This Himalayan lake town sits at 2,084 meters above sea level. Colonial architecture lines the Mall Road, while rowing boats dot the emerald waters of the crescent-shaped lake.
Nainital wraps around the emerald waters of Naini Lake at 2,084 meters above sea level in India's Uttarakhand state. You can learn sailing at the Nainital Yacht Club, explore six animal-shaped caves at the Eco Cave Gardens, or climb to Naina Peak for views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Along Mall Road, colonial-era buildings like the 113-room Raj Bhawan and the stone-built St. John Church line the streets.
Getting to Nainital
The nearest airport is in Pantnagar, 71 kilometers away, with flights connecting to Delhi and Dehradun. Most travelers arrive through Kathgodam railway station, 35 kilometers from town, which has regular connections to major Indian cities. Taxis (₹800-1000) and buses (₹50-100) run frequently between the station and Nainital.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
Plan your visit between March and June when temperatures range from 7°C to 27°C for clear mountain views and comfortable walking weather. Snow falls occasionally in December, limiting visibility but creating white-capped landscapes. Avoid hiking during the monsoon season (July-September) when trails become slippery.
Lakes and Water Activities
Naini Lake extends two miles through the town center. Learn sailing at the Nainital Yacht Club, which has operated since 1910, with hourly sessions at ₹500. Two other lakes worth visiting include the Seven Lakes complex at Sattal (23 kilometers away) and Bhimtal (9 kilometers away), the region's largest lake.
Mountain Trails and Viewpoints
Walk the 4-kilometer pine forest trail to Naina Peak (2,615 meters) for clear views of the Himalayan mountains Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. Take the cable car to Snow View Point on Mallital hill to access several hiking paths.
Colonial Architecture
The Raj Bhawan (built 1899) has steep gables and intricate wood carvings across its 113 rooms. St. John in the Wilderness Church (1844) combines local stone construction with mountain Gothic design elements like pointed arches and buttressed walls.
Local Food and Markets
Walk Mall Road parallel to Naini Lake to try Kumaoni specialties. Sample Bhatt ki Churkani (black soybean curry) and Bal Mithai (chocolate-like fudge made from roasted khoya). Street vendors sell hot tea and snacks, while restaurants serve both regional and North Indian dishes.
Religious Sites
Visit the Naina Devi Temple on the northern shore, built where the goddess Sati's eyes are said to have fallen. The temple complex includes multiple shrines to different deities. Local worshippers gather here in large numbers during September festivals.
