Can you really afford to miss these 10 Absolute Places to visit While Backpacking Nainital ?

Nainital which is also renowned as “The Lake City” is a place which is frequently visited by backpacker, honeymooners and leisure seeking tourists. Being nestled in the Kumaun region it is beautifully surrounded by mountainous terrain and stunning lakes. Undoubtedly it is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, due to its location among the hills, the climate, the beauty and the wonderful landscapes that it offers the tourists. 

Best Time to visit Nainital:- Best time to visit Nainital  is from March to June, and potentially in October also.  For the snow lovers, an outing can be arranged from late November also.

As  many travellers visit Nainital all throughout the year, most of them  somehow miss some of the best Places to visit in Nainital due to rush, which could add up even more spice to their trip.  So lets check out these 10  Absolute Places to visit When Backpacking Nainital for  real insiders experience.

1. Nainital Lake

A standout amongst the most mainstream tourist destinations in Nainital and its heart – the Naini Lake mirrors the color of excellent surroundings. The lake is a pear-shaped, draws in number of travelers who come and appreciate boating, yachting or paddling in the lake. One can investigate the lake starting with one end then onto the next watching dynamic and quiet perspectives on the nightfall. The lake is encompassed by seven verdant slopes.

Location : 1 km /10 min

Ideal for : Adventure lovers, Couples, Family & Exploration time is 1 Hr

Opening Time: All days /9 am-5pm

Entry Fee:- INR 160 for half round & INR 250 for full round.

Tips:- 

• While boating in Nainital lake do wear life jackets for safety. 
• Boating in night is prohibited but tourist can enjoy a pleasing night walk along side the naini lake to experience the magical reflections of stars on naini lake.

2. Nainital Zoo

The zoo contains a few exotic  and endangered species of birds and animals which are local to this district. Spot Snow Leopard,  Siberian Tiger, Hill Fox, Palm Civet Cat, Barking Deer, Wolf,  Himalayan Black Bear, White peacock and a lot more animal species here. Since it is settled at an elevation of 2100 meters, different birds  and animals have made it their beloved territory.

Location : 1.3 km /8 min

Ideal for : Family, Wildlife lovers & Exploration time is 2 Hr

Opening Time: All days except Monday /9:30am-4:30pm

Entry Fee: INR 40 for Childrens & INR 80 for  Adults 

Tips:- 

• Road to Nainital zoo is very steep so drive carefully . You can also take zoo shuttle service to reach there.

3. Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi temple rests over the banks of Naini Lake and is a prominent spot to see in Nainital in May and June. It is believed that Goddess Sati's eyes fell at precisely the same spot where this sanctuary stands, which draws in an extraordinary number of devotees. The sanctuary is arranged at the highest point of Naina Hill.

Location : 1.8 km /7 min

Opening Time:  Open All Days

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Lake View from temple is magnificent. Visitors should maintain dignity

4. Snow View Point

Of the numerous tourist places in Nainital, the most established Snow Viewpoint is a must visit. The perspective offers hypnotizing views of the snow-clad pinnacles of the great Himalayan range. The peak is associated by motorable streets and an aerial ropeway. The vast majority likewise select to trek to the point and appreciate the perspectives on snow-topped slopes like Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi. 

Location : 2.9 km /12 min

Ideal for: Adventure

Opening Time: All Days Except Saturday/10:30am-5pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• The place provides lovely view of Himalayas. The view isn't guaranteed though since mountains are covered by fog sometimes .

5. Naina Peak

The Naini Peak gives a magnificent all encompassing perspective of the snow-topped Himalayas and a fantastic perspective of the Nainital city. Otherwise called China Peak, the peak is acclaimed for trekking and horse riding in Nainital.

Location : 10 km /30 min

Ideal for : Adventure

Opening Time: Open all days

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Do carry your own picnic basket as there is no places to eat here.
• You can visit this place by trekking trek or horse riding.

6. Tiffin Top

Also renowned as Dorothy Seat which is a stonework perch on the Tiffin Top built in a memory of painter Dorothy Kellet, this viewpoint offers amazing perspectives of the Himalayas and Nainital. It gives stunning perspectives of the town. Roosted at a stature of 2290 meters, Tiffin Top is a popular picnic spot in Nainital.

Location : 9.1 km /2.30 Hrs

Ideal for : Adventure

Opening Time: Open all days

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Elders  should take a horse ride for this terrain of approx 5 kms & shall carry food packets as there are limited places to eat.

7. Lands end

Tiffin Top and  Lands end can be covered at a stretch as both placeare located side by side. 

Location : 6 km /20 min

Ideal for : Adventure, Family

Opening Time: Open all days

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Horse riding is available here.Negotiation is must beforehand.

8.  Mall Road

The Mall Road is among the best places to visit in Nainital. A shopaholic's heaven, one could walk around for quite a long time. The street has numerous road shops, malls, banks, lodgings, eateries, and more.

Location : 1 km /5 min

Ideal for : Shopping, Family, Kids, Food

Opening Time: Open all days

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Mall road is closed from 06pm till 09pm for vehicles. Heavy vehicles not allowed.

9.  ARIES

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, is an prominent astronomical institute situated at Manora Peak close to Nainital. Guests can see celestial bodies from the telescope at ARIES. It is otherwise called Astronomical Observatory, which is one of a kind spot where you get the opportunity to see a wide assortment of binoculars and telescopes, the observatory is an must visit for the stargazers.

Location : 8 km /19 min

Ideal for : Family & Kids

Opening Time: Open all days from 09 AM-01 PM & 3.30PM-07:30PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Prior permission is needed here

10.  Hanuman Garhi

Built in 1950, this hillside Hindu sanctuary devoted to Lord Hanuman offers sunrise and nightfall views. A standout amongst the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, the Hanuman Garhi was set up by Baba Neem Karauli with a wonderful statue of Lord Hanuman at the top that pulls in visitors from far away. Situated at a height of 6,401 ft above sea level, it gives magnificent views of nightfall, besides being a beguiling spot for explorers to appreciate a leisurely  walk.

Location : 3 km /30 min

Opening Time: Open all days from

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Tips:- 

• Sunrise and sunset views are beautiful from here.Popular religious place among locals.

Conclusion:-
Besides places that are mentioned above there are some other good places to visit in and near Nainital such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Eco Cave Garden, Governor House, Suicide Point, Waterfall, Kilbury, Ropeway etc.

Tips:-

• Avoid visiting in monsoon season as the roads clog due to heavy rainfall.
• In the event that you are planing to visit Nainital in peak months then you should/must book a hotel in advance as the reservations might be done to soon.
• Being a prominent visitor goal you don't need to think about how to reach Nainital, as this spot is all well connected  with various towns and cities over the world by means of rail, air, and street.

Explore  more exciting places in Nainital via clicking Places to visit in Nainital here.

Happy Travelling:)