Nainital – The Lake District of India

 

Nainital is a beautiful hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, centered around the stunning Naini Lake. Surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with colonial-era buildings, it’s one of the most popular getaways in North India.


 Top Attractions
 
  • Naini Lake: The heart of the town, perfect for boating, yachting, and peaceful lakeside walks.

  • Naina Devi Temple: A revered Shakti temple on the northern bank of Naini Lake, offering both spiritual and scenic appeal.

  • Snow View Point: Accessible by cable car or a short drive, it offers panoramic views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

  • The Mall Road: A lively stretch along the lake with shops, cafes, and street food – ideal for evening strolls.

  • Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): A scenic hiking spot that offers stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains.

  • Nainital Zoo: Home to high-altitude animals like the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolves.

  • Eco Cave Gardens: A series of interconnected caves and hanging gardens that are great fun, especially for children.


 Activities to Enjoy
  • Boating on Naini Lake

  • Ropeway Ride to Snow View Point

  • Trekking & Nature Walks around Tiffin Top, Land’s End, and Naina Peak

  • Shopping at Tibetan Market and Mall Road for woollens, candles, and souvenirs

  • Photography & Bird Watching amidst pine forests and lakeside spots


 Local Cuisine
  • Try Aloo ke Gutke, Bhatt ki Churkani, Gulgula, and local sweets like Bal Mithai and Singhauri.

  • The town also has plenty of bakeries, cafés, and restaurants serving North Indian, continental, and Tibetan food.

 How to Reach
  • By Road: Well-connected to Delhi (~300 km) and major cities in North India by buses and taxis.

  • By Train: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (~35 km), connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 65 km away.

Vista Hostel Jeolikote, Nainital

Vista Hostel, Nainital, Malla Dangad, Chopra, Jeolikote, Uttarakhand, India