Nainital: Lakes, Peaks and Culture

Naini Lake is the district’s most prominent lake and is surrounded by hills. Sailing, boating and paddling are among the activities available on the lake. When planning your trip, you can decide whether water activities, mountain views or cultural sites should be your priorities.

Lakes and water activities

Naukuchiatal offers another perspective on the region’s lakes: the lake is 983 metres long, 693 metres wide and 40.3 metres deep. It is therefore longer than it is wide. Fishing and birdwatching are possible there, as are rowing, paddling and sailing. Sailing, boating and paddling are possible on Naini Lake. When comparing activities, you’ll find rowing, fishing and birdwatching specifically at Naukuchiatal, while sailing and paddling are available at both lakes.

Sattal is a group of lakes set amid an oak forest. It includes Nal-Damyanti Lake, Panna or Garude Lake, and the lakes Ram, Laxman and Sita. At Sattal, several bodies of water and a forest landscape are the focus together. Bhimtal Lake is larger than Naini Lake. An aquarium is located on an island in its centre, reached by boat; Bhimtal is also home to the 17th-century Bhimeshwar temple complex.

Peaks, trails and Himalayan views

At 2,611 metres, Naina Peak is the city’s highest peak. From there, you can see the Himalayan range and look down over Nainital from above. The six-kilometre trail to the summit begins in Mallital. Ponies or horses can be hired from Snow View or Barapathhar for a visit to Naina Peak.

Snow View is accessible by cable car and by road. The cable car starts in Mallital and connects Nainital with Snow View Point near the Flats. From Snow View, you can enjoy views of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains. Kilbury is set in green forests and also offers views of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar offers a different kind of scenery: the town is surrounded by orchards and dense coniferous forest.

Temples, culture and events

The temples also differ in their history and significance. In Mukteshwar, an ancient Shiva temple stands on a rock. Ghorakhal is known for its temple dedicated to the god Golu, who is worshipped by the mountain people. Kaichi Dham is a modern pilgrimage centre associated with the ashram of Neem Karoli Maharaj. Hanuman Garhi is a religious centre known for its sunset views.

Naina Devi Temple stands at the northern end of Naini Lake and attracts devotees and tourists. The Nandashtami festival is celebrated in the district; fairs are held at Naina Devi Temple in Nainital and in Bhowali. Raj Bhavan was built by the British as the residence of the Governor of the North West Province.

At Manora Peak, ARIES operates a science centre on its campus that shares astronomical knowledge with the public. ARIES also offers planetarium shows to the public and private groups.

Practical information for your stay

The bridge over Naini Lake has a bus station, a taxi stand and a railway reservation counter. A shuttle to Nainital Zoo runs from the Nainital bus station. The Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo is home to animals including monkeys, Himalayan black bears, leopards and Siberian tigers.

In May and June, Mall Road is closed to vehicle traffic in the evenings so people can walk there. Check the rules for your travel dates. At the Boat Club, the Nainital Yacht Club holds several annual sailing and boating events on the lake; check the specific dates before your visit. Paragliding is also available in the district. Many providers are located in Pandeygoan on the road between Bhimtal and Jangligaon.

Bara Bazaar, Mall Road, Bhotia Bazaar and Mallital offer items including handmade candles, homemade jams, squash drinks, juice concentrates and fruit preserves. If you’re looking for hotels in Nainital, it helps to first decide what interests you most: boating activities, mountain views, culture or forest landscapes.

Discover more destinations

Jeolikote, Nainital, Mukhani, Bail Parao, Harigarh Dalipsingh, Harinagar Chanddeva, Mukteshwar, Sukha, Dhikuli, Kotabagh, Dogadda Range, Chaukhuta, Ramnagar, Bhujiyaghat, Bhowali Range, Bohragaon, Pangoot, Ramgarh, Suriyagaon, Gair Banelia, Naukluchiatal, Gethiya

For the broader travel overview: Uttarakhand.