- Nainital was officially established as a British summer retreat in 1841 by P. Barron, a European sugar trader who was captivated by the local lake.
- The city is divided into two distinct halves: Tallital (the southern end) and Mallital (the northern end), connected by the famous Mall Road.
- Naini Lake is an eye-shaped lake believed in Hindu mythology to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, marking where the goddess Sati's eye is said to have fallen.
- During the British Raj, the town served as the summer capital of the United Provinces, functioning as the administrative hub for the region for several decades.
- The geological history of the lake basin is tied to a significant landslide in 1880, which fundamentally altered the town's landscape and led to the creation of the Flats, a large recreational field.
About Nainital
Nainital is a high-altitude Himalayan hill station centered around a volcanic Naini Lake, serving as the administrative headquarters of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand. The town is famously guarded by the Shree Maa Naina Devi Temple, located at the northern tip of the lake. Beyond the water, visitors explore the high-altitude wildlife at the G B Pant High Altitude Zoo or seek spiritual history at the Kainchi Dham - Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. The landscape is dominated by rugged peaks like Naina Peak West, offering panoramic vistas of the Kumaon region.
Highlights of Nainital
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit the site of the ancient Sati legend at this significant temple located on the northern shore of Naini Lake.
Temples
Explore the peaceful mountain ashram dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, a site recognized for its deep spiritual significance.
Places of interest
Take the cable car to experience unobstructed views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Zoos
Observe rare Himalayan species such as the red panda and Tibetan wolf in this specialized high-altitude conservation facility.
Natural attractions
Discover a unique interconnected system of seven freshwater lakes located just outside the main town area.
Places of interest
Hike to the highest point in the town for an extensive vantage point over the Kumaon mountain range.
Places of interest
Traverse a series of natural rocky caves and hanging gardens designed to mimic the wild Himalayan landscape.
Temples
Admire the traditional Gothic architecture of this historic stone church dating back to the late 19th century.
Top things to do in Nainital
The 59 highest-rated places in Nainital, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Kainchi Dham is a riverside ashram established in 1964 by the saint Neem Karoli Baba. The site is situated along the ban...
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Places of interest
Eco Cave Park is a natural park in Nainital featuring a network of interconnected, interconnected rocky caves that repli...
3
Temples
Shree Maa Naina Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu site located at the northern tip of Naini Lake in Nainital. The temple is...
4
Places of interest
Snow View is a prominent vantage point in Nainital offering a panoramic outlook over the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Tris...
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Temples
Shri Hanuman Dham is a riverside temple complex located in the village of Anjani Gram near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. The si...
6
Places of interest
Himalaya Darshan is a dedicated viewpoint located along the Kilbury Road in the Naina Range of Nainital. It provides pan...
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Zoos
The G B Pant High Altitude Zoo is situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, making it one of the few hig...
8
Places of interest
Nainital Lake View Point is a high-altitude observation deck situated on the Ayarpatta hillside, providing an elevated v...
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Zoos
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Zoos
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Museums
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Temples
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Nainital on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Nainital
March to June provides pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, while October to November offers clear skies and excellent visibility of the Himalayan range.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the lake circuit, local temples, and nearby high-altitude viewpoints.
The town center is best explored on foot, though local taxis are required for transit to higher viewpoints and surrounding lakes like Sattal.
Stay near Mallital for proximity to the main market and bus station, or choose Mall Road for immediate access to the lakefront.
Nainital is a mid-range destination where costs fluctuate significantly based on peak tourist seasons in summer and during major Indian holidays.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 59 curated attractions in and around Nainital, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kainchi Dham - Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is the highest-rated place to visit in Nainital right now.
The largest category is parks, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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