Nainital Travel Guide

Nainital — the "Lake District of India" — is one of North India's most beloved hill stations, a graceful town wrapped around the emerald Naini Lake at 2,084 metres in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Founded in 1841 by a British sugar merchant who "discovered" the lake (local Kumaoni people had known it for centuries), Nainital became one of the most fashionable summer retreats of the British Raj and today remains one of the most visited hill destinations from Delhi. The Naini Lake is the heart of the town — a 1.5 km walk around its circumference passes the Mall Road with its colonial buildings, the Naina Devi Temple (one of the 51 Shakti Peethas), the Boat House Club, and the bustling bazaar. Above the lake, steep forested hills with viewpoints — Snow View (2,270m, accessible by ropeway), Tiffin Top, China Peak (2,611m) — give panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. Nainital is also the gateway to the wider Kumaon region — Corbett (65 km), Mukteshwar (50 km), Binsar (95 km) and Ranikhet (60 km).

Places to Visit in Nainital

Naini Lake & Mall Road

The emerald lake at 2,084m — the heart of Nainital. Paddle boating and rowboating (₹100–200/hr). The Mall Road around the lake has colonial-era buildings, the Boat House Club, and the Nainital bazaar. Morning and evening walks here are delightful.

Snow View Point (2,270m · Ropeway)

The famous ropeway from Mallital to Snow View Point (₹250 return). On clear days — October–April — the view encompasses Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul and the entire Kumaon Himalaya range. Outstanding.

Naina Devi Temple

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas — an ancient temple on the northern shore of Naini Lake dedicated to Goddess Naina. Extremely busy during Navratri. The lake-temple-mountain backdrop is one of Nainital's most beautiful views.

China Peak (Naina Peak, 2,611m)

The highest point above Nainital — 6 km trek or horse ride from the town. 360° panoramic view of the Himalayas on clear days. The trail through oak and rhododendron forest is beautiful.

Experiences & Activities

• 🚡
  Snow View Ropeway: Nainital's most popular activity — cable car to Snow View Point at 2,270m. On clear mornings (October–April), the Himalayan panorama is extraordinary. First car at 7:30 AM for the clearest visibility.
• 🚣
  Naini Lake Boating: Rowboats and paddleboats from the Boat House Club (₹100–200/hr). The lake reflections of the surrounding hills are beautiful, especially early morning. Avoid peak hours (11 AM–3 PM) when it gets crowded.
• 🥾
  China Peak Trek (6 km): Trek or horse ride (₹400–600) to the highest point above Nainital. 2–3 hours return. The trail through oak and rhododendron is excellent for birding. Views of Nanda Devi on clear days are unforgettable.
• 🛒
  Tibetan Market & Nainital Bazaar: The Tibetan market (woolens, shawls, carpets) and the main bazaar (Nainital candles, woolens, jam and preserves) are excellent. The famous Nainital wax candles make great gifts — buy from the factory shop.

When to Visit Nainital

Delhi to Nainital Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Nainital Trip

Essential Nainital Tips

• 🚗
  Vehicles Restricted: Private vehicles cannot enter Nainital town centre in peak season (May–June). Park at Tallital or Mallital base and walk/take rickshaw. Taxis available throughout. EZPZ drops you at the entry point.
• 🏨
  Book Well Ahead: Nainital is extremely popular with Delhi families — May–June and all weekends book out weeks in advance. Off-season (September–November) gives better prices and fewer crowds.