Nainital is one of the most scenic towns in Uttarakhand. The whole Kumaon town is built around the Naini lake. I wanted to visit the Himalayas with my toddler. As parents wanting to have a relaxed vacation with a toddler, I am glad Nainital in Uttarakhand was my first choice in the Himalayas. There are so many places to visit and things to do in and around Nainital in Uttarakhand. I have detailed on everything about that in this blog.
Must Visit Places in Nainital
Mall Road
If there is one place which you cannot miss when you are in Nainital is the Mall Road. It is a 1.5 km stretch of road, along the lake. Mall Road connects Mallital and Tallital. You can find tons of shops, restaurants and hotels.
Mall Road was built by the British during the 1840s. One of our taxi drivers told us that if Indians attempted to walk on these roads during the British times, they were flogged by the British.
Shops opening & closing time: 9 am to 10 pm
Traffic prohibition on Mall Road: 6 pm to 9 pm
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is located on the banks of the Naini lake. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is at a walkable distance from the Mall Road.
There is a place to keep your shoes within the temple. Any kind of photography or videography is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
Open and Closing Timings: 6 am – 10 pm
Aarti timings: 7 am, 7pm
Thandi Sadak
Thandi Sadak can be translated to ‘Cold Road’. As the name suggests, this road along with this portion of the Naini hills is colder than the other side. This is a 1 km no vehicle road stretch from the road that leads out of Naina Devi Temple. Thandi Sadak also houses the Parshan Devi temple.
Nainital Zoo
If you aren’t a fan of steep climbs then you should think twice before visiting Nainital zoo. I visited this zoo for the sake of my 1.5 year old and unless you have kids I wouldn’t encourage you to visit this zoo.
Note: There are a lot of monkeys on the way to the zoo so make sure to close your bags completely. Do not carry any food item or water bottles in your hands.
Timing: 9 am to 4.30 pm
Weekly holiday: Thursday
Read also: Complete Nainital Travel Guide
Things to do in Nainital
Naini Lake Boating
What is a visit to Nainital if you don’t opt for boating? There are paddle boats and row boats. Post covid the tourism dept has made it a rule that only 3 people can sit in a row boat.
Row boat cost as of June 2025: Rs.320 (half round – 20 to 25 mins), Rs.420 (full round – 35 to 40 mins)
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Nainital Ropeway (Aerial ropeway)
You get the complete panoramic view of the Nainital town. You will be taken to the snow viewpoint and then you can return to the start location. Aerial ropeway can be preferred as an option for sightseeing if you do not have babies or toddlers travelling with you.
Ticket price: Rs.400 (Adults)
Timing: 10 am to 4 pm
Tiffin Top Horse Riding/Trekking
It is worth visiting this place only if you wish to trek to the hilltop or take a horse ride to the view point. The start location is full of horses lined up to take tourists up the hill. Travelling with a toddler I preferred neither to take the horse ride nor to trek on a rainy day morning.
Shopping at Nainital
There are umpteen shopping options at Nainital in the markets. I have shopped clothes near Naina Devi temple 8 years back and they still haven’t lost their shine. You have to use your bargaining skills to get what you need at the right price. Most of the clothes that get sold in Nainital are from Delhi.
Places to visit near Nainital
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is 22 km from Nainital and is less commercialized, yet beautiful. If you are a bird watcher then you might not want to miss Bhimtal. Bhimtal offers boating along with paragliding for adventure enthusiasts.
Khurpatal
Khurpatal is a very small yet beautiful lake at about 12 km from Nainital. You can take a pause take in the view and move on to your next location as there is no other activity that can be done in Khurpatal.
Naukuchiatal
The word ‘Naukuchiatal’ translates to ‘Lake of nine-corners’. It is less commercialized than Nainital and Bhimtal. Naukuchiatal is about 28 km from Nainital and 5 km from Bhimtal and from Kathgodam. If you are looking for an offbeat location near Nainital to visit then Naukuchiatal should be your go to place.
Sattal
Sattal can be split into ‘sat’ + ‘tal’ which is ‘seven lakes’. It is an interconnected group of seven fresh water lakes. Sattal is one of the most sought after destinations near Nainital for day treks. You can do boating and kayaking as well in the lake. Fishing is not allowed in this lake. Not all seven lakes within Sattal are open for boating as well.
Note: The narrow roads to the lake can get congested during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
Read also: Exploring Rishikesh – 2 Days in The Himalayan Foothills
Kainchi Dham Neem Karoli Baba Temple
Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram became a must visit destination for many tourists after Virat Kohli’s visit to the Ashram in Nov 2022. This ashram gained media attention (especially via Youtube) after Kohli’s visit.
The quaint little village of Kainchi Dham which once used to be visited only by foreigners is now crowded with Indians visiting from all parts of the country to feel Baba’s presence. You can find the devotees in Kainchi Dham buying blankets to keep on the feet of Neem Karoli Baba’s statue to get his blessings. On 15th June lakhs of people visit Kainchi Dham Ashram for Neem Karoli Baba’s birthday.
The ashram is located at 32 km from Kathgodam and 17 km from Nainital.
Timings: 5 am to 8 pm
Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar Dham Temple in Uttarakhand is 350+ years old. It is 50 km from Nainital and serves as an offbeat destination for tourists. It is also a destination for paragliding, waterfall treks and nature walks. Chauli ki jali in Mukteshwar serves as a rock climbing destination for the adventure enthusiasts.
Jim Corbett Safari
Located at around 95 km from Nainital, Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park. It is recommended to take a rest stop at Ramnagar, as the day becomes hectic to visit Jim Corbett from Nainital and to return on the same day.
Safari timings: 6 am – 9 am, 2.30 pm – 6 pm
There are 6 different tourist zones in Jim Corbett for safaris. You can check for more details on the Jim Corbett safari pricing and booking here.
Nainital in Uttarakhand is a destination that can delight any type of tourists with its varied type of places to visit, experience and activities to do. There are so many places to visit and things to do, in and around this Kumaon town.
I would love to wish to go back to explore more, would you?
Read also: Others posts from Uttarakhand
