Places to visit in Nainital
31 places, grouped by kind. Each one shows how well it is verified: an official source, two independent sources, or not yet verified.
District headquarters 1
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Nainital (district headquarters) Two sources
Headquarters of Nainital district, Kumaon division (Wikipedia).
Temples and pilgrimage 6
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Garjiya Devi Temple Official source
The well-known temple, with Goddess Garjiya Devi as the presiding deity, is built on a large rock, in the middle of River Kosi. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Golu Devta temple at Ghorakhal Official source
Popularly known as the 'temple of the Bells', it is an alluring place to visit. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Kainchi Dham Official source
On the Nainital to Almora Road, 9 km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital is the popular pilgrimage centre Kainchi Dham, a Hanuman Temple and ashram founded by the sage Neem Karoli Baba, in 1962. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Methodist Ashram Official source
Methodist Ashram was set up by a missionary Stanley Jones in 1930. The ashram lies on the banks of the scenic Sattal lakes. The architecture reflects colonial influences and gives vintage vibes. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Prachin Jabar Mahadev Shiva Temple Official source
Located on the foothills of the Lariyakata Sanatorium, this temple boasts an iconic wooden Shivling. It is said to have been here since ancient times. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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St John in the Wilderness Church Official source
One of the most popular tourist spots in Nainital, the St John in the Wilderness Church is one of the oldest buildings in the city. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
Hill stations and towns 4
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Nainital Official source
Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Bhowali Official source
Bhowali is a natural paradise, Situated at an elevation of 1654 m, scenic Bhowali is a gateway to the Kumaon region. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Nal Damyanti Tal Official source
A small natural lake located around 2 km from Bhimtal, Nal Damyanti is considered a sacred site. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Victoria Dam Official source
Located on one end of the Bhimtal lake, the dam offers a fascinating view of the lake and its beautiful surroundings. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
Peaks, parks and lakes 17
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Bhimtal Official source
Bhimtal, another lake town adjoining the popular hill-station Nainital, is an idyllic vacation spot. In monsoon, the lake fills up to the brim and makes for a beautiful picture set against the green hills. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Corbett National Park Official source
Established in 1936, this is India's first national park. It is named after the legendary naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Sattal Official source
A group of pristine mountain lakes nestled within a dense oak forest, Sattal is one of the most stunning of nature's gems in Uttarakhand. Lying on the outskirts of Nainital, it makes for a great tourist destination. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Bhimtal Island Aquarium Official source
Developed by the Lake Development Authority of Bhimtal, this aquarium is located on an island in the middle of the Bhimtal lake. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Bhimtal Lake Official source
It is one of the largest lakes in Uttarakhand. This stunning C-shaped lake is serene spot surrounded by green mountains. Stretching over an area of 47 hectare. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Butterfly Research Centre Official source
The Butterfly Research Centre is located on a hillock near the lake and houses the fourth largest butterfly and moth collection in India. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Corbett Waterfall Official source
A scenic picnic spot that is located around 25 km from Ramnagar, the Corbett falls is ideal for a refreshing stop. Nestled inside a dense forest, an elaborate gate welcomes you to Corbett Falls. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Ghorakhal Official source
Ghorakhal, meaning ‘a pond for horses’, is a picturesque site, with natural serenity and placidity. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Khurpatal Official source
Sitting at 1,635 m above sea level, the emerald blue-green lake of Khurpatal is just 12 km away from Nainital. Surrounded by pine forests, it's a serene picnic spot. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Kilbury Official source
The quiet Kilbury hamlet is the ideal place for a serene holiday. Located just 12 km from Nainital town, you can come here for walks around forests and for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Naukuchiatal Official source
Situated at a distance of just 25 km from Nainital, the crystal-clear Naukuchiatal lake with its nine corners is a captivating sight. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Pangot Official source
Pangot is a small picturesque hamlet famous for its jungles and birds, located just 15 km from Nainital. It is a haven for bird watchers, as it is home to a plethora of exotic birds. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
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Sariyatal Official source
At a distance of 5 km from Nainital, Sariyatal is an almost heart-shaped lake located on Kaladungi Road in Nainital district. It is fed by a mountain stream and sits amidst a lush green landscape. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Shyamkhet tea garden Official source
This beautiful tea plantation is a treasure trove of panoramic scenery. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Sitabani forest Official source
This part of the dense forest is located around 5 km from Ramnagar and is a well-known bird-watching destination. It can be covered during a jungle safari. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Official source
The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and is home to various types of animals. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Subhash Dhara Official source
Subhash Dhara is a freshwater spring that flows from the dense forests of Sattal. Its crystal-clear waters and beautiful location invite tourists from all over the country. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
Museums and culture 3
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Corbett Museum Official source
If you want to know more about hunter-turned naturalist Jim Corbett, make a trip to his former house, a heritage bungalow built in 1922. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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Folk Culture Museum Official source
Constructed in 1983, this museum showcases the historical and cultural significance of Uttarakhand. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
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The Himalaya Museum Official source
Visit this museum in Nainital to get an insight into the state of Uttarakhand. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
In depth: Nainital
Nainital: Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’, Nainital is nestled high up in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
At a glance
- Type
- Hill stations and towns Official source
- District
- Nainital (assigned from the place's location; Uttarakhand Tourism pages rarely name the district)
- Best time
- The summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, the town has a strong colonial heritage with vibrant clusters of villas and bungalows. Homesi (Uttarakhand Tourism) Official source
History and significance
- District formed
- existed at Independence (Wikipedia) Two sources
What to see
- Corbett National Park
- Established in 1936, this is India's first national park. It is named after the legendary naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
- Bhimtal
- Bhimtal, another lake town adjoining the popular hill-station Nainital, is an idyllic vacation spot. In monsoon, the lake fills up to the brim and makes for a beautiful picture set against the green hills. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
- Bhowali
- Bhowali is a natural paradise, Situated at an elevation of 1654 m, scenic Bhowali is a gateway to the Kumaon region. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
- Sattal
- A group of pristine mountain lakes nestled within a dense oak forest, Sattal is one of the most stunning of nature's gems in Uttarakhand. Lying on the outskirts of Nainital, it makes for a great tourist destination. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
- The Himalaya Museum
- Visit this museum in Nainital to get an insight into the state of Uttarakhand. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
- Kainchi Dham
- On the Nainital to Almora Road, 9 km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital is the popular pilgrimage centre Kainchi Dham, a Hanuman Temple and ashram founded by the sage Neem Karoli Baba, in 1962. (Uttarakhand Tourism)
Visiting
- Timings, fees
- Not published on the pages read. Confirm locally. Not yet verified
Festivals
- Local fairs and festivals
- Dates to confirm. Not yet verified
Visitor guidelines
- Hill roads close after heavy rain and snow; check road status and avoid driving after dark in the monsoon (estimate).
How to reach Nainital
- By Flight
- Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. After that 70 kms distance has to be traveled by road through a bus or cab. People can also reach Delhi IGI Airport and travel another 300 kms by road. (Uttarakhand Tourism) Official source
- By Train
- You can reach Kathgodam Railway Station by train and it is 23 km away from Nainital. Any Major city of India has trains to Kathgodam railway station. A popular Train called Ranikhet Express runs from New Delhi & Kathgodam. (Uttarakhand Tourism) Official source
- By Road
- If you are starting fromNew Delhi,the 300 kms road route has to be covered by a Bus. You can take a bus from Delhi kashmiri Gate ISBT and cover this journey in 7 hours approx. (Uttarakhand Tourism) Official source
Month by month
| Month | Temp °C | Sunrise | Sunset | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | IMD normals to add | 07:07 | 17:34 | Cold; snow above about 2,000 m; many high roads closed |
| Feb | IMD normals to add | 06:52 | 18:00 | Cold; snow |
| Mar | IMD normals to add | 06:24 | 18:20 | Good: clear, cool |
| Apr | IMD normals to add | 05:47 | 18:38 | Good; Char Dham portals open late April-May (dates announced yearly) |
| May | IMD normals to add | 05:20 | 18:56 | Peak season in the hills |
| Jun | IMD normals to add | 05:12 | 19:13 | Peak season; pre-monsoon |
| Jul | IMD normals to add | 05:22 | 19:14 | Monsoon: landslides block roads |
| Aug | IMD normals to add | 05:40 | 18:54 | Monsoon: landslides; Valley of Flowers in bloom |
| Sep | IMD normals to add | 05:56 | 18:19 | Monsoon easing |
| Oct | IMD normals to add | 06:12 | 17:43 | Best: clear views |
| Nov | IMD normals to add | 06:36 | 17:18 | Good; Char Dham portals close for winter (dates announced yearly) |
| Dec | IMD normals to add | 06:59 | 17:16 | Cold; snow at higher hill stations |
Suggested plans
- Two days
- Nainital, Corbett National Park, Bhimtal, Bhowali.
How to reach Nainital
- By train
- See "Getting there".
- By air
- Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED) and Pantnagar (PGH) (estimate).
- By road
- Hill highways; landslide-prone in the monsoon (estimate).
- Headquarters
- Nainital
- Coast
- Landlocked; Himalayan
Best time to visit Nainital
- Best time
- March-June and September-November in the hills (estimate).
- Climate
- Temperate hills with snow at height; heavy monsoon July-September (estimate).
Dates to plan around in Uttarakhand
- Char Dham portals open — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath: Late April-May; 2027 dates to confirm
- Char Dham portals close — Same: October-November; dates to confirm
- Valley of Flowers season — Chamoli: Monsoon bloom; opening dates to confirm
- Kanwar Yatra — Haridwar: Shravan (July-August); dates to confirm
- Ganga Aarti — Har ki Pauri, Haridwar; Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh: Daily at dusk (estimate)
Where to stay in Nainital
Holiday Home Dhikuli Official source
Maa Garjiya Resort Tourist Rest House Dhikuli Near Garjiya Temple
Nine Corner Retreat TRH Naukuchiyatal Official source
KMVN TRH, Near Lotus Pond, Naukuchiyatal. (Uttarakhand) - 263136
Sarovar Bliss TRH Bhimtal Official source
KMVN TRH, TRC Road, Bhimtal (Uttarakhand) - 263136
TRH Bhowali Official source
KMVN TRH, Main Market, Bhowali, Uttarakhand. - 263156 Near Kainchi Dham 8.3KM Away
TRH Khairna Official source
KMVN TRH, Near Ranikhet bridge, Almora Road, Khairna (Uttarakhand)
TRH Mukteshwar Official source
KMVN TRH, Near Mahadev Temple, Mukteshwar. (Uttarakhand) - 263138
TRH Ramgarh Official source
KMVN TRH, Malla Ramgarh, Ramgarh. (Uttarakhand) - 263137
TRH Ramnagar Official source
Ranikhet road just beside Jim Corbett Office in Ramnagar
TRH Snowview (Nainital) Snowview Heritage Official source
KMVN TRH Snow View, Nainital - 263002
TRH Sukhatal (Nainital) Mount View Official source
Address not shown; see the KMVN page
TRH Tallital (Nainital) Sarovar Official source
Lake view, Tallital (Nainital) - 263001
Quick answers about Nainital
What is Nainital known for?
Kumaon division. Nainital, Corbett National Park, Bhimtal.
What is the one place not to miss in Nainital?
Nainital. Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. (Uttarakhand Tourism; wording is the source's own claim)
Which is the nearest railway station to Nainital?
See "Getting there".
Which is the nearest airport to Nainital?
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED) and Pantnagar (PGH) (estimate).
When is the best time to visit Nainital?
March-June and September-November in the hills (estimate).
How many places are there to visit in Nainital?
Our guide lists 31 places in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, across district headquarters, temples and pilgrimage, hill stations and towns, peaks, parks and lakes, museums and culture.
Official links and sources
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Nainital ↗
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Corbett National Park ↗
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Bhimtal ↗
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Bhowali ↗
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Sattal ↗
- Wikipedia: List of districts of Uttarakhand ↗
- Business Standard: Boundaries of administrative units to be frozen on Dec 31, 2025 for Census (29 Jun 2025) ↗
- KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) hotels, read 3 Nov 2026 ↗