Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Nainital, also known as the 'Lake District of India', is the best summer destination and famous city located in the Nainital district, Uttarakhand. It is situated amidst the Kumaon Hills of the Jagbeer Himalayas and is blessed with mesmerizing lakes. Nainital is referred to as 'The Lake of Three Sages' or the 'Tri-Rishi-Sarovar', in the Manas Khand (in the Skanda Purana). The three sages, namely Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha, stopped at Nainital to quench their thirst. Unable to find any water, they dug a hole and filled it with water, brought from Lake Mansarovar. Thus, the famous Nainital Lake came into existence.
Another legend states that the left eye of the Hindu Goddess Sati (wife of Lord Shiva) fell at this place and created the eye-shaped Naini Lake. The city's exemplary position in the Himalayan Belt gives it a breathtaking environment that attracts visitors worldwide.
2 days itinerary for Nainital / How to Spend 2 days in Nainital?
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Nainital
Morning:
- Arrival at Nainital: Check into your hotel or guesthouse. Most accommodations are located near Mall Road or Naini Lake for easy access to attractions.
- Breakfast with a View: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a lakeside café or your hotel.
- Naini Lake Boating: Start your day with a peaceful boat ride on the iconic Naini Lake. Choose between paddle or rowboats to soak in the scenic beauty.
- Visit Naina Devi Temple: Located by the lake, this revered temple is a must-visit for its spiritual significance and serene ambiance.
Afternoon
- Lunch: Dine at one of the popular local restaurants near Mall Road serving Kumaoni cuisine or multi-cuisine options.
- Snow View Point: Take a cable car (aerial ropeway) to this famous viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Himalayas (if weather permits).
- Tiffin Top: A short trek or horseback ride leads to this spot, perfect for photography and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Evening
- Mall Road Walk: Stroll along Mall Road, browse local shops for souvenirs, and enjoy street food like momos and roasted corn.
- Dinner: End your day with a relaxed dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
- Overnight Stay: Rest at your hotel.
Day 2: Nature and Scenic Spots
Morning
- Early Breakfast: Start early to make the most of your day.
- Sattal or Bhimtal Excursion: Drive to nearby lakes like Sattal (a cluster of seven interconnected lakes) or Bhimtal, which is larger and quieter than Naini Lake. Enjoy nature walks and birdwatching.
Afternoon
- Lunch: Have a meal at a local eatery near Sattal or Bhimtal.
- Eco Cave Gardens: Return to Nainital to visit these interconnected caves, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
- Nainital Zoo: Visit the high-altitude Zoo housing rare Himalayan species like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan bears.
Evening
- Sunset at Hanuman Garhi: End your trip with a visit to Hanuman Garhi Temple, known for its stunning sunset views.
- Final Shopping & Dinner: Head back to Mall Road for any last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner.
- Departure: If leaving the same evening, make arrangements for a late-night departure; otherwise, stay overnight and depart the next morning.
More About Nainital: A Paradise For Tourists; Places In And Around Nainital
Nainital is known as a paradise for tourists because of its beautiful landscape and serene surroundings. It is believed that the British merchant, P. Barron, made Nainital famous in 1839, when he established a British colony here, mesmerised by its beauty. Travellers planning a trip to Nainital can visit Hanumangarhi, which is famous for a temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Hanuman. Besides, the Naina Devi Temple is an important religious site, which is counted among the 51 ‘shakti peeths’ of India.
Visitors can go for a picnic at the beautiful Kilbury, located around 10 km away from Nainital. The lush-green oak, pine, and rhododendron forests make it a perfect destination to relax amidst nature. It is a habitat for more than 580 species of colorful birds, which include brown wood owls, collared grosbeaks, and white-throated laughing thrushes. The Lariakanta, perched at an elevation of 2481 m above sea level, offers splendid views of the entire region to visitors. This is the second-highest peak of Nainital, located at a distance of 6 km from the town.
The Land's End is the perfect place to enjoy the mesmerising views of the beautiful Khurpatal Lake. It also offers panoramic views of the lush-green valley and hills surrounding Nainital. Tourists can travel by ropeway to reach the hilly locations of the destination. The ropeway covers a total distance of 705 m and each car on the ropeway can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons. The Snow View is easily reachable by ropeway and is an ideal vantage point, from where tourists can admire the beauty of the Himalayan ranges.
The Naina Peak, also known as the China Peak, is the highest peak of Nainital. It is located at an altitude of 2611 m above sea level and can be reached by horse riding. The Tiffin Top or the Dorothy’s Seat is an ideal picnic spot, where tourists can spend leisure time with unlimited fun. This site was developed by the husband of Dorothy Kellet (an English artist) after her death in a plane crash. The Eco Cave Garden is another popular tourist attraction of Nainital, which introduces visitors to an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The Raj Bhavan, Zoo, The Flatts, The Mall, St. John in the Wilderness Church, and Pangot are the other major tourist attractions of Nainital. The Thandi Sadak, Gurney House, Khurpatal, Guano Hills, and Aurobindo Ashram are also worth visiting. Besides, tourists can indulge in various activities, like Horse Riding, Trekking, and boating, among others.
How To Reach Nainital
Nainital is well connected by road, rail, and air to different parts of the country.
Best Time To Visit Nainital
The summer season is considered ideal for visiting this beautiful destination.
