Nestled in the beautiful Kumaon Hills of the Himalayas, Nainital is a picturesque hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Known as the ‘Lake District of India’, it is famous for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nainital is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique combination of serenity and adventure.
The town is situated around a beautiful lake, the Naini Lake, which is its most defining feature. The lake is surrounded by seven hills, giving it an amphitheatre-like appearance. The hills are dotted with ancient temples, sumptuous restaurants, and luxurious resorts offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Nainital is an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, and rock climbing. The nearby Nanda Devi National Park is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, and is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The town is also home to some of the oldest schools of the country, such as St. Joseph's College and Sherwood College, which have made it a popular educational hub. For shopping enthusiasts, there are plenty of local markets, offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to traditional Kumaoni clothes and jewellery.
Nainital is an amazing holiday destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, you are sure to find it here.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Mallital: Located on the northern shore of Nainital Lake, Mallital is the oldest and most popular tourist area in Nainital. It features a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops, as well as access to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Naini Devi Temple and Naina Peak.
2. Tallital: Located on the southern shore of Nainital Lake, Tallital is an ideal place for tourists looking for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It has access to several tourist attractions and activities, ranging from boating to horseback riding.
3. Bhimtal: Located about 22 kilometers from Nainital, Bhimtal is a pristine town with plenty of tourist attractions, such as Bhimtal Lake and Bhimtal Aquarium. It is also home to various accommodation options, restaurants, and other facilities.
4. Naukuchiatal: Located about 27 kilometers from Nainital, Naukuchiatal is a beautiful hill station surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. It is home to Naukuchiatal Lake, which is the deepest lake in Nainital, as well as other attractions such as the Hanuman Garhi Temple and the Kainchi Dham Ashram.
5. Ramgarh: Located around 17 kilometers away from Nainital, Ramgarh is a charming hill station that offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It is home to several tourist attractions, such as the Pine Forest and the Indian Military Academy. It also offers a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and other facilities.
1. Naini Lake: This serene lake is the center of Nainital, and is surrounded by majestic peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, or take a stroll around the perimeter, admiring the views.
2. Naina Peak: The highest peak in Nainital, Naina Peak offers stunning 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding hills. It is also known as China Peak, as it offers a great view of the Tibetan Plateau.
3. Snow View Point: Located at an altitude of 2,270 meters, this viewpoint gives an incredible view of the majestic snow-clad Himalayan Mountains.
4. Tiffin Top: Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, this spot has a beautiful view of the Naini Lake and the nearby hills. It is a popular spot for adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing.
5. Cave Garden: This beautiful garden is located near the Naini Lake, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It also contains some ancient caves, making it a great place to explore.
1. Aloo ke Gutke: Aloo ke gutke is a traditional dish from Nainital that consists of boiled potatoes mixed with spices, herbs, and onions. It is usually served with flatbreads and is a great accompaniment to any meal.
2. Bhutte ki Kheer: Bhutte ki Kheer is a sweet dessert made with grated corn, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is a popular dessert in Nainital and is often served as a welcome dish to guests.
3. Halwa: Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet made from semolina, clarified butter, sugar, and nuts. It is a popular dessert in Nainital and is often served with ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
4. Gucchi ki Subzi: Gucchi ki Subzi is a dish made with mushrooms and spices. It is a delicious vegetarian dish that is often served with hot chapatis or parathas.
5. Bal Mithai: Bal Mithai is a traditional sweet made from sugar, khoya, and ghee. It is a popular snack in Nainital and is often served as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.