Nainital travel guide
Lake town
Nainital is a famous Himalayan hill station centered around a scenic lake, known for cool weather, colonial heritage, viewpoints, temples, forests, and nearby lakes that attract honeymooners, families, and nature lovers throughout the year.
Best time to visit Nainital
Mar–May and Oct–Nov are best. Dec–Feb is cold with some snow; Jul–Aug is heavy monsoon with landslide risk, and mid-May to Jun is crowded.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | good | 2–11 °C | 80 mm | medium | Cold with snow possible; sunny afternoons |
| February | good | 3–12 °C | 70 mm | medium | Cold mornings; bright days |
| March | best | 7–16 °C | 60 mm | medium | Cool and bright; lake flowers start to bloom |
| April | best | 12–21 °C | 35 mm | medium | Warm and dry; good for boating and viewpoints |
| May | best | 14–23 °C | 70 mm | high | Peak season; the Mall and lake are packed, rooms scarce |
| June | mixed | 16–23 °C | 340 mm | high | Busy early; showers turn heavy as the monsoon sets in |
| July | avoid | 16–22 °C | 690 mm | low | Heavy monsoon; landslides can block roads up to the lake town |
| August | avoid | 16–21 °C | 560 mm | low | Rain most days; views lost in cloud; slippery roads |
| September | mixed | 14–20 °C | 350 mm | low | Rain easing; landslide risk lingers; the lake is full |
| October | best | 10–19 °C | 50 mm | medium | Clear and dry; busy around Diwali |
| November | best | 6–15 °C | 10 mm | medium | Crisp and clear; chilly evenings |
| December | good | 3–13 °C | 25 mm | high | Cold; snow possible; packed at Christmas and New Year |
How many days to spend in Nainital
Two days cover Naini Lake boating, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Naina Peak and the Eco Cave Park; a third adds Naukuchiatal, Kainchi Dham or Pangot for birds.
How to reach Nainital
- By air: Pantnagar (PGH) — 82 km by road. Nearest airport with scheduled flights
- By train: Kathgodam (KGM) — 44 km by road. Railhead for Nainital; taxis and buses run up from the station
- By road: From Delhi — 280 km. A popular summer getaway from Delhi
Getting around
The Mall is flat and walkable, with a few cycle rickshaws between its two ends. Buses and taxis link nearby lakes and towns; in summer the Mall is closed to vehicles in the evening.
Things to do in Nainital
- Jim Corbett National Park — Park (3.5 h · ₹3,380 (day safari permit, Jhirna/Bijrani))
- Nainital Lake — Lake (2.5 h · Free entry)
- Jageshwar Dham — Temple
- DHIKALA ZONE RESTAURANT — Safari
- Mall Road — Market
- Bijrani Range — Safari
- Shree Maa Naina Devi Temple, Nainital — Temple (1 h · Free entry)
- Snow View point — View (2 h · ₹300 (ropeway, two-way))
- Naina Peak West — Peak (3 h · Paid entry)
- Bhimtal — Lake
- Jhirna — Safari
- Girija Devi Temple — Temple (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Lohachaur Tourism Zone,Corbett National Park,Durga Devi Gate. — Safari (4 h · ₹3380 day safari permit (Durga Devi gate))
- Kasar Devi Temple Almora — Temple (2 h · Free entry)
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary — Wildlife (4 h · ₹150)
- The Himalayan Cottage — Views
- Tiffin Top — View (2 h · Free entry)
- Eco Cave Park — Caves (1 h · ₹100)
- Sattal — Lakes
- Sunset point Nainital — Sunset (1 h · Free entry)
- Corbett Falls — Falls (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Sitabani Forest Reserve — Forest (3 h · Paid entry)
- Kosi River — River
- Rudradhari Waterfall — Falls (2 h)
- Nainital Zoo Ticket Counter — Zoo (2 h · ₹100)
- Kilbury and Pangot Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary — Sanctuary (4 h)
- Naukuchiatal — Lake (2.5 h · Free entry)
- Hanuman Garhi Mandir — Temple (1 h · Free entry)
- HIMALAYAN View Point — View (45 min)
- Kalagarh dam — Dam (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Jhula Devi Temple — Temple (1 h · Free entry)
- Bright End Corner — View (45 min · Free entry)
- Katarmal Sun Temple — Temple (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Anasakti Ashram — Ashram (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Shuklaphanta National Park — Major attraction (4 h · NPR 750)
- Boat House Club, Nainital — Boating (1 h · Paid entry)
- Dhangarhi Gate and Museum — Museum (1 h · Paid entry)
- The Oak Trails Eco Lodge — Trails
- Jim Corbett Museum — Museum (1 h · Paid entry)
- Sunset point — Sunset (30 min · Free entry)
- LocaL Market Road — Market
- Kausani Tea Estate — Tea (1 h)
- Raj Bhavan Governor House — Estate (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Lands End Picnic Spot — View (1 h · Free entry)
- Bijrani Guest house — Stay
- Mahaseer Fishing Camps — Fishing
- Golf Course Ranikhet — Golf (1.5 h)
- Haidakhan Babaji Temple — Temple (1.5 h · Free entry)
- Simtola — Park
- Zero Point — Point (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Canal Bridge — Canal
- Bhalu Dam — Dam (1 h · Free entry)
- Kausani — Market
- Ramgarh Apple Orchard — Orchards (1.5 h)
- Garjiya Temple Bridge — Bridge
Food to try in Nainital
- Bal mithai — Kumaon's brown milk sweet coated in sugar balls
- Aloo ke gutke — Spiced boiled potatoes, a Kumaoni staple, served with puri or rice
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
Mar–May and Oct–Nov are best. Dec–Feb is cold with some snow; Jul–Aug is heavy monsoon with landslide risk, and mid-May to Jun is crowded.
How many days are enough for Nainital?
2–3 days. Two days cover Naini Lake boating, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Naina Peak and the Eco Cave Park; a third adds Naukuchiatal, Kainchi Dham or Pangot for birds.
How do I reach Nainital?
By air: Pantnagar (PGH) — 82 km by road. Nearest airport with scheduled flights. By train: Kathgodam (KGM) — 44 km by road. Railhead for Nainital; taxis and buses run up from the station. By road: From Delhi — 280 km. A popular summer getaway from Delhi.
What are the top things to do in Nainital?
Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital Lake, Jageshwar Dham, DHIKALA ZONE RESTAURANT, Mall Road, Bijrani Range.
Plan your Nainital trip
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.