A beautiful hill station nestled in the foothills of the outer Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Nainital is a popular summer travel destination in India. Surrounded by lofty mountains and dotted with many serene lakes, ancient temples, and charming neighborhoods with colonial buildings, this picturesque place is ideal for a refreshing break from the routine. It is popular with both families and couples. Are you planning a summer holiday to this hill station? Find below the five best things to do in Nainital during your vacation.
Boating on the Naini Lake
Naini Lake is the star attraction of Nainital. A trip to this place is considered incomplete without a boat ride on Naini Lake. This pleasing activity gives you an opportunity to admire the sparkling emerald waters of this lake and the majestic snow-covered peaks that surround it. A total of seven lofty mountains encircle this kidney-shaped. Boating on the Naini lake during the sunset is a beautiful experience and of course, one of the best things to do in Nainital. Other tourist attractions such as Naini Peak, Maa Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Point, and Mall Road among others are situated close to this lake, and thus, it is an ideal place to begin your sightseeing trip.
Visiting Naina Devi Temple
Located near Naini Lake, Maa Naina Devi Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site visited by thousands of devotees from across the country every year. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, Naina Devi Temple was built at the place where the eyes of Goddess Shakti have fallen when her mutilated body was carried around the world by grief-stricken Shiva, according to Hindu mythology. The temple’s inner sanctum houses a pair of eyes symbolizing Ma Naina Devi. Idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali lie on both sides. The scenic location and divine atmosphere of this temple draws several travelers to this place.
Trekking to Tiffin Top
At an elevation of 2290 m from the sea level, Tiffin Top is the place to go to enjoy 360-degree views of Nainital and the surrounding hills in the Kumaon region. This vantage point is also famously known as Dorothy’s Seat and is a favorite haunt for nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts and photographers. As a picnic spot, it also attracts families holidaying in this hill station. The trek to this point that lies at a high altitude can get difficult at times. Horse rides are another option available to reach Tiffin Top. The views of the sun rising over the snow-capped Himalayan ranges is breathtaking! Thrill-seekers can also take part in other adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling etc. at Tiffin Top.
Spotting wildlife at Nainital Zoo
A wildlife safari at Nainital Zoo, also called High Altitude Zoo, is one of the best things to do in Nainital with kids. This zoo lies at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level and its 4.6-hectare area spread in the Sher ka Danda Hills acts as home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. A variety of flowering plants such as rhododendron, berberis, rose, acacia and hibiscus plants can be found in this zoo. Wildlife species residing here include Siberian Tiger, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Civet, Sambar Deer etc. The forests are also home to several bird species, including woodpeckers, babblers, hill partridges, jungle fowl, and pheasants among others.
Shopping on the Mall Road
Running parallel to the beautiful Nainital Lake, Mall Road is a busy stretch of road lined with several hotels, restaurants, cafes, and countless shopping stores. The vibrant place is always bustling with activity, especially in the evenings, with the locals and tourists shopping for different things, enjoying the local cuisine at one of the restaurants, or casually strolling about the place. Nainital is famous for its beautiful candles, which make for the ideal souvenirs to take back home from here. The road gets so busy during the peak tourist season (March to June & October) that heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the Mall Road during this time.
Other popular things to do in Nainital include going on a cable car ride, visiting Hanuman Garhi Temple, shopping at Tibetan Market, taking a guided tour of the Raj Bhavan, and exploring the Cave Garden. Since summer is the ideal time to visit Nainital, plan your trip soon for the best experience. International travelers can first fly to Delhi and then take a train or bus to Nainital. The cheapest flight tickets to Delhi from Los Angeles and US cities are available at Indian Eagle. Book yours now!
