In town
Naini Lake and Naina Devi Temple
Begin at the lake for boating or a promenade walk, then visit the revered temple at the Mallital end while respecting worship timings.
Best time
March to June and September to November
Ideal duration
2-3 days
Known for
Lake town
About Nainital
Plan the destination with confidence
Use Nainital as a key stop in a custom Uttarakhand itinerary. The destination works especially well for travellers interested in lake town, while nearby places can be combined according to road conditions, weather and available time.
Sightseeing guide
Places to visit in and around Nainital
Use these highlights to build a well-paced local plan. Nearby excursions should be selected according to available days, weather, road conditions and current access.
Around Naini Lake
Mall Road and Thandi Road
Mall Road offers shops, cafés and evening lake views, while Thandi Road provides a calmer walking alternative on the opposite bank.
Above Mallital
Snow View Point
Reach this viewpoint by the ropeway when operational for broad Himalayan views; visibility is usually clearest on crisp mornings.
Sher Ka Danda hill
High Altitude Zoo
The hillside zoo focuses on Himalayan fauna and requires an uphill approach, so allow enough time and check its weekly closure before visiting.
12-15 km away
Pangot and Kilbury
These forest hamlets form Nainital's quieter birding belt and are best explored with an early start and a nature-aware local guide.
Things to do
- Boat on Naini Lake
- Walk Mall Road and Thandi Road
- Visit Naina Devi Temple and Snow View
Nearby places to combine
BhimtalSattalKainchi Dham
Getting there
The usual gateways are Kathgodam/Haldwani by rail and road, and Pantnagar by air. The final hill-road transfer varies by destination and current road conditions.
Practical planning notes
- Keep some buffer for hill traffic, weather and road delays, especially on weekends and in peak season.
- Activity timings, entry rules and local availability can change; reconfirm them with the relevant official authority or operator.
- Carry back waste, respect religious and wildlife rules, and use authorised guides or operators where required.
