Uttarakhand ·
Nainital
Nainital in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is famous for its lake, after which it is named.
Nainital at a Glance
Why Nainital?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Nainital Lake
- Birla Vidya Mandir
- Jama Masjid
- Naina Devi Temple
- Naina Lake
- St. John in the Wilderness
Nainital at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Nainital before planning your visit.
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Explore Nainital
Places to Visit
- Nainital Lake: Naini Tal, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body, situated amidst the town of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. It is tectonic in origin and was almost circular, until frequent landslides made it crescent shaped and has an outfall at the southeastern end.
- Birla Vidya Mandir: Birla Vidya Mandir in Nainital is a residential boarding school for boys in India which was founded on 17 July 1947 just before Indian Independence. The school is mainly the product of the vision of Govind Ballabh Pant, an Indian independence activist.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid Nainital is a Friday mosque, located in Nainital, in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttarakhand, India. The mosque was built in 1882 for Muslim soldiers in the British Indian Army.
- Naina Devi Temple: One story tells us that this temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign but another version states that it was built by Moti Ram Shah.
- Naina Lake: Naini Lake is set amidst seven mountains that surround this stagnant water pool and high peaks that almost touch the sky.
- St. John in the Wilderness: This charming church was named and founded by the Bishop of Calcutta.
Things to Do
- Cave Garden: 2 km further up from Mallital (northern end of the lake) is a cave complex, developed and maintained by the local administration. This consists of a series of six caves (Tiger, Panther, Porcupine, Bats, Flying Fox and Apes) which get narrower as you progress.
- Guano Hills: These hills in the Pangot village are excellent for walks through forests of thick oak, bamboo and deodar. Some rare birds such as the grey woodpecker and black-chinned babbler are found in the forests.
- Gurney House: This is the former home of Jim Corbett. It has been converted into a museum and houses Corbett memorabilia.
- Naina Devi Temple: One story tells us that this temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign but another version states that it was built by Moti Ram Shah.
- Naina Lake: Naini Lake is set amidst seven mountains that surround this stagnant water pool and high peaks that almost touch the sky.
- Naina Devi Temple: The temple was destroyed during the Landslip of 1880, and was rebuilt. It is on the lake's northern shore.
Sightseeing Places
- Nainital Lake: Naini Tal, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body, situated amidst the town of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. It is tectonic in origin and was almost circular, until frequent landslides made it crescent shaped and has an outfall at the southeastern end.
- Birla Vidya Mandir: Birla Vidya Mandir in Nainital is a residential boarding school for boys in India which was founded on 17 July 1947 just before Indian Independence. The school is mainly the product of the vision of Govind Ballabh Pant, an Indian independence activist.
- Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid Nainital is a Friday mosque, located in Nainital, in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttarakhand, India. The mosque was built in 1882 for Muslim soldiers in the British Indian Army.
- Naina Devi Temple: One story tells us that this temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign but another version states that it was built by Moti Ram Shah.
- Naina Lake: Naini Lake is set amidst seven mountains that surround this stagnant water pool and high peaks that almost touch the sky.
- St. John in the Wilderness: This charming church was named and founded by the Bishop of Calcutta.
Places That Define Nainital
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Nainital Lake
Naini Tal, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body, situated amidst the town of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. It is tectonic in origin and was almost circular, until frequent landslides made it crescent shaped and has an outfall at the southeastern end.
Birla Vidya Mandir
Birla Vidya Mandir in Nainital is a residential boarding school for boys in India which was founded on 17 July 1947 just before Indian Independence. The school is mainly the product of the vision of Govind Ballabh Pant, an Indian independence activist.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid Nainital is a Friday mosque, located in Nainital, in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttarakhand, India. The mosque was built in 1882 for Muslim soldiers in the British Indian Army.
Naina Devi Temple
One story tells us that this temple was constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign but another version states that it was built by Moti Ram Shah.
Naina Lake
Naini Lake is set amidst seven mountains that surround this stagnant water pool and high peaks that almost touch the sky.
St. John in the Wilderness
This charming church was named and founded by the Bishop of Calcutta.
Snow View
Located at an altitude of 2270 m, Snow View offers spectacular views of the Naina Devi Peak. It can be reached by the Aerial Express Ropeway.
Sariyatal Lake
Sariyatal is a lake in Nainital. The water can be extremely cold, but this is a nice area to spend some time.
Tiffin Top
To get here you can drive up to Sherwood College and then continue on a short scenic walk.
Gurney House
This is the former home of Jim Corbett. It has been converted into a museum and houses Corbett memorabilia.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Nainital on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Nainital Your Way
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Nainital: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Nainital: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 40 km from Nainital.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 17 km from central Nainital.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Nainital (Apr, May, Jun) averages 12–22°C with about 126 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Nainital (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 15–22°C with about 313 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Nainital (Oct, Nov) averages 8–17°C with about 42 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Nainital (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 2–14°C with about 20 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: While driving your car on uphill, don't hit brakes very hard as the risk of jamming them may arise. Most of the petrol pumps close by 7PM, so keep an eye on your fuel meter and get tank of your car filled in time.
- Getting around: Nainital is nicely connected with the different towns around the city with buses frequently running. There are a few cycle rickshaws in town.
- Climate: Nainital experiences a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) according to Köppen–Geiger climate classification system as the town's climate is influenced by the elevation. The town is a bit dry during winter and very wet during summer due to South Asian monsoon system.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 23°C in June; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are March, May, June, July, August and September; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Nainital trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Nainital in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is famous for its lake, after which it is named. The town has a population of 41,400 (2011 est.)
- Accommodation: There are plenty of hotels in Nainital. Visitors are spoiled for choice in the top end category. Listed options include Ayar Jungle Camp, Emerald Trail and The Royal Homestay.
- Best Way To Explore: Nainital is nicely connected with the different towns around the city with buses frequently running. There are a few cycle rickshaws in town.
The Sacred Heart of Nainital
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills, the lake resort of Nainital has a lot to offer. From boating to feeding animals at the zoo; from picnicking on the hills to exploring Jim Corbett's home, Nainital has all that you could hope for in a hill station.
Natural Significance
Set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills, the lake resort of Nainital has a lot to offer. From boating to feeding animals at the zoo; from picnicking on the hills to exploring Jim Corbett's home, Nainital has all that you could hope for in a hill station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nainital is most comfortable in January, February, April, October and November, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 23°C) and the wettest months are March, May, June, July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 40 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 17 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Nainital Lake, Birla Vidya Mandir, Jama Masjid, Naina Devi Temple, Naina Lake and St. John in the Wilderness.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 12°C to 23°C over the year, with about 1571 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Nainital
Your Nainital Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.