Some of our links are affiliated, we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product. This will have no extra cost for you. For further info please refer to our Privacy Policy
Photo by V.Vasant
India was on our travel radar for so many years and finally we made our way to this enigmatic and colorful country. There are so many stunning places to visit in India and some of them are truly gems, like Nainital, a lake town in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Nainital is famous for its natural beauty, so if you want to make your way there, here are the top 10 places to visit in Nainital, India.
If you are planning a trip to Nainital or if you have never heard of it before, keep reading and you will discover that this town is packed with viewpoints, lakes and a lot of history. There are many things to do in Nainital and some of the best ones are:
-
Naini Lake
It’s not the beauty of the lake that attracts tourist to Nainital, it’s believed that Naini Lake is one of Shiva’s wife’s green eyes. The lake is one of the 64 religious sites where parts of her body fell on Earth while Shiva was caring her. In Sanskrit Naini means eye, and that’s why it’s called Naini Lake. You can admire the lake from its shore or on a boat tour.
Photo by rajkumar1220
-
Naina Devi Temple
Now that you have admired the lake, find your way to Naina Devi Temple. It’s believed that the ancient temple was built in the 15th century and then destroyed by a landslide. The temple was rebuilt and it’s a symbol of the culture, religion and beauty of the town, no doubt one of the top places to visit in Nainital.
-
Naini Peak
Nainital is a mountain town, 2,084 meters above sea level, but to have the best views you can go even higher. Among the top places to visit in Nainital is the Naini Peak, the highest peak in the town. Get ready for some uphill trekking and you will witness amazing views of the valley and Naini Lake.
-
Snow View
Outstanding views are never enough and you can’t leave Nainital without glancing the Himalayas. The Snow View one of the best places in Nainital to do it, it’s located at 2,270 meters above sea level and you can reach it by cable car.
-
St. John’s Church
Done with viewpoints? It’s time to visit some historical attractions in Nainital. Built in 1844 in Gothic style, St. John’s Church sits on a hidden corner of the town. It’s a picturesque place and definitely one of the buildings you must visit in Nainital.
-
Governor’s House
This Gothic palace is an Indian version of the Buckingham Palace, built in 1900 by the British it became one of Nainital’s top attraction and a place you must visit.
-
Eco Cave Garden
Especially popular among families and kids, this group of interconnected caves are a true adventure. Be prepared to crawl and go through tiny places, not recommended for the claustrophobic ones.
Photo by Netlancer2006
-
Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India, is only 65 km from the town, making it one of the top places to visit in Nainital. The park was created in 1936 to protect the Bengal Tigers and the rest of the fauna. Later on, it was named after Jim Corbett, a naturalist and conservationist.
-
Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Kilbury is only 12 km from Nainital and it’s the perfect place to witness nature in its glory. The Sanctuary is located 2,000 meters above sea level and it’s the living place for over 240 species of birds, migratory and resident ones.
-
Tiffin Top
Our last recommendation for places to visit in Nainital is the best spot to end your day at in town. Tiffin Top is famous for being an amazing place to watch the sunset. It’s also known as “Dorothy’s seat”, as the English painter Dorothy Kellet used to sit there to paint. If you are tired and don’t want to face the hike to the peak at 2,292 meters above sea level, you can ride a horse up there. Enjoy the view of the Himalayas and hope for a stunning sunset.
Searching for more unique experiences in India? Read our Palace on Wheels review, a 7-day trip through Rajasthan onboard one of the most luxurious trains in India. Or join us on a trip to learn scuba diving in the Andaman Islands in India.
