22-04-2025Best Things To Do In Nainital For An Amazing Trip In 2025
Nainital, the gem of Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station that captivates travellers with its serene lakes and breathtaking mountain views. Are you wondering about the best things to do in Nainital during your vacation? This beautiful lake city nestled in the Kumaon region offers plenty of exciting experiences for all kinds of travellers. From peaceful boat rides to beautiful viewpoints and wildlife adventures, Nainital combines nature with cultural charm. Let TripzyGo guide you through the best activities and places in Nainital to make your stay truly memorable.
List of Things to Do in Nainital
- Boating on Naini Lake
- Explore Tiffin Top
- Visit Eco Cave Gardens
- Enjoy views of Snow View Point
- Visit Goddess Naina Devi Temple
- Explore High Altitude Zoo
- Shopping in Mall Road, Nainital
Nainital is one of the most beloved places to visit in Uttarakhand, and you can visit it with your family or friends for a refreshing escape from city life. Nainital is a complete package, and here we have listed the top 7 things to do in Nainital.
Boating on Naini Lake
Located in the heart of the town, Naini Lake is the crown jewel of Nainital. The emerald-green waters surrounded by seven hills offer a peaceful boating experience. You can choose between rowing boats, paddle boats, or yachts to explore this beautiful lake and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. Among things to do in Nainital, boating in Naini Lake is a must.
| Best Time to Visit: | October to March |
| Fee | Full round of the lake: Rs. 420 per boat Half-round of the lake: Rs. 320 per boat |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | Drive time is about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting location within Nainital |
| What Not to Miss: | Guided Coffee Plantation Tour, World Coffee Museum, Coffee Tasting |
| Pro Tips: | Book tours in advance, wear comfortable shoes, visit early morning/sunset, carry minimal valuables, and ask for life jackets for kids |
Trek to Tiffin Top
Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, Tiffin Top offers breathtaking views of Nainital and the surrounding Kumaon hills. Located at an altitude of 2,290 meters, this viewpoint is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The trek to reach the top is refreshing and takes you through beautiful forest trails, making it one of the best things to do at Nainital. Among activities in Nainital, trek to Tiffin top is really interesting.
| Best Time to Visit: | Daylight hours (6 AM–6 PM) for clear views of Nainital and the Kumaon hills |
| Fee | No entry fee |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | 15–20 minutes by road (partial access) + 20-minute trek or pony ride to the summit |
| What Not to Miss: | Panoramic views, Himalayan vistas, and pony rides |
| Pro Tips: | Start early to avoid crowds, wear sturdy shoes, and carry water/snacks |
Visit Eco Cave Gardens
Among things to do in Nainital, this unique garden features interconnected natural caves shaped like various animals. The six caves represent different animals and offer an adventurous exploration experience. Located just 2 km from Nainital town, the Eco Cave Gardens also feature beautiful hanging gardens with colourful flowers and a musical fountain.
| Best Time to Visit: | October to March |
| Fee | Adult entry fee is Rs. 20, children’s entry fee is Rs. 10, and camera fee is Rs. 25 |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | The drive time from central Nainital areas is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic |
| What Not to Miss: | Explore the six adventurous animal-shaped caves and the evening musical fountain, plus enjoy scenic views from the Hanging Gardens |
| Pro Tips: | Wear comfortable shoes, visit early or at sunset to avoid crowds, carry minimal valuables, and be prepared for narrow, dimly-lit passages |
Enjoy views of Snow View Point
Snow View Point offers spectacular views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. Located at an altitude of 2,270 meters, this viewpoint is accessible by an exciting cable car ride. Among things to do in Nainital, this viewpoint features various entertainment options and a small temple.
| Best Time to Visit: | The best months to visit are March to June and September to November for clear views and pleasant weather |
| Fee | No entry fee |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | Drive time is approximately 10–15 minutes to reach, depending on traffic and your starting point. |
| What Not to Miss: | Himalayan views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot peaks, the aerial ropeway ride, and binocular viewing |
| Pro Tips: | Visit early morning for clear views, book ropeway tickets in advance, wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes |
Visit Goddess Naina Devi Temple
This sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi is an important religious site in Nainital. According to legend, the goddess’s eyes fell at this spot when Lord Shiva was carrying her body. The temple architecture is beautiful, and it’s located right at the northern shore of Naini Lake. Taking blessings from Goddess Naina Devi is one of the best things to do at Nainital.
| Best Time to Visit: | Ideal months are March to June (summer season) and September to October/November (post-monsoon/autumn). |
| Fee | No entry fee |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | It takes roughly 5-10 minutes by car or taxi from the town centre or bus stand. |
| What Not to Miss: | Darshan of the symbolic eyes of Goddess Naina Devi, morning and evening aarti, an ancient Peepal tree, a Hanuman idol, and vibrant festival decorations. |
| Pro Tips: | Visit early for peace, wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk, buy prasad locally, and avoid monsoon and peak winter months. |
Suggested Read: Most Haunted Places in Kolkata That Will Give You Chills
Explore High Altitude Zoo
The Nainital Zoo, officially known as Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters and is home to several rare and endangered Himalayan species. Spread over 11 acres of oak forest, this zoo offers an opportunity to see animals in a natural setting, making visiting the zoo one of the must-do activities in Nainital.
| Best Time to Visit: | April to June and September to November |
| Fee | Adult entry fee is Rs. 100, children’s entry fee is Rs. 50, and camera fee is Rs. 25 |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | Drive time is about 10-15 minutes by taxi, shared jeep, or auto-rickshaw. |
| What Not to Miss: | Try to see rare Himalayan species like the snow leopard, Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, and a variety of high-altitude birds. |
| Pro Tips: | Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk, arrive early for the best animal activity and fewer crowds, and bring water and light snacks. |
Shopping on Mall Road, Nainital
Mall Road is the bustling commercial centre of Nainital, offering a delightful shopping experience. This vibrant street is lined with shops selling everything from local handicrafts to woollens, candles, and famous Kumaoni sweets like Bal Mithai. Shopping on Mall Road is one of the activities in Nainital that you should not miss.
| Best Time to Visit: | May, June, and October are when the weather is pleasant and the road is lively with cultural events. |
| Fee | No entry fee |
| Drive Time from Nainital: | Drive time is about 5-10 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Mall Road |
| What Not to Miss: | Shop for local crafts, woollens, candles, and sweets like Bal Mithai. |
| Pro Tips: | Visit during evening pedestrian hours for a relaxed stroll, carry cash, bargain politely, and wear comfortable shoes |
Nainital in Snippet
| Location | Nainital, Uttarakhand, India; in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas; about 285 km from Dehradun and 345 km from New Delhi. |
| Elevation | 2,084 m (6,837 ft) above sea level. |
| Nickname | Jewel of Kumaon. |
| Main Lake | Naini Lake is natural, has a tectonic origin, and is crescent-shaped due to landslides; it is 1,433 m long, 463 m wide, and 24.6 m deep. |
| Other Lakes Nearby | Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Garudatal, Naldamyantital. |
| Surroundings | Forested hills (deodar, oak, pine), mountains: Naina Peak (2,615 m), Deopatha (2,438 m), Ayarpatha (2,278 m). |
| Climate | Pleasant year-round; different colours and activities in each season. |
| Major Attractions | Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Naina Peak, The Mall (promenade), Astronomical Observatory, St. Joseph’s College, and Corbett National Park are nearby. |
| Activities | Boating, trekking, horse riding, bird watching, yachting, angling, and festivals. |
| Transport | Connected by road to Kathgodam (nearest railhead); well-linked to major cities. |
Suggested Read: 7 Best Things to Do in Madikeri: A Traveler’s Guide
Visit Nainital with TripzyGo
From boating on the peaceful Naini Lake to exploring the High Altitude Zoo, there are many exciting things to do in Nainital. It is a popular tourist destination because of its pleasant climate, scenic viewpoints, and cultural heritage. So, plan a trip with TripzyGo and discover Nainital’s natural beauty and local delights. Join us for affordable packages under just 15k in India, and we’ll ensure you have a comfortable and stress-free vacation.