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Best Places to Visit in Nainital and Nainital 3 days itinerary (2026 Guide) | Traviya

If you’re planning a trip to Nainital, try to explore more than just the well-known lake and Mall Road. This lovely hill station in Uttarakhand has peaceful lakes, stunning viewpoints, old temples, forests, waterfalls, charming villages, and plenty of adventure activities. Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a family trip, a honeymoon, or a road trip through Kumaon, this guide shares the top places to see in and around Nainital.

1. Naini Lake

Naini Lake is the heart of Nainital, surrounded by green hills and the busy Mall Road. You can go paddle boating, rowing, or just relax by the water and enjoy the view.
Best for: Boating, photography, evening walks

2. Naina Devi Temple

This revered temple sits on the north side of Naini Lake and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred places where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen. According to legend, her eyes (naina) fell here, which is how the lake and town got their name.
Best for: Spiritual visitors and cultural experiences

3. Mall Road

Mall Road is Nainital’s most popular street. It’s great for shopping, tasting local food, relaxing in cafés, and taking evening walks by the lake.
Don’t miss:
  • Momos
  • Bal Mithai
  • Local woolen clothes
  • Handmade candles

4. Camel’s Back Road

Camel’s Back Road is a scenic 3 km path that links Tallital and Mallital along the eastern hillside. It gets its name from a rock that looks like a camel’s hump. This is one of Nainital’s oldest and most photographed spots, and it’s popular for evening walks, horse rides, and watching the sunset over the valley.
Best for: Easy walks, photography, sunset views

5. St. John in the Wilderness Church

This church was built in Gothic style between 1846 and 1848, making it one of the oldest colonial buildings in Nainital. The peaceful churchyard contains graves from the 1880 landslide that struck the town, so it’s both a place of worship and part of local history.
Best for: Heritage and history lovers

6. Snow View Point

You can reach Snow View Point by ropeway or by car. From here, you get wide views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, and on clear days, you can even see Nanda Devi.

7. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Tiffin Top is a favorite spot for trekkers. It offers amazing views of Nainital and the nearby mountains.

8. Naina Peak (China Peak)

Naina Peak, at 2,615 meters, is the highest spot in Nainital and is about 6 km from town. Trekkers are rewarded with views of the Himalayas on one side and the lake town below on the other.

9. Land’s End

Land’s End is a quiet viewpoint that looks over Khurpatal valley and its terraced fields, about 4 km from town. The road ends here, and after this point, only a footpath continues.

10. Eco Cave Gardens

Eco Cave Gardens is a fun place for families, with natural caves you can walk through, hanging gardens, and a musical fountain.

11. Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan)

Governor’s House is a grand building from the British era, built in Scottish style. It has lovely gardens and even a golf course.

12. High Altitude Zoo

The High Altitude Zoo is home to rare Himalayan animals like snow leopards, black bears, wolves, and colorful pheasants. It’s the only high-altitude zoo in North India apart from those in Darjeeling and Sikkim, and it has a snow leopard breeding program.

13. Hanuman Garhi

The Hanuman temple is one of the best spots in Nainital to watch the sunset.

14. Thandi Sadak

Thandi Sadak is a quiet path by the lake, away from cars. It’s perfect for morning walks and taking photos.

15. Himalaya Darshan

Himalaya Darshan is one of the best places to see the Himalayan mountains, especially when the weather is clear.

16. Lover’s Point

Lover’s Point is a pretty spot that’s popular with photographers and tourists exploring the area.

17. Bara Patthar

Bara Patthar is known for horse riding, forest trails, and its peaceful setting. You also get nice views of Khurpatal from the ridge.

18. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species recorded in its thick oak and pine forests. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots in the Kumaon Himalayas.

19. Pangot

Pangot is a lovely village near Nainital, known for birdwatching, camping, and quiet stays.

20. Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham is one of Uttarakhand’s most famous spiritual places, drawing visitors from all over the world. The ashram of Neem Karoli Baba is visited by both Indian and international travelers.

21. Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple

Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple is famous for the thousands of bells that people tie when their wishes come true. Many local taxi tours include this temple in their route.

22. Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a pretty hill town about 50 km from Nainital. It’s known for the Mukteshwar Temple, adventure sports, and great views of the Himalayas.

Beautiful Lakes Near Nainital

If you have an extra day, don’t miss:
  • Bhimtal
  • Sattal
  • Naukuchiatal
  • Khurpatal
  • Sariyatal
Each of these lakes has something special to offer, like boating, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, or paragliding.

Adventure Activities

If you love adventure, you can try:
  • Ropeway ride
  • Boating
  • Trekking
  • Horse riding
  • Camping
  • Paragliding
  • Rock climbing
  • Cycling
  • Nature walks
  • Birdwatching

Hidden Gems Around Nainital

Many local taxi drivers also recommend:
  • Sher Ka Danda Ridge
  • Manora Peak
  • Gagar View Point
  • Khurpatal View Point
  • Bhalu Gaad Waterfall
  • Corbett Falls
  • Jyolikot
  • Ramgarh
  • Bhowali
These lesser-known spots are peaceful and let you escape the crowds.

Suggested Sightseeing Itinerary

Day 1

  • Naini Lake
  • Naina Devi Temple
  • Mall Road
  • Camel’s Back Road
  • Ropeway
  • Snow View Point
  • Hanuman Garhi

Day 2

  • Eco Cave Gardens
  • Tiffin Top
  • Naina Peak
  • Governor’s House
  • Zoo
  • St. John in the Wilderness Church
  • Thandi Sadak

Day 3

  • Kainchi Dham
  • Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple
  • Bhimtal
  • Naukuchiatal
  • Sattal

Best Time to Visit Nainital

  • March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
  • July to September: Lush greenery with occasional heavy rainfall.
  • October to December: Crystal-clear mountain views and cool weather.
  • January to February: A chance to experience snowfall during colder periods.

Final Thoughts

Nainital is more than just a lake town. With quiet forest trails, wide viewpoints, old temples, hidden villages, and lovely nearby lakes, there’s something special everywhere you go. Whether you’re with family, friends, or your partner, spending at least 2 or 3 days lets you see both the famous sights and the hidden gems that make Nainital one of India’s favorite hill stations.
If you’re planning your trip, think about adding Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, and Kainchi Dham to your itinerary to enjoy the best of the Kumaon region.