Since childhood, visiting Nainital has been a dream of mine because I used to hear this word from my classmates. Their parents used to offer this trip to achieve great scores in class and board exams. Unfortunately, I never got this offer from my parents, but I was curious to explore and know this place from the core of my heart. As it is said, where there is will, there is way. A memory was added to my life when the dream came true this year.
Without being an achiever or topper of the class, I gave myself this opportunity since I never got it from my parents. Yes, only topper doesn’t need to have the privilege to know about this wonderful place. Anyway, you could ignore it as this is the reflection of sad thoughts since childhood. I didn’t miss a single moment of fulfilling all my desires about the Nainital trip.
I boarded a bus from Delhi and reached here in the fresh cold morning. Though the cold was unbearable, my excitement was not at all low. Naini Lake was the first sight that came into my eyes. Boating was on from one corner of the Lake to another. I focused on having something hence I headed towards Mall Road where I grabbed some information to explore the Nainital thoroughly.
I got to know that this place is called “The Lake District’ which is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. I collected a lot of information and took a scooty ride to Bhimtal for Paragliding. This is how I started the “things to do list’ in Nainital. There are so many things one can do and explore here.
Places to explore around Nainital:
1. Indulge in Adventure- As I did, you could visit Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal to see the beautiful lakes. I did paragliding in Bhimtal as it is a famous spot for this adventurous activity.
2. Visit the snow viewpoint- Either you could trek or take a cable car to this spot for stunning views of the snowy Himalayan Peak. It allows memorable picture clicks option.
3. Visit the Naina Devi Temple- It could be one of the places to visit if you are interested to know about Nainital history. Nainital got its name from Naina Devi. As per Mythology, Goddess Sati’s eyes fell here while Lord Shiva carried the charred body across the universe. Hence, it got the name Nainital means “the lake of the eye’.
4. Visit the high altitude Zoo- Yes, this place has the highest-altitude zoo. I visited here and explored it thoroughly as it has a diversity of creed animals like Bengal tigers and leopards etc.
5. A walk on the Mall Road- Every hill station has a mall road however, Nainital’s mall road was different than all I explored in the past. There is a lake on the side and engaging beauty on the mall road gives a unique vibe. I walked for 3 kilometers and felt happy. You get to see a lot of shopping and eating options.
6. Enjoy at Tiffin Top- This place can be your perfect ideal place if you are with your family members. It’s a great picnic spot where you can get together and enjoy food together with a bird-eye view of Nainital.
7. Visiting local Markets- You must visit this place if you are a shopping enthusiast. You will find many options to buy great, budget-friendly items. For winter, you could buy Himalayan woolen clothes that are effective in fashion and for your winter challenge.
8. Witness Sunset at Hanuman Garhi- This spot provides one of the best Sunset views. For camera and photo freaks, it is a must-visit spot. There is a dedicated temple to Lord Hanuman, so you can accomplish your divine and photo-enthralling desires at this spot.
I completed most of the places on the list; however, there are still endless things to do and explore in Nainital. Further, I visited the Kanchi Dham temple. I prayed and spent around 3 hours there with a divine vibe. Though this place has been so crowded nowadays because of its popularity one should focus on his mission to connect with a divine vibe and that’s what I did. People should avoid visiting here until one has a divine purpose because I observed people gather here and cause chaos.
Where to stay in Nainital?
Nainital is a super famous tourist place amongst Indians and foreigners. It provides a variety of accommodation options from luxury to semi or budget-friendly. At Mall Road, you will find many hotels/ stay in a row. You could book it as per your preference. I stayed at Nikunj’s guest house, which was affordable. I got to know that there are so many ashrams around Nainital so one can stay at the ashram to avoid a money crunch. Those ashrams are under the authority and convenient.
How to visit Nainital?
Since it is one of the top traveling destinations, traveling options are also there. One can visit here by train, air, bus, or self-transport. If you are looking for an Air travel option, limited flights for Pantnagar airport from Major cities like Delhi are available. From the Airport, you will have to hire a taxi to get here. Further, trains or buses are the option. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station so book your ticket from the city, it is available.
I preferred the bus from Delhi as it is one of the most convenient and easiest options. Simply board the bus from ISBT Kashmiri gate, Delhi in the evening and get here in the early morning. In addition to this, people love to visit here by self-drive and transport. Overall, it is easy to get to Nainital.
Is it worth Visiting Nainital?
It depends on the individual’s choice. Few people explore places that are full of all the resources like metro and tier cities. They find all their needs there, and as my friends say, they are planning to explore Mumbai and Bangalore. It is indeed good that these cities are full of resources. However, if you want to escape the city, and people and view the lush green mountains, do some adventurous activity, connect yourself to traditional culture, historical significance, and many more Nainital is certainly an ideal destination.
I had dreamt of visiting here since childhood because whenever mountains and greenery came to mind while pursuing nursery, Nainital was the destination because I read it many times in the book during childhood.
When to visit Nainital?
Visiting any hill stations like Mussoorie or Nainital can not be decided according to the timing because whether it’s summer, winter, or monsoon, you will get a special and diverse experience every time. I decided to visit here during the winter so I could see the snow as Snow covered every landscape which makes it picturesque. It was Christmas time so the vibe was festive. If you are the one looking to experience snow-capped spaces, festive vibes, and a cozy evening, winter is the right time for you.
Further, summer has also great advantages as one can escape from the hot city and contested places and come to Nainital. This is the perfect time for family trips and school tours. During the Monsoon, you can experience greenery on a big scale. The beauty of lakes increases because of rain. One thing to keep in mind is safety because landslide takes place frequently due to extreme rains
How many days are sufficient for Nainital?
I feel one should stay in Nainital for at least 3-4 days to look around all the famous spots. If you want to know it thoroughly, you need to spend time. Where first day can be used to explore all the nearby Lakes. On the 2nd day, you can visit the off-beat destination and do some adventurous activity and the 3rd day can be used for shopping and the local market explore, a temple visit, etc. This could be the ideal trip however, there are many things so you could spend as many days as you want.
Overall, the Nainital trip is a perfect blend of nature’s beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. From boating on the serene Naini Lake to exploring breathtaking viewpoints like Snow View and Tiffin Top, every moment here is a treat for the senses. The town’s charming streets, local delicacies, and vibrant bazaars make it a destination that leaves travelers with cherished memories.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventurous escape, or a family-friendly getaway, Nainital has something special for everyone. Its timeless allure, combined with its accessibility and warm hospitality, ensures it remains one of India’s most beloved hill stations. But every traveler’s experience is unique. What about you?
Have you explored the enchanting streets of Nainital, or is it still on your travel bucket list? If you’ve been there, what was your favorite moment? And if you haven’t, what are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts, memories, or travel plans in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story!