Activity
Things to do in Nainital
12 sights, walks and activities, 5 of them free.
- Things to do
- 12
- Free
- 5
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
Things to do in Nainital
Snow View ropeway return
₹250–₹350 per person1 hour
A hilltop above Nainital with a long view of the snow-capped Himalaya when the air is clear.
Representative photo · Photo by Shafeek on Pexels
Horse ride to Tiffin Top
₹600–₹750 per person2 hours
A forest walk to a rocky ridgetop above Nainital, with views over the town and the hills beyond.
Representative photo · Photo by Diptadip Roy on Pexels
Naina Devi Temple
Free45 min
A temple to Naina Devi on the north shore of the lake, at the heart of Nainital's founding legend.
Evening walk on the Mall Road
Free1–2 hours
The lakeside road between Tallital and Mallital, lined with shops, old hotels and snack stalls.
Photo: Sanjoy · CC BY 2.0
Land's End viewpoint
Free1 hour
A cliff-edge viewpoint above Nainital that looks down on Khurpatal lake and the valley below.
Photo: Tanbatra · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hike to Naina Peak (China Peak)
FreeHalf day
The highest point around Nainital, a forest climb to a summit with a wide view of the Himalaya.
Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba ashram)
FreeHalf day with the drive
Pt. G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
₹100–₹150 per person1–2 hours
A small hill zoo on a steep slope above town, with Himalayan animals such as leopards, bears and deer.
Eco Cave Gardens
₹60–₹100 per person1 hour
A set of natural rock caves linked by narrow passages, each named after an animal, on a hillside garden.
Photo: आशीष भटनागर · CC BY-SA 3.0
Raj Bhavan (Governor's House) guided tour
₹50–₹100 per person1 hour
Guided birding walk at Pangot
Price on requestHalf day
A small village in oak and rhododendron forest known for Himalayan birds such as pheasants and woodpeckers.
Representative photo · Asif N Khan · CC BY 4.0
Good to know
- Avoid days when traffic for Kainchi Dham is heavy.
- Free sights can still charge for parking, shoes or a camera.
- Most sights open from about 9 am to 5 pm; temples keep their own hours.
Questions
What are the best things to do in Nainital?
Naini Lake rowboat; Snow View ropeway return; Horse ride to Tiffin Top; Naina Devi Temple; Evening walk on the Mall Road; Land's End viewpoint.
What can you do for free in Nainital?
Naina Devi Temple; Evening walk on the Mall Road; Land's End viewpoint; Hike to Naina Peak (China Peak); Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba ashram).
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun. Avoid Jul–Aug.
How many days do you need in Nainital?
2 nights covers the main sights at an easy pace; from Delhi that fits a long weekend or a Friday-to-Sunday trip.