9 Things To Do In Nainital, India: Nature At It's Best

1. Take a tour on the Nainital Lake

The Nainital Lake, situated in the middle of Nainital town, is also the lifeline of Nainital. The lake is surrounded by hills from three sides and tourists can avail boating facilities which are located at the lake. Visitors can alternatively enjoy a slow-paced stroll around it or relax next to the lake as well. There are facilities for horse riding, skating, rock climbing and golf, which are available for anyone who wants to do a little physical activity. Fishing at the lake is also allowed, with the permission of local authorities.

Nainital Lake

Website: Nainital Lake

2. Visit the Nainital Zoo

Nainital Zoo is a well maintained zoo in Sher Ka Danda. It is well connected to the main cities by well maintained roads. It has a variety of animals on site like snow leopards, black bears, Siberian tigers, barking deer, sambar deer, civet cats, wolves, parakeets, and owls. You will have to hire a private jeep from Mall Road in Nainital to reach the zoo, because other private vehicles are not allowed inside this zoo. You can choose to walk about in the zoo, and it also offers shuttle services for the visitors.

Nainital Zoo

Address: Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002

Website: Nainital Zoo

3. Witness the 'Buckingham Palace of India' or Governor’s House

The Governor’s House in Nainital is also known as ‘Buckingham Palace’ as it was built with the model of the famous British Palace. The building was completed in March 1900, and it is now used as an official residence for the Governor of Uttarakhand. This building, like most of the colonial buildings in Nainital, was inspired by early Gothic architecture. It has a ribbed vault, a pointed arch and a flying buttress. It also has a ballroom with a dancing area for about 250 people.

Governor's House

Address: Amghari, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002

Website: Governor’s House

4. Enjoy the view of Nainital on the Nainital Ropeway

Nainital Ropeway is the main attraction in Nainital, and connects the Snow-View Point with Nainital. The ropeway begins at Mallital and there are two trolleys to carry the tourists. The Ropeway is made with the latest technology from Switzerland, and has a very steep ascend and descend. Visitors will enjoy the panoramic view of the lake while ascending, along with a bird’s eye view of the plains while descending.

Nainital Ropeway

Address: Ropeway Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India

Website: Nainital Ropeway

5. Khurpa Taal, Nainital

Khurpa Taal is a beautiful lake located on the Bajpur-Kaladgungi Road near Nainital. It is an anglers paradise, as it has clear water and a lot of fish. The road to Khurpa Taal is lined with blooming tall trees. It is a beautiful spot, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

6. Naina Devi Temple

On the north side of the Nainital Lake is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sati, called the Naina Devi Temple. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every year. There is a hill top near the temple, which has many shops selling prasad to be offered in the temple. Inside the temple on the right side there are idols of Hindu gods Hanuman and Ganesh, and at the main entrance of the temple, there are two big statues of lions.

Naina Devi Temple

Address: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002

Website: Naina Devi Temple

7. Enjoy the Snow View Point

Snow View Point is a very popular tourist spot in Nainital. It is near the town and can be reached by cable car or rope-way. This peak offers a stunning view of the beautiful town of Nainital and its breathtaking snow capped mountains. The best time of the year to visit this place is when it’s not cloudy.

Snow View Point

Address: 7 Maldon Cottage Raod, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002

Website: Snow View Point

8. Naina Peak

Naina Peak is the highest peak of Nainital and is a challenge to avid trekkers. The peak gives you a resplendent view of the town, the Himalayas and the entire Terai region of the Kumaon. While traveling by road to Naina Peak, you will find a pleasant forest of rhododendrons, deodars and cypress trees. From this peak you will have a 360 degree view of the Himalayan peaks surrounding the plains below.

Naina Peak

Website: Naina Peak

9. Visit the Kainchi Dham pilgrim center

Kainchi Dham in Bhowali near Nainital is a very modern pilgrim center, which is well maintained and clean. It is an internationally recognized pilgrim center and temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. It was founded by Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharajji in 1962. Thousands of people visit it every year, particularly on June 15th which is the anniversary day of its foundation, and more than 100,000 people are fed on the occasion.

This temple has been rumored to be the place where Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple and also Mark Zuckerburg, the founder of Facebook, visited.

Kainchi Dham

Address: Kainchi Dham, Bhowali Range Nainital, Uttarakhand 263132

Website: Kainchi Dham

Magical Nainital will leave you wanting more!

Nainital in India is simply magical and has everything that a tourist is looking for in a getaway. That’s why this place is always crowded with visitors from India and abroad, who are mesmerized with its natural beauty.