10 Incredible Things To Do In Nainital

From 'Where there's a will, there's a way' to 'Nainital is the way!' In Nainital, the list of "things to do” is as diverse as the seasons themselves. In the winter, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting you to enjoy several things to do in Nainital in winters, such as ice skating on the picturesque Naini Lake or cozying up in front of a crackling fireplace. As on summer arrivals, you can explore other offbeat things to do in Nainital, like hiking through lush forests, picnicking by glistening waterfalls, or boating on the tranquil lakes, making it an idyllic summer escape. Here is the list of top things to do in Nainital -

#1. Boating In Naini Lake

1. Boating In Naini Lake

Naini Lake, also referred to as Nainital Lake or Naini Jheel, is a freshwater body situated within the Nainital township. A must-do activity here is boating, and there are several jetties offering a variety of colorful boats, including rowboats, paddleboats, yachts, and gondolas.

Rowboats and pedal boats are the more commonly used options. Rowboats are navigated by skilled boatmen, while tourists can have fun pedaling pedal boats, which often come in entertaining shapes such as ducks and dragons.

#2. Stroll In Mall Road, Nainital

2. Stroll In Mall Road

Mall Road is the ultimate destination for savoring delightful weather and witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of a Nainital sunset. Discover a spot to relax and immerse yourself in the enchanting hues of the sky as the sun gracefully descends below the horizon, casting a spellbinding radiance over the charming town of Nainital.

Mall Road is a lively marketplace adorned with an extensive array of shops offering candles, woolens, wooden artifacts, and aromatic products. It's a one-stop destination for those seeking these unique and charming items. In addition, Mall Road features an assortment of fast-food outlets and restaurants, including popular establishments like Machan Restaurant (offering North Indian and Chinese cuisines), Sakley Restaurant and Pastry Shop, Sher e Punjab Restaurant, Embassy Restaurant, and more.

#3. Market visit in Nainital

3. Market visit in Nainital

Bara Bazar stands as one of the oldest and most cherished markets adjacent to Mall Road, nestled in Mallital. This heritage market boasts a collection of time-honored and renowned shops. Its fame is largely attributed to the wooden artifacts, candles, cane sticks, and an array of woolen items, including scarves, shawls, and handicrafts. The market is also a hub for delectable street food, cozy cafes, and restaurants.

For a taste of the finest delicacies- you can explore some of the age-old establishments like Naini Jalebi Bhandar, Narayan and Sons Pastry Shop, Shiva Restaurant, Anupam Restaurant (famous for local Kumaoni cuisines).

4. Shopping in Tibetan/Bhotia Market

Bhotia Market stands out for its diverse range of winter clothing and woolens, which includes Tibetan ethnic attire. Additionally, visitors can savor the flavors of Tibetan cuisine like Thukpa and momos in food corners like Sonam Fast food, Heart Rock restaurant and many other. Discover the best things to buy in Nainital, from colorful shawls to warm hand-woven sweaters, take home a piece of this charming hill station.

Cable car ride to Snow View Point nainital

#5. A cable car ride to Snow View Point

5. Cable car ride to Snow View Point

Cable ride/ropeway ride is a 5-minute ride from Mallital to Snow View Point. It offers a stunning bird’s eye view if the entire city, especially the Naini Lake, Nainital town and winter weather peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul.

#6. Visit Heritage Boathouse Club

6. Visit Heritage Boathouse Club

Established in 1890, The Boat House Club is the second oldest club in India. It is located on the banks of Naini lake and offers one of the best views of Naini Lake. The club primarily focuses on boating and yachting activities on the lake. The club's has in-house bar and restaurant. It serves delectable food at a reasonable price and the dining at the deck facing Naini Lake is itself a stunning experience. The Members of the club can avail the facility of some games like billiards and enjoy shooting games.

#7. Cave Exploration Activity

7. Cave Exploration Activity

Explore the thrilling world of cave exploration at Eco Cave Garden, featuring six unique caves, each associated with different animals, Tiger, Panther, Porcupine, Bat, Squirrel, Flying Fox and Ape. These caves offer varying levels of difficulty to navigate based on respective animal habitat and for more thrill, caves do have animal sound effects also. Navigating these narrow caves requires bending, crawling, and walking, providing an exhilarating adventure for both children and adventure enthusiasts. In addition to the caves, the garden offers recreational activities such as ziplining, sky cycling, and swings for added enjoyment.

#8. GB Pant Zoo

8. Visit GB Pant Zoo

The zoo has vast species of fauna and flora, which was developed with objective of conservation of endemic and endangered high altitude Himalayan fauna. A visit to this place create awareness about rich Himalayan fauna and give opportunity to see some of rarest animal like leopard, tigers, bear, red panda, dear and Himalayan monkeys.

#9. Raj Bhawan/ Governor's House of Uttarakhand

9. Exploring the Historic Raj Bhawan in Nainital

It’s is historic building with glimpse of British architectural. Recently serves as governor’s house. Its historical importance with architecture magnificence makes it one of must visit spot in Nainital.

#10 Scenic Trek to Tiffin top

10. Scenic Trek to Tiffin top

Embark on a scenic trek through Nainital's verdant forest trails, offering breathtaking vistas of the majestic Himalayan peaks and the Nainital town below. This nature walk is an ideal spot for photography and provides the perfect vantage point to witness stunning sunsets and sunrises.

#11. Hike to Nainital’s highest hilltop ‘Naina Peak’

11. Hike to Nainital’s highest Hilltop

For those seeking adventure activities in Nainital, the options are as thrilling as they are abundant. The trek to Naina Peak is a short but immensely gratifying experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts alike. The trail to Naina Peak is well-marked, winding through dense forests of pine, oak, and deodar trees. The journey itself is an adventure, and the vistas become increasingly awe-inspiring as you ascend towards the summit.

Upon reaching the pinnacle, you are greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire region. The view from Naina Peak is genuinely enchanting. On a clear day, you can behold the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. Furthermore, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the picturesque Nainital Lake, surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, creating a captivating spectacle.

FAQs related to Things to do in Nainital

1. What are the best things to do in Nainital in 2 days?

In Nainital, you can make the most of a 2-day visit with a mix of popular attractions and local experiences. On the first day, start with a serene boat ride on Naini Lake, visit the sacred Naina Devi Temple, and explore Mall Road for shopping and local cuisine. On the second day, explore the Cave Garden and Eco Cave Gardens for unique cave experiences, head to Snow View Point or Tiffin Top for breathtaking Himalayan views, and visit local markets for more shopping and street food delights.

2. What are offbeat things to do near Nainital ?

You can explore offbeat places like Sattal, Khurpatal, Bhimtal, and Pangot, known for their serene lakes, birdwatching opportunities, and natural beauty.

3. Are there adventure activities available in Nainital?

Yes, you can enjoy activities like trekking, boating, and horse riding in Nainital. There are also opportunities for paragliding and camping in the surrounding areas.

4. What is the best time to visit Nainital for a pleasant climate?

The best time to visit Nainital is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

5. What should I shop for in Nainital?

Nainital is known for its local handicrafts, woollen clothes, candles, and souvenirs. The Tibetan Market on Mall Road is a great place to shop for these items.

6. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Nainital?

Yes, Nainital hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, and the Nanda Devi Mela is a significant cultural event celebrated with great enthusiasm.

7. Can I go boating on Naini Lake, and how do I book a boat?

Yes, you can go boating on Naini Lake. Boats can be hired at the lake's edge, and there are options for rowboats, paddle boats, and yachts.

8. What are some family-friendly activities in Nainital?

Nainital offers family-friendly activities like picnicking at scenic viewpoints, boating on Naini Lake, and exploring the local markets on Mall Road.

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