Top 10 Places To Visit in Nainital

Located at an altitude of approximately 2,084 meters above the sea level, Nainital is a popular hill station in the state of Uttrakhand. The town is located alongside the foothills of the Kumaon region of the outer Himalayas. The town is famous for its various natural attractions and due to its favorable climate all year round is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The town’s economy, like most hill stations in India is dependent upon tourism and thus various type of services are available for the visitors. Here’s the list of the top 10 places to visit in Nainital.

1. Naini Lake

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Lakes, Nature, Photography.
• Tickets: 100 INR each for both parking and entry.
• Opening Timings: Open all days.
• Duration: 2 hours.

About Naini Lake

Known commonly as the Naini Lake, it is situated in the middle of the town and is the lifeline of Nainital. Boating facilities are available for the visitors and alternatively a slow paced stroll around the lake will offer a serene relaxation like no other.

Things to Do at Naini Lake:

• Boat Riding.
• Picnic Spot.
• Visit the Naina Devi Temple.

2. Naina Peak

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Nature, Viewpoints.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open all days.
• Duration: 1 hour.

About Naina Peak

Known as the Cheena or China Peak by the locals, Naina Peak is the highest peak in Nainital. It is situated at an average elevation of 2,615 meters above sea level and is a popular trekking spot in Nainital. The spot is known to offer one of the most amazing panoramic views of the entire valley and Nainital situated near the Naini Lake.

Things to Do at Naina Peak:

• Hiking.
• View sunrise or sunset.
• Get a view of Naini Lake.

3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hiking, Sightseeing, Nature.
• Tickets: No entry fee. Charges for horse riding starting from 500 INR.
• Opening Timings: Open all days.
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

About Tiffin Top

Located at the Aryapatta Hill at an average elevation of 2292 meters above sea level, Tiffin Top is a famous viewpoint that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Nainital. The place is named after an English painter Dorothy Kellet who used to sit at this very spot and paint. This place is also known as Dorothy’s seat.

Things to Do at Tiffin Top:

• Hiking.
• Horse riding.
• Sunset and sunrise views.

4. St. John In The Wilderness

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Architecture, Nature, History.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from 7 am – 6:30 pm. On Sundays from 9 am to 6:30 pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

About St. John In The Wilderness

St. John in the Wilderness refers to a church which was established in 1844 and is located on the north end of the town. The church was named so after the Bishop of Calcutta was obliged to sleep in an unfinished house in the wilderness after falling ill. The church is located in a hidden and serene located amidst the deodar forests and was built to commemorate the victims of the landslide of 1880.

Things to Do near St. John in the Wilderness:

• Visit the Cemetery.
• Explore by strolling around.

5. Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Nature, Wildlife, Viewpoints.
• Tickets: 50 INR for adults and 20 INR for children.
• Opening Timings: Open daily except monday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Duration: 2 hours.

About Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

Located at an average elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo was established in 1984 and was opened to general public in 1995. The zoo contains several exotic and endangered species of animals and birds which are native to this region. Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Tibetan wolf etc. are few of the endangered species found here.

Things to Do near Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo:

• Trekking.
• Visit the Astronomical Observatory.

6. Gurney House

Visitor Information

• Famous for: History, Nature.
• Tickets: Entry fee not specified.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.

About Gurney House

Gurney House refers to a cottage which is famous for being the residence of the British conservationist Jim Corbett. The house was built in 1881 and is located near the Nainital Lake. The materials used in the building were reused components of an older house which was present at this site. The house was sold to Mr. Sharda Prasad Varma in 1947 when the Corbett family left for Kenya and is presently owned by his granddaughter who allows a private tour of the house on request.

7. Snow View

• Famous for: Peaks, Nature.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open all days except Saturdays from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
• Duration: 45 mins to 1 hour.

About Snow View

One of the best viewpoints in Nainital, the Snow View is located at an average elevation of 2,270 above sea level is reachable by a cable car. It provides amazing and picturesque views of the snow capped Himalayas with the major peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul.

Things to Do at Snow View:

• Ropeway.
• Trekking.
• View the Himalayan peaks.

8. Lands’ End

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Nature, Viewpoints.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.

About Lands’ End

Famous for being a spot that is usually reached by trekkers, Land’s End is a picturesque location and the amazing views from this spot are like none other. The spot is located at an average elevation of 2,118 kilometers above sea level provides views of the surrounding hills and is surrounded by some beautiful trees and pine forests.

Things to Do at Land’s End:

• Pony Rides.
• Trek to Naina peak.
• Scenic views of Khurpa lake.

9. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

• Famous for: Wildlife, Nature, Trekking.
• Tickets: Not specified.
• Opening Timings: Open all days at daytime.
• Duration: 2 hours.

About Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

One of the few high altitude bird sanctuaries in India, the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is located at an average elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is a home to over 240 different species of Birds which are both migratory and resident. The sanctuary is located at a picturesque forest village called Pangot.

Things to Do at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:

• Trekking.
• Birdwatching.
• Try out the local cuisines.

10. Eco Cave Gardens

• Famous for: Nature, Caves.
• Tickets: 20 INR for adults, 10 INR for children and extra 25 INR charge for camera.
• Opening Timings: Open all days from 9 am to 6 pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

About Eco Cave Gardens

Eco Cave Gardens are an interconnected network of caves and attract huge crowds of tourists and are a treat for kids upon their visit. The park comprises of seven caves which are reached through a narrow and winding road with amazing views during the commute. This is one of the best places one should visit with the family and is of special interest to kids with the musical fountain that is located here.

Things to See at Eco Cave Gardens:

• Musical fountain.
• Light and Show programmes.

Other attractions in and around Nainital are Bhimtal, Sattal, Ghorakhal and Naina Devi Temple.

While there are various other attractions like Pangot and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, the above mentioned 10 tourist places in Nainital are the most popular destinations and are a must-visit to derive the best experience from your visit.

More Tourist Hotspots In Uttarakhand:

• Best Places To Visit In Almora
• Best Places To Visit In Mukteshwar
• Best Places To Visit In Binsar