Johns an American Missionary. Next lake is Panna or Garude lake.As we move down there is a cluster of three lakes , these lakes are Ram,Laxman and Sita lake.
Bhimtal (22.5km)
It is located at a distance of 23 km from nainital. The lake offers opportunities for water sports too. In fact, the natural beauty of the place makes it an excellent excursion option from Nainital.Serene scenic lake resort. The lake here is larger than Naini lake.
It is about 22 km. from Nainital and 11 km. from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370 mts. The pride of Bhimtal is a beautiful lake, which offers magnificent vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini Lake. Tourist enjoys here boating in lake. There is an island amid lake a restaurant is located atop it. The distance of island from lakeshore is 91 mts. There is a 17th century Bhimeshwar temple complex along the 40 feet high dam. The local bus stand and taxi stand is situated near it. One road from Bhimtal leaves for Naukuchiatal while another one goes to Kathgodam 21 km from here.
Naukuchiya Tal
Situated 27 km from Nainital, is another place worth visiting. The nine corners of the lend it its name. It is a picture perfect spot to visit, far from the madding crowd of Nainital.Sattal
Unique unforgettable, one is apt to run short of superlatives to describe this unsurpassed beauty of lakes named after the epic protagonists, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana. Thyese picturesque lakes are a paradise for migratory birds, a haven for for anglers and swimmers. In fact, it is divine joy to bask on the shores of the lakes with their pristine beauty.Corbett National Park
Corbett is about 115 km from Nainital, via Kaladhungi. The pride of corbett National Park is the distinction of being the first national park of India. It sprawls over an area of 524.8 sq.km, and was established in the year 1935 as the hailey National Park, after Sir William Malcohm Hailey, an enthusiastic conservationist who was at that time, the goveernor of united provinces. The park is very rich in wildlife like Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Deer, Pig, Porcupine, etc. There are more than 500 species of birds here. Amongst the reptiles are Pythons, Crocodiles and many species of Lizards and Snakes in their natural habitat.Bhowali
Situated 11 km from Nainital on the Ranikhet-Almora road, Bhowali is a beautiful health resort. The T.B. Sanatorium here has treated luminaries like Subhash Chandra Bose and Kamala Nehru, wife of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is also famous for its scenic grandeur, and has a popular hill fruit market.It is 1706 meters above the sea level and 11 KMs. away from Nainital.This is a road junction serving all the nearby hill stations from Nainital.Bhowali is famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit mart, Bhowali is also known for its T.B. sanatorium established in 1912.
Ghorakhal
Famous for the temple of Lord Golu worshipped by hill people and sainik school this place is at a distance of 3 km from Bhowali.Naukuchia Tal
It is 26 km from Nainital and 4 Kms from Bhimtal at 1220 mts above sea level.A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.Length of lake is 983 mts. ,breadth is 693 mts & depth 40.3 mts.It is within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling and bird watching.There is ample scope for rowing ,paddling or yachting.Kainchi Dham
On the Nainital - Almora Road, 9 km from Bhowali and 17 Kms from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition owing to the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has no relation with scissors.Ranikhet
A hill station, idyllic in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic pine trees, is 60 Kms. from Nainital. According to popular belief this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev . She chose this scenic place to her abode & since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally "Queen?s Field" . At an altitude of 1829 mts. above sea level, this hill station is undoubtedly a tourist?s paradise. The scented mountain breeze, fresh & pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas, the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound. Weaving an instant spell on the visitor Ranikhet draws visitors all the year round. Ranikhet is the headquarter of Kumaun Regimental Centre. KRC museum and memorial are the jewels of Ranikhet town. The following sites can be visited during stay at Ranikhet .Upat Kalika
6 km. from the town on Almora Road the place has one of the best mountain golf links (9 Holes) in the country surrounded by dense forests just one km. from Upat is Kalika with its famous temple.Chaubatiya Garden
10 km. from Ranikhet town this place has fruit gardens with a Government Fruit Reserch Centre.Bhalu Dam
It is 3 km. from Chaubatiya. It is famous for fishing.Hairakhan Dham It is 5 km. from Ranikhet , ashram of Hairakhan Baba is loacted here