Top 10 Places to Visit in Nainital: 1 Day Complete itinerary

Nainital holds a unique charm among all the hill stations of Uttarakhand, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty, heritage, and adventure for mountain enthusiasts. From tranquil lakes to lush nature parks, from historic villas to thrilling hiking trails, Nainital has something for everyone.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 places to visit in Nainital that weekend travelers shouldn’t miss when visiting Nainital.

Here are the top 10 places to visit in Nainital, comprising a one-day itinerary that encompasses all the major attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

1- Nainital

Nainital is famous for its lakes, verdant landscapes, and breathtaking vistas. Naini Lake is is one of the top 10 places to Visit in Nainital. The city offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from leisurely boat rides on Naini Lake to exploring picturesque viewpoints like Snow View and Tiffin Top. Here are some essential places to visit in Nainital:

2- Eco Cave Gardens:

Nestled in Sukhatal, Eco Cave Gardens boast a series of interconnected caves and hanging gardens. Visitors can meander through caves resembling various animals, delight in a mesmerizing musical fountain, and let children frolic in a designated play area.

3- Khurpatal:

Situated roughly 10 km away from Nainital, Khurpatal is a tranquil lake ensconced amidst pine and oak forests. It serves as an idyllic retreat, perfect for leisurely nature walks, birdwatching, and angling.

4- G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo:

Established in 1984 at an elevation of 2,100 meters, this zoo stands as India’s highest. It is famous for its conservation efforts and houses rare Himalayan species such as snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan black bears.

5- Naini Lake:

Serving as the heart of Nainital, Naini Lake is a crescent-shaped water body enveloped by verdant hills. Legend has it that the lake resembles one of Shiva’s wife’s emerald green eyes. Visitors can indulge in boating or take leisurely strolls along Mall Road, which offers stunning mountain views.

6- Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat):

Perched atop Ayarpatta Hill, Tiffin Top offers awe-inspiring panoramas of Nainital and its surrounding hills. Named after the English artist Dorothy Kellet, it’s an ideal spot for picnics and short treks.

7- Snow View Point:

A popular destination accessible via cable car or trekking, Snow View Point affords breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan peaks. Complete with a small temple and multiple viewpoints, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

8- Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan):

Once known as the Government House, this mansion stands as a splendid example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Guided tours offer insight into its opulent interiors and lush gardens, with a history dating back to 1899.

9- Naina Devi Temple:

Situated beside Naini Lake, this temple dedicated to Devi Sati (Parvati) draws pilgrims with its traditional Kumaoni architecture and tranquil ambiance, offering panoramic views of the lake. It’s also counted among the 51 Shakti Peeths.

10- St. John in the Wilderness Church:

Constructed in 1844 amidst deodar trees, this Anglican church is famous for its Neo-Gothic architecture and exquisite stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The churchyard provides a serene retreat with scenic vistas.

Conclusion

Nainital stands as a quintessential destination among the hill stations of Uttarakhand. For weekend travelers seeking a memorable experience, our one-day itinerary for top 10 places to visit in Nainital encapsulates the essence of Nainital’s allure.