9 Best Places to Visit in Nainital in 2 Days

Nainital has been a go-to destination for many travellers, whether they are solo travellers, couples, or families. If you’ve recently gotten married or are planning a family trip for the upcoming weekend, we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in Nainital in two days. The awe-inspiring mountains of Nainital, the peaceful environment, the sparkling lakes, and the to-die-for scenery will make your Nainital Mussoorie Tour Packages. Quick Stats for your 2-day Nainital Trip:

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days minimum
Distance from Delhi: 320 km (7-8 hours by road)
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (65 km)
Climate: Pleasant summers (15-25°C), cool winters (2-15°C)

Best Places to Visit in 2 days in Nainital

Nainital has numerous amazing places to visit, making it impossible to cover them all in just two days. That’s why you should take a look at the places to visit in Nainital in 2 days for a fun and relaxing weekend.

Naina Peak

Visit Naina Peak to see the best views of Nainital. As it is located at an altitude of 2,615 metres, imagine the mesmerising views you will see from here. Snow-clad peaks and pleasant weather will make your visit to Naina Peak worth it. Locals also refer to it as China Peak, as it is the highest in this hill station. The best part is that you can ride a pony to witness the beauty from the peak.

Tips – Eateries are not available here. Bring food and a water bottle with you.
Entry Fee – None
Timings – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Checkout: Uttarakhand Itinerary 8 Days

Snow View Point

To enjoy recreational activities in Nainital, add Snow View Point to your 2-day Nainital tour package. It is surrounded by abundant natural beauty and is the perfect base for romantic couples to kindle love. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a must-visit tourist attraction in Nainital within 2 days. Restaurants and gift shops are present here, where you can savour delicious meals. Remember, the temperature drops after sunset, so be sure to bring warmer clothes with you.

Tips – A good pair of shoes is a must. Plus, bring pullovers, jackets, and gloves to this place.
Entry Fee – Children: INR 200 per person, Adults: INR 300 per person
Timings – 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, open all days of the week except Saturdays

Also Read: Places Visit in Uttarakhand in December for a Joyful Getaway

Nainital High Altitude Zoo

The first zoological park in Uttarakhand, Nainital High Altitude Zoo, is positioned at an altitude of 2,100 metres. First discovered in 1984, it is now a favoured destination for families with children visiting Nainital for a weekend getaway. Animals and birds, including White Peafowl, Japanese macaques, Golden Pheasant, and the Himalayan Bear, can be seen here. Wildlife conservation programmes are also organised to educate people, and many debates, quizzes, and painting competitions are held for the entertainment of tourists as well.

Tips – Please refrain from littering to preserve the environment and keep it safe for animals and birds.
Entry Fee – Children: INR 20 per person, Adults: INR 50 per person
Timings – 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, open all days of the week except Mondays

Also Read: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Nainital Where You Can Plan Your Next Stay

Naina Devi Temple

How can you visit Nainital and not go to Naina Devi Temple? It is one of the prime tourist attractions to see in Nainital on a 2-day trip. The temple is dedicated to Naina Devi, an incarnation of Maa Sati. So, the temple is highly revered by devotees of Lord Shiva. Besides, the views from this hilltop location are breathtaking and will fill your heart with joy. The temple features idols of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, and Maa Naina Devi, which together create a holy and mystical atmosphere within the temple.

Tips – The best time to visit is during the 8-day-long Navratri festival for a culturally rich experience.
Entry Fee – None
Timings – 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, open all days of the week

Naini Lake

If you want to enjoy boating amidst captivating mountain views, Naini Lake is among the top places to visit in Nainital in 2 days. It is a natural freshwater lake situated amidst Nainital’s main town and is a big part of the city’s tourism. People who visit Nainital often enjoy taking boat rides on the lake’s sparkling waters and taking pictures with the mountains in the background. The Annual Kingfisher Yachting Competition is held in the third week of June. Moreover, a famous folklore is associated with the lake, which any local would be happy to share with you.

Tips – Book a hotel or a homestay near the lake and wake up to a glorious sunrise.
Boating Price – INR 160 for a half-round rowboat, INR 210 for a full-round rowboat, INR 210 per hour for paddle boating
Boating Timings – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Land’s End

Sit atop Land’s End and enjoy the spectacular views of the city of Nainital. A perfect way to unwind your mind after a hectic week, the Jim Corbett Nainital tour is the best. Encompassed by Kumaon hills and Khurpa Lake, you will enjoy the cool breeze and peaceful environment at Land’s End. Trek to the top and capture some amazing photographs for your Instagram. Horse riding is an activity you will thoroughly enjoy here.

Tips – There are no boundaries at Land’s End, so watch your step.
Entry Fee – None
Timings – You can visit at any time of the day.

Tiffin’s Top

Also known as Dorothy Seat, Tiffin’s Top is perched at a height of 2,292 m and offers majestic views of the lofty peaks. So, if you’re planning a picnic and want to try photography, it’s your best choice. You can capture oak trees, cherry trees, and the mighty Naina Devi Peak from here. People used to trek here to have their lunch, and that’s how this place got its name. Another tale says this place is a memorial to Dorothy Kelley, an English artist.

Tips – If you have eatables, keep the wrappers in your bag and throw them in the dustbin. Keep the environment clean.
Entry Fee – None, pony ride uphill price – INR 500 to INR 700 per person
Timings – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Nainital How to Reach Nainital

Kainchi Dham

Visit Kainchi Dham to experience a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a nature lover, Kainchi Dham is one of the best religious places to visit in Nainital in 2 days. Kainchi Dham is home to a famous Hanuman Temple, which Neem Karoli Baba founded in the 1960s. However, the temple gained fame after the former CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, visited this place in search of answers. Later, he encouraged Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s CEO, to visit Kainchi Dham to advance his career.

Tips – You can stay at Kainchi Dham Ashram, but you must first write a letter requesting to stay here and for how many days.
Entry Fee – None
Timings – 5:00 am to 4:00 pm, open all days of the week

Tibetan Market

End your 2-day trip to Nainital with shopping. Also known as Bhotia Market, head to Tibetan Market to find Tibetan clothes, bags, scarves, artificial jewellery, ethnic wear, shrugs, and much more. Shopaholics will love this place, as it is a bustling market packed with clothes for all kids, and these are available at attractive prices. Also, restaurants are available at the market, where you can taste local delicacies.

Tips – You can use your bargaining skills here and buy the items at half the displayed price.
Entry Fee – None
Timings – 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, open every day of the week.

Dining Recommendations

Must-Try Restaurants

Sakley’s Restaurant & Bar: Continental cuisine, heritage ambiance
Embassy Restaurant: Multi-cuisine, lake views
Machan: Rooftop dining, Chinese and Indian
Nanak Restaurant: Authentic Punjabi food
Zooby’s Kitchen: Local Kumaoni cuisine

Check here the complete list of best restaurants in Nainital.

Local Food Experiences

Boat Club Restaurant: Lakeside Dining
Café By The Way: Coffee and snacks
Bhimtal Cafe: Day trip dining option

Packing Essentials

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (March-June): Light woolens, cotton clothes, light jacket
Winter (Oct-Feb): Heavy woolens, thermal wear, thick jackets
Monsoon (July-Sep): Waterproof clothing, umbrellas

General Items

Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera with extra batteries
First aid kit
Water bottles
Power bank
Flashlight

Best Photography Spots

Sunrise Locations

Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): Panoramic sunrise views
Naina Peak: 360-degree mountain sunrise
Snow View Point: Himalayan peaks at dawn

Sunset Locations

Lands’ End: Dramatic sunset over the valley
Himalayan Darshan: Mountain silhouettes
Lake Promenade: Reflections in the lake water

Instagram-Worthy Spots

The cable car ride to Snow View Point.
Boating on Nainital Lake.
Colonial architecture on Mall Road.
Adventure activities at Lands’ End.
Temple architecture at Naina Devi.

Nearby Attractions for Extended Stay

Day Trip Options

Bhimtal: Larger lake, less crowded (22 km)
Sattal: Seven interconnected lakes (22 km)
Naukuchiatal: Nine-corner lake (26 km)
Mukteshwar: Temple town with views (51 km)
Ranikhet: Army cantonment, golf course (59 km)

Adventure Destinations

Jim Corbett National Park: Wildlife safari (65 km)
Kausani: Himalayan panorama (81 km)
Binsar: Wildlife sanctuary (90 km)

Travel Tips

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Avoid heavy meals immediately after arrival.
Take it easy on the first day to acclimatise.
Inform someone about your trekking plans.

Must Read: Shopping in Nainital

Excited to plan a 3 days Nainital trip? Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. provides meticulously crafted Nainital packages, including transfers, meals, hotels, and sightseeing tours. Whether you are looking for a budget or leisure trip, honeymoon, or family trip, all your requirements will be fulfilled. You can choose from 2 days Nainital tours and local sightseeing packages or customize the itinerary for a hassle-free trip to the ‘City of Lakes’.