Places to Visit in Nainital

Top attractions and must-see spots in Nainital

  • Must Visit

    Naina Devi Temple

    One of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, located on the northern shore of Naini Lake - believed to mark the spot where Goddess Sati's eyes fell, giving the town and lake their name.

  • Must Visit

    Naini Lake

    The crescent-shaped natural freshwater lake at the heart of Nainital, discovered by British trader P. Barron in 1839 and considered a Shakti Peetha - believed to be where Goddess Sati's eyes fell.

  • Must Visit

    Snow View Point

    A hilltop viewpoint at 2,270 metres offering panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7,816 m) and Trishul, accessible by ropeway from Mallital in under 5 minutes.

  • Eco Cave Gardens

    A unique park near Mall Road featuring six natural interconnected rock caves shaped like Kumaon wildlife species, with hanging gardens, musical fountains, and night illumination - popular with families.

  • Hanuman Garhi Temple

    A popular Hanuman temple at 1,951 metres on the Haldwani-Nainital Road, established in 1950 by saint Baba Neem Karoli, known for spectacular sunset views over the Nainital valley and a large idol of Lord Hanuman.

  • Naina Peak

    The highest peak surrounding Nainital at 2,611 metres (8,568 feet), also called China Peak, offering the most commanding views of the Himalayas and the Nainital valley from a full-day trek.

  • Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

    One of India's few high altitude zoos at 2,100 metres on Sher Ka Danda Hill, home to snow leopards, Siberian tigers, Himalayan black bears, wolves, and other high-altitude species native to the Kumaon Himalayas.

  • St. John in the Wilderness Church

    One of the oldest churches in Nainital, built in 1846 in Neo-Gothic style amid dense forest, serving as a memorial to the 151 victims of the devastating 1880 landslide that destroyed much of the town.

  • Tiffin Top

    A scenic hilltop at 2,292 metres named after British artist Dorothy Kellett, offering sweeping views of Nainital town, the Naini Lake below, and the Kumaon Hills - reachable by a 4 km trek or horse ride.

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