Things to Do in Nainital: Lake, Hikes and Day Trips

Quick answer

The best things to do in Nainital are boating on Naini Lake, the ropeway to Snow View, the hike to Tiffin Top or Naina Peak for Himalayan views, and an evening on Mall Road. Use day trips to see the region: Bhimtal and Sattal for quieter lakes, Kainchi Dham, Pangot for birds, and Mukteshwar for the widest mountain views.

13 things worth your time in Nainital

01
Boating on Naini Lake
Experience
Rowing boats, paddle boats and yachts on the lake: the view back to Mallital from the water is the classic Nainital picture.
30–45 minutesAbout ₹250–500 per boat; rates are posted at the jetties
Go early in the morning, before the wind picks up and the queues form.
02
Naina Devi temple
Landmark
The Shakti peeth on the north shore at Mallital, and the centre of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav each September.
45 minutesFree
03
Mall Road and the Flats
Experience
A 1.5-km promenade between Mallital and Tallital with the Tibetan market, old bakeries and candle shops.
2 hoursFree
In season, vehicles are restricted on Mall Road at peak hours, so walk.
04
Snow View Point by ropeway
Nature
A cable car from Mallital up to about 2,270 m. On clear mornings you see Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹300–400 return
Go between 9 and 10 am. The ropeway stops in high wind.
05
Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
Nature
A 4-km walk or pony ride from Ayarpatta through oak forest to a ridge viewpoint at about 2,290 m.
2–3 hoursFree (pony optional)
06
Naina Peak (China Peak)
Nature
At about 2,615 m, the highest point around town. The 5–6 km hike gives the widest Himalayan panorama near Nainital.
4–5 hoursFree
Carry water; there is little on the way. Go with a local guide if the trail is muddy.
07
Eco Cave Gardens
Experience
Six small connected caves to squeeze through, plus a garden and evening musical fountain. Children usually love it.
1 hourAbout ₹60–100
08
Birding at Pangot and Kilbury
Nature
Oak and rhododendron forest about 15 km away with 200-plus recorded species, including cheer pheasant and Himalayan griffon.
Half dayFree; guide about ₹1,500–3,000
Start at first light; winter mornings are best.
09
Kainchi Dham
Landmark
Neem Karoli Baba's ashram, 17 km away on the Bhowali–Almora road, by a river in a pine valley.
2–3 hoursFree
Weekends and 15 June bring very large crowds. Go on a weekday morning.
10
Bhimtal
Day trip
A bigger, calmer lake 22 km away, with an island aquarium and lakeside cafés. A good base when Nainital is packed.
Half dayBoating about ₹300–500
11
Sattal and Naukuchiatal
Day trip
Sattal's linked lakes sit in quiet forest. Naukuchiatal has kayaking and tandem paragliding from the ridge above.
Half dayParagliding about ₹2,500–3,500
12
Mukteshwar
Day trip
At about 2,280 m and 50 km away, it has the Chauli ki Jali rock ledges, the Mukteshwar Dham temple and one of the widest Himalayan skylines in Kumaon.
Full day or overnightFree; adventure activities extra
13
Sunset at Hanuman Garhi
Experience
A temple 3 km below Tallital on the Haldwani road, known for sunset views over the plains.
1 hourFree

How to see Nainital without the traffic

Nainital is small, but its roads are not built for summer crowds. Spend one day on foot in town and use the rest for the hills around it.

In town: boating, Naina Devi temple, Mall Road, Snow View by ropeway and the Tiffin Top walk can all be done without a car.
Ridges above town: Naina Peak and Tiffin Top are the two best views. Both need decent shoes and an early start.
Day trips: Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal sit together to the south-east; Kainchi Dham and Mukteshwar are to the north-east.

Which viewpoint has the best Himalayan view?

Naina Peak has the widest view near town, and Mukteshwar the widest in the region. Snow View is the easiest, by ropeway. All are best from October to December and on spring mornings, before the haze builds. See the best time to visit Nainital.

Tips that save time

On peak weekends, police may stop private cars at outer parking lots and run shuttles into town. Keep luggage light.
The lake-side roads are one-way at times. Ask your hotel about parking before you arrive.
Kainchi Dham crowds can block the Bhowali road. Go early or skip it on weekends.

If you have four days, sleep two nights in Nainital and one in Mukteshwar. Our 4-day Nainital itinerary shows the route.

Choose your base with where to stay in Nainital. Jim Corbett is about 65 km away; see things to do in Jim Corbett if you want to add a safari.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Nainital?

Two days cover the lake, Mall Road, Snow View and one hike. Three or four days let you add Bhimtal, Sattal, Kainchi Dham and a night in Mukteshwar, which is the best way to see the mountains. In peak season, extra time helps absorb traffic delays.

Is the Nainital ropeway worth it?

Yes, on a clear morning. The cable car takes a few minutes to reach Snow View at about 2,270 m, where Nanda Devi and Trishul are visible on clear days. Queues get long by late morning in May and June, and the ropeway stops in strong wind.

What can families with young children do in Nainital?

Boating, the ropeway, Eco Cave Gardens, a pony ride to Tiffin Top and the lakes at Bhimtal and Sattal all suit children. Avoid long hikes like Naina Peak with toddlers. Carry warm layers, as evenings by the lake are cool even in summer.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.