12 Best Things To Do For An Amazing Holiday In Nainital

Undoubtedly, Nainital is one of the top destinations to visit in Uttarakhand and throughout India. This is the country’s premier lake destination, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, adventure activities, and colonial charm. Surrounded by lush green mountains that are overlooked by the snow-clad peaks, Nainital has a unique charm that lures people throughout the year. But what’s important here is the balance between the beautiful attractions and amazing things to do in Nainital. Want to know more? Let’s check out the best activities that can be done in this breathtaking Nainital hill station.

Here are the Top 12 things to do in Nainital for a blissful vacation

1. Boating in the Naini Lake

Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Charges: Pedal and Row boating- 120 INR/ hour
Gondola boat’s round trip- 150 INR

Naini Lake holds great importance not only from a tourist’s perspective but also from a historic and mythological standpoint. The lake is one of the best places to visit in Nainital and an attraction that offers an excellent time for adventure junkies as well. Amongst the top-notch things to do in Nainital with family, boating in Naini Lake remains the best. Apart from this, enthusiasts can enjoy water sports like kayaking, yachting, and paddling in the lake. While you enjoy the water sport here, keep your camera on so that you don’t miss out on the fantastic view of the surroundings. Seven lush green mountains surround Nainital Lake, so show your photography skills while rowing or boating. Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Nainital in 2 Days Trip

2. Trek to the amazing Tiffin Top

Location: Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 8 am to 5:30 pm
Charges: There are no entry charges all that you will have to pay is for the pony ride which is between 500 INR to 700 INR per person

One of the finest attractions of Nainital is Tiffin Top. And trekking to Tiffin Top is one of the best things you could do while in the city. The summit of this attraction is approximately 2,290 m high above sea level, making it a heaven for photographers and adventure enthusiasts. Although you can visit here 24/7, the sunset view from the mountaintop is simply breathtaking. While trekking to the Tiffin Top, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.

Nainital Tour Packages

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3. Enjoy a trek to Naina Peak

Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: Early mornings and early evenings are the best time to visit here
Charges: None

One of the most exquisite places to witness the beauty of Nainital is the Naina Peak, also known as Cheena Peak. There are endless things to do in Nainital during the summer, and one of them is to trek to Naina Peak, which is also the city’s highest point. The entire mountain is covered with Deodar, Rhododendrons, and Cypress forest, and trekkers have to go through all of this. But once you reach the summit, everything looks worth it! A beautiful view from the top is what takes away the fatigue. Starry eyes with jaw-dropping beauty are the reward of every traveller. Also, once you complete the hike, you can see the impressive snow-capped Himalayan Range at a distance. If you are here during the evening, the entire city looks simply breathtaking. Checkout: Trekking Destinations in Uttarakhand

4. Horse ride at Nainital

Location: Nainital Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Naina Peak
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (the timings are subject to change as per the weather and a few other things.)
Charges: 500 – 700 INR average (The charges are also subject to change from place to place.)

Apart from everything else, horse riding in Nainital is considered a valuable activity for kids. Right from the Mall Road to reaching the Tiffin Top, there are ample places where you can enjoy this activity. While searching for the best things to do with the family in Nainital, this outdoor activity is likely to appear each time you look. In fact, while you trek to the Naina Peak, you can enjoy horse riding there as well. Hire a pony and go for a ride. If you have already done this sport, you can take the pony all by yourself, too! Sounds interesting?

5. The beauty of St. John Wilderness Church

Location: 9CVW+PP7, Sherwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timing: Sunday 7 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 6:30 pm
Charges: Free of cost

Are you a pilgrim? Or a history buff? Or perhaps someone eager to visit serene and blissful places. If any of these characteristics describe your personality, then visiting St John Wilderness Church in Nainital is a must. With an array of things to do in Nainital, there is something about this attraction that people don’t fail to miss. People come here for multiple reasons, ranging from worship to exploration to enjoying the natural beauty of the place. You only need 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the entire vicinity and the surrounding area around the church. The first thing that would captivate your eyes is the church’s incredible architecture. Explore the rich heritage and the vicinity of the place. You can also take a tour of the cemetery to offer your condolences to people who lost their lives in the terrible landslide. You will not be allowed to use your camera in the church, but you can take pictures of the beauty around. Get the best deals on Uttarakhand honeymoon package at Indian Holiday

6. The thrill of a ropeway ride

Location: From Mallital to Snow View point, Nainital
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Charges: Adults – 150 INR and Children between 3-12 – 100 INR (both ways) (The prices might change at any moment, this is just an approximation of the same)

If your definition of enjoyment is taking some crazy high-altitude rides, then one of the best adrenaline-rushing activities to do in Nainital is to take the ropeway ride. Also known as the cable car ride, it is one of the most popular activities held by the city. The people here call it the snow view activity because when you reach the high-altitude viewpoint, the entire snow-capped Himalayan mountain range is laid out before you to enjoy. The entire place is apt for everyone, right from kids to adults. The whole setup of this place resembles a miniature theme park or fun park. Go-karting, playing other games, and enjoying the view – isn’t that enough for you to call it a fantastic trip to Nainital? The only thing that can spoil it for you is the weather. The clearer it is, the better for you. If you are planning Summer vacations, check out the 15 Best places to visit in Uttarakhand in Summer with Family and Friends.

7. Delights of shopping at Tibetan Market

Location: Around the Naini Lake, Nainital
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Charges: No entry fee

Now, whenever you visit a destination, one thing always crosses your mind, and that’s shopping. However, shopping at the Mall Road in the branded shops is not something for everyone, and it probably won’t be a memorable experience, right? For those who want to purchase souvenirs, the Tibetan Market in Nainital is the ideal place to visit. It’s going to be a delightful shopping experience. From clothes to a wide range of stylish artificial ornaments, one can buy and explore a variety of items. Its proximity to the Naina Devi temple and the Naini Lake makes it a wonderful place to visit. After exploring the market, you can also take a break at the restaurants around. Isn’t this one of the best things to do in Nainital, according to you? [sc name=”nainital-trip”]

8. Witness the beautiful sunset at Hanuman Garhi

Location: Haldwani Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM – 9 PM
Charges: No entry fee

Being in Nainital means a fantastic view of the surroundings wherever you go, isn’t that right? Breathtaking sights and enchanting natural beauty always treat your eyes, and that’s not at all an exaggeration. One of the finest things to do in Nainital, whether with family or solo, is to visit Hanuman Garhi. If you think that this is a place for only devotees, then you might reconsider this thought of yours. The magnificent temple, known as Hanuman Garhi, is one of the finest places to visit in Nainital, appealing to both nature lovers and devotees. It is approximately 3.5 km from Naini Lake and 6 km away from the Eco Cave Garden. The Hanuman Garhi is also a serene place where you can sit and enjoy the calmness and peacefulness that pervades the air. Also Read: Best Places to Visit Near Delhi for a 2-day Trip.

9. Seek blessings at the Naina Devi Temple

Location: Ayarpatta, Near Naini Lake, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6 am to 10 pm (Morning aarti- 7 am and Evening aarti- 7 pm)
Charges: No entry fee

The most significant attraction in Nainital is the Naina Devi Temple, and one of the top things to do in Nainital is to visit it. The temple is located right around the corner of Naini Lake. The Naina Devi Temple is located on the Mallital side of the lake. The temple is also essential for Hindu Pilgrims because it is among the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. It is believed that this was the place where Goddess Sati’s eye fell when Lord Shiva flew over this place with burning Sati in his hands. Please visit here and offer your prayers. Naina Devi Temple is believed to hold significant importance in various aspects and should not be missed or skipped during your visit to Nainital. After visiting here, you can head to the Tibetan Market for your shopping session; it’s right in front of the temple.

10. Explore wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park

Location: Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm (The timings change as per the month you travel here and this is not the timing for safari)
Charges: You will have to contact the office of Ramnagar to know the exact price.

One of the finest places to visit in Nainital is the Jim Corbett National Park, which is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It holds the distinction of being the oldest and most prestigious national park and is one of the must-see places in Nainital. The park spans an area of almost 520 sq. km and is one of the few tiger reserves that offers the option of an overnight stay within its premises. Besides tigers, this place is also a haven for bird lovers. The thriving biodiversity of this area is also reflected by the over 50 species of raptors found here. If you are planning to visit Nainital, you can take a Nainital Mussoorie tour package to any of the gates and then explore the amazing national park. A safari at the Jim Corbett National Park is the best thing to do in Nainital, whether you’re a couple or a family. Also Read:

11. Go for a Lake Tour

Location: Nainital District, Uttarakhand
Timing: None
Charges: None unless you opt for a paid activity

There are a few obvious things to do in Nainital, and almost everyone loves doing those for one reason or another. While you are here in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to go on a lake exploring spree. The entire district is dotted with numerous lakes, including some top-notch attractions such as Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Khurpatal, and Sattal. From all the other lakes, these are the must-visit places in Nainital. Numerous amazing things can be done at each of these lakes. At Naukuchiatal, you can enjoy boating, and at Bhimtal, you get to enjoy Paragliding. And so on! Also Read: 53 Most Spectacular Lakes in India

12. Head to the Kainchi Dham

Location: Bhowali Range, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263132, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday ( 5 am to 4 pm)
Charges: No Entry Fee

Kainchi Dham Baba Neem Karoli Ashram is another very important and fine destination to visit in Nainital. Offering prayers at the Dham is an important activity to do in Nainital, as it is considered to be a holy place. The Kainchi Dham Baba Neem Karoli Ashram is approximately 17 km from the Nainital hill station, located on the Almora Road. This Dham is so popular and considered necessary that Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs have also visited the ashram. There are many beliefs associated with the temple or ashram, but that shouldn’t be the reason for your visit. With its unique charm and enchanting views, Kainchi Dham also offers peaceful surroundings. People love spending time at the Dham, as they feel rejuvenated after visiting here.

Local Must-Try Foods

Bal Mithai – Famous Kumaoni sweet
Singori – Wrapped in maalu leaves
Aloo Ke Gutke – Spiced hill potatoes
Bhatt Ki Churkani – Black bean curry
Madua Roti – Finger millet bread
Fresh Trout Fish – From local lakes

Best Time to Visit Nainital

Peak Season (April-June)

Weather: Pleasant 10°C-25°C
Best For: Families, honeymooners
Activities: All activities are available.
Accommodation: Book 2-3 months in advance.

Monsoon Season (July-September)

Weather: Cool but rainy, 15°C-20°C
Best For: Budget travelers, nature lovers
Caution: Some trekking routes may be closed.
Advantage: Lush greenery, fewer crowds.

Winter Season (October-March)

Weather: Cold 0°C-15°C, possible snowfall in January
Best For: Snow enthusiasts, romantic getaways
Special: Winter carnival in December.
Note: Carry heavy woollens.

Travel Tips

Altitude: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the first day.
Trekking: Never trek alone; inform the hotel about plans.
Weather: Can change rapidly; carry light rain gear.
Photography: Respect privacy in religious places.

Environment: Follow “Leave No Trace” principles.

Conclusion

Any city, hill station, hamlet, settlement, or any other place you visit in Uttarakhand will be more or less equally blissful. There will be many amazing places, just like in Nainital. Many people visit Nainital every year, and they enjoy their time at the hill station. Whether it’s summer or winter, you can find people throughout the year. The list of things to do in Nainital provided above is quite extensive, encompassing all the significant attractions available in the area. Make sure you include each one of them during your visit here.