Things to do in Nainital
Things to do in Nainital
Nainital, the lake district jewel of Uttarakhand, is built around the serene Naini Lake nestled among seven hills at an altitude of 2,084 meters. This charming hill station offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Kumaon Himalayas, with boating on the lake, a cable car ride to Snow View Point, and the bustling Mall Road shopping strip among the top experiences. The Naina Devi Temple on the northern shore of the lake adds a deep spiritual dimension to this naturally stunning destination.
Leisure / NatureView full guide1–2 hours
Boating on Naini Lake
Row, sail, or pedal across the emerald-green Naini Lake — a pear-shaped natural lake at 1,938 m altitude, ringed by seven hills. Paddleboats, rowboats, and sailboats are available for hire. The surrounding mountain reflections on calm mornings are postcard-perfect.
Sightseeing / AdventureView full guide30 minutes (round trip)
Cable Car Ride
Ascend to Snow View Point (2,270 m) via the Snow View Ropeway from Mallital — a thrilling 2-minute gondola ride offering panoramic views of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Nanda Kot, and Trishul peaks on clear days. Telescopes at the top let you zoom in on distant Himalayan glaciers.
Trekking / NatureView full guide3–6 hours
Trekking
Trek through Nainital's forested hills on routes to Naina Peak (2,611 m — Nainital's highest point), Kilbury Bird Sanctuary (via lush oak and rhododendron forest), or the scenic Pangot village loop — rewarding trails with diverse birdlife and valley vistas.
Wildlife / NatureView full guideFull day
Wildlife Tour
Explore the Jim Corbett–adjacent forests via the Kilbury–Pangot birding circuit, one of Uttarakhand's top birding sites with over 580 species. Day trips to Jim Corbett National Park's Dhangari Zone are possible from Nainital for wildlife encounters.
SpiritualView full guide1 hour
Temple Visit
Pay respects at Naina Devi Temple on the northern shore of Naini Lake — one of the 64 Shakti Peethas where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen. The temple is a major pilgrimage site with beautiful lakeside setting, especially vibrant during Nanda Ashtami festival.
Leisure / ShoppingView full guide1–2 hours
Mall Road Walk
Stroll along Nainital's lakeside promenade — the Mall Road — lined with colonial-era buildings, souvenir shops selling local wax candles and woollen shawls, restaurants, and benches overlooking the lake. The road is split into Mallital (head) and Tallital (foot of the lake) zones.