Welcome to Nanital !!

Located at an altitude of 1,938mts above sea level, Nainital derives its name from Naini Lake, a prominent tourist spot of Nainital. Nainital is located in the Kumaon region and is popularly known as the Lake District of India. Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake where it is believed that Lord Shiva performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini peak or the China peak is the highest in Nainital with a height of 2611mts.

Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."

Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. You can find restaurants, offices and hotels all located in the Mall. Nainital Zoo is a very important tourist spot where you can find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. The Governor House of the Raj Bhavan with its sprawling gardens is one of the few Raj Bhavnas open for public viewing. Nainital’s latest attraction is the Eco Cave Garden where your children can learn about ecosphere.

Nanital Hotel Packages :

Attractions - In & Around Nanital :

Naini Lake :
The eye (naina) shaped lake surrounded by lush hills is named after Goddess Naini and is the icon of Nainital. According to legends, the lake was formed when the eye of Goddess Sati fell here, while Lord Shiva was carrying her body. The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake is said to be the exact spot where Parvati's eye is said to have fallen. Naini Lake forms the nub of the beauty of Nainital. Girdled by lofty hills studded with attractive villas and cottages, it is the most frequented tourist visitation of the hill station. The exquisiteness of this lake is doubly magnified during the night when its sparkling waters flirt with the numerous lights hanging on its edges, and lend it an unbelievably beautiful magical aura. There are also opportunities for yachting, boating and paddling that makes it equally enticing during the day.

Naina Peak (6 kms) :
Also popular as China Peak, Naina Peak stands tall as the highest peak of Nainital, at an altitude of 2611 meters. Positioned 6 km from the main town, it offers inviting views of the surrounding landscape. One can have 360o view of the snow-cloaked Himalayan peaks flanking the rolling vistas below. Besides, Nainital expresses herself in full magnificence from this peak. Ponies and horses are easily available to reach the place.

Snow View (2.5 kms) :
An uphill drive of 2.5 km through the winding mountain streets of Nainital takes one to the lap of Snow View, which is one of the most easily accessible hilltops of the place. One can even reach the place by a ropeway (chair lift), on horseback or simply by taking a refreshing walk through the town. At a height of 2270 meters, it gives breathtaking views of the Northern Himalayan ranges with their unmatched snow-laden splendor.

Hanuman Garhi (3.2 kms) :
For religious-minded tourists, one of the must-visit places is Hanuman Garhi in Nainital. Watching the sun gliding down the mountains is what makes the place the most interesting. Though popular for its spectacular sunset views, another highlight of the spot is the Hanuman temple located atop a nearby hill. Dedicated to the Hindu deity ‘Hanuman’, it found establishment under the hands of Baba Neem Kiroli and forms one of the place’s most popular tourist hotspots today.

Astronomical Observatory (4.4 kms) :
Another tourist attraction that merits a visitation while on a trip to Nainital is the Astronomical Observatory. This 50-year old establishment perched atop the 1,950 m high Manora Peak is about 4.5 km from the main town. It is an interesting place to explore astronomical wonders. It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial earth satellites. Open to public during the afternoons (working days), it remains flooded with visitors, especially during moonlit nights.

St. John Church :
Another prime attraction of Nainital is the church of St. John. Built in 1844, the church stands on the northern end of town known as Mallital. It owes its name to Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta, who visited Nainital in 1844 to lay the foundation of the church. The major highlight is a brass plaque on the altar of the chapel engraved with names of victims of the tragic Landslide of 1880.

Zoo Gardens :
This high altitude wildlife sanctuary established to preserve the rich biodiversity of the hill station domiciles numerous species of exotic fauna and avifauna. It is a warm habitat to a variety of wildlife, including Snow Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Himalyan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Plam Civet Cat, Hill Fox, Ghoral, Silver Pheasants, Sambhar Deer, Owl, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Eagles etc. One can easily access the place, as it is just 1 km from the Nainital bus stand.

Laria Kanta (6 kms) :
Picnic spot at an altitude of 2,481 metres. Panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Dorothy Seat (4 kms) :
A memorial to a British lady, said to be killed here in an accident. Fine view of the town and lake can be enjoyed from here.

Khurpa Tal (5 kms) :
The lake on Nainital - Ramnagar road is an angler's delight.

Lands End (4 kms) :
The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields on the side of the hill.

Bhowali (11 kms) :
Health resort and orchard country. Perched at an elevation of 1,706mts above sea level, Bhowali is one of the picturesque towns of Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. Bhowali is also famous for its large food bazaar, where you can purchase Kumaon's famous bal-mithai, juices and pickles.

Bhimtal (22.5 kms) :
Serene scenic lake resort.

Mukteshwar (50 kms) :
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. It is also known for Indian Veterinary Research Institute.

Naukuchia Tal (26 kms) :
A lake with nine corners. Migratory birds flock to the lake. Good boating and fishing spot.

Sat Tal (20 kms) :
Lake resort.

Jeolikote (18 kms) :
Health resort and bee-keeping centre.

Kilbury (10 kms) :
It is a part of a forest reserve and is rich in flora and birdlife.

Ram Nagar :
This important town of the region is located on the banks of river Kosi. It was established by Commissioner H. Ramsay (1856-1884) and is connected with broad gauge railway line. Ramnagar is the headquarters of 'Project Tiger' and famous Corbett National Park is just 50 kms from here.

Travel Information :

Best Time to Visit :

Nainital is one of the best destinations in India which can welcome tourists any time in a year.

Summers during March to May are very pleasant with temperature never crossing 27°C and minimum is about 10°C.

Winters during November to February offer a chilly climate with a maximum of 15°C and minimum going below 0°C. Snowfalls are common during winters.

Monsoons are very weak during June to September.

Dussehra celebrations lasting for nine days during October are very attractive with many colorful processions and festivities.

Best season is all through the years, may avoid heavy snow fall days in winters.

How to reach Dharamsala :

By Air: The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar, 71 km away, which is linked with flights to Delhi. You can avail of a bus or taxi to reach Nainital from Pant Nagar.

By Rail: The closest railhead is the Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km), which connects Nainital to other important cities like Delhi, Agra, Bareilly, and Lucknow.

By Road: The nearest bus stand is at Tallital, located just a km from the heart of Nainital. Nainital is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Delhi, Bareilly, Almora, and Ranikhet.