Best Places to Visit in the City of Lakes for Boating and Himalayan Views
In 1839, a British trader named P. Barron stumbled upon a hidden lake tucked into the Kumaon Himalayas and was captivated enough to build a colonial settlement on its shores. That lake, Naini Lake, still sits at the centre of the town today, giving it the enduring nickname the City of Lakes and making it one of the most searched hill stations for anyone planning Uttarakhand tourism.
The crescent-shaped lake remains the heart of everything, with boating, yachting, and paddling by day and a glow from the surrounding hillside lights by evening. On its northern shore stands Naina Devi Temple, one of India's 51 Shakti Peethas and a major pilgrimage stop, while a short cable car ride from Mallital carries visitors up to Snow View Point for panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks beyond. Mall Road runs alongside the lake with its shops, cafes, and Tibetan Market stalls, and further out, Kainchi Dham, the ashram once visited by Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, draws its own steady stream of curious travellers.
Beyond the lake, the town rewards a bit of wandering: the viewpoint at Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat, the Gothic-style Raj Bhavan, once home to the British Governor, and the quieter Khurpatal Lake 10 kilometres out, good for fishing and buying organic hill produce. Birdwatchers head to Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 580 species, while devotees continue on to Hanuman Garhi and Kasar Devi Temple for their own quiet corners of this Himalayan hill town.
Our Resort(s) at NAINITAL
Important Information
State: Uttarakhand
District: Nainital
Destination Type: Hill Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (about 68 km away)
Road Connectivity: Well connected via NH109 from Kathgodam and Haldwani, with the resort located on the quieter Nainital-Almora Road (about 68 km away)
Languages: Kumaoni, Garhwali, and Hindi
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Summer (March to May): Pleasant, with temperatures between 14°C and 30°C and a cool breeze setting in by evening
Monsoon (June to September): Rain-fed and lush, rejuvenating the surrounding hills though trails can turn slippery
Winter (October to February): Cold, with temperatures that can dip below 0°C, occasionally bringing snowfall to the higher viewpoints
- ● Carry warm clothing even in summer, since evenings and nights stay noticeably chilly at this altitude.
- ● Remove footwear before entering Naina Devi Temple or any other shrine around the lake.
- ● Book cable car tickets to Snow View Point early in the day during peak season to avoid long queues.
- ● Watch for the rare green pigeon native to these Kumaon hills while walking the quieter trails around town.
- ● Pick up local organic products like millets, jams, and sauces from the shops around Mall Road and Khurpatal.
- Avoid driving on the narrower ghat roads after dark during the monsoon, when visibility and road conditions can worsen quickly.
QUICK FACTS
OUR RESORT AT NAINITAL
Sterling Nainital
Set back from the crowds along the Nainital-Almora Road in the quieter hamlet of Bhumiadhar, Sterling Nainital is a 49-room resort styled around Neo Colonial architecture and Aipan-inspired local art. Every room here opens to a valley view, with tiers ranging from the balconied Valley View Classic Room and Valley View Premier Room to the Valley View Premier Room with Sit-Out, its private deck looking straight out over the pine forests below. Meals at Tadka, the resort's multicuisine restaurant, lean into Kumaoni specialities such as Palak Ka Kapha and Pahadi Shikar alongside familiar Indian and international dishes.
LOCATION & INFORMATION
State: Uttarakhand
District: Nainital
Destination Type: Hill Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (about 68 km away)
Road Connectivity: Well connected via NH109 from Kathgodam and Haldwani, with the resort located on the quieter Nainital-Almora Road (about 68 km away)
Languages: Kumaoni, Garhwali, and Hindi
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
- ● Carry warm clothing even in summer, since evenings and nights stay noticeably chilly at this altitude.
- ● Remove footwear before entering Naina Devi Temple or any other shrine around the lake.
- ● Book cable car tickets to Snow View Point early in the day during peak season to avoid long queues.
- ● Watch for the rare green pigeon native to these Kumaon hills while walking the quieter trails around town.
- ● Pick up local organic products like millets, jams, and sauces from the shops around Mall Road and Khurpatal.
- Avoid driving on the narrower ghat roads after dark during the monsoon, when visibility and road conditions can worsen quickly.
Summer (March to May): Pleasant, with temperatures between 14°C and 30°C and a cool breeze setting in by evening
Monsoon (June to September): Rain-fed and lush, rejuvenating the surrounding hills though trails can turn slippery
Winter (October to February): Cold, with temperatures that can dip below 0°C, occasionally bringing snowfall to the higher viewpoints
Gallery
Best Time to Visit
March to May - Summer, Pleasant Escape from the Plains
This stretch is often considered the best time to visit Nainital, with daytime temperatures between 14°C and 30°C, ideal for lake boating and long walks along Mall Road. Evenings turn cool enough for a light jacket even in peak summer.
June to September - Monsoon, Lush but Unpredictable
Rainfall keeps the surrounding hills a vivid green and the lake at its fullest, though sudden showers and occasional landslides can disrupt travel on the ghat roads. This season suits travellers who don't mind adjusting plans for quieter, rain-washed views.
October to February - Winter, Crisp and Occasionally Snowy
Winter brings clear skies and genuinely cold temperatures that can dip below 0°C, with a chance of snowfall around Snow View Point and Naina Peak in the coldest months. It's a favourite season for travellers chasing snow without heading deeper into the high Himalayas.
Travellers who want comfortable boating weather and clear lake views should aim for March to May, while those chasing a rare shot at snowfall should plan for December or January. The monsoon months are best avoided by anyone with a tight itinerary, since ghat-road conditions can change quickly.
Experiences
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Naini Lake: The Lake Named After The Eyes Of a Goddess
The ancient Naini Lake is what gave Nainital its name. A magnificent sight to look at, this lake is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
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Eco Caves : Where the Big Cats Sleep
Have you ever wondered what life was like when early man lived in caves among big wild cats in prehistoric times? Visit the secluded caves of Mallital and you will get a glimpse of prehistoric life.
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Mall Road: The Lifeline of Nainital
The Mall Road at Nainital skirts the beautiful Naini Lake. Lined with shops, eateries and parks - this is where Nainital comes to life.
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Kainchi Dham: The Legacy of Mystics
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg visited this hermitage to seek answers to life. Make a trip to this ashram and you could find the answers that you seek too!
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Raj Bhavan: The Governor's residence
Raj Bhavan was built to look like the Buckingham Palace at the turn of the 20th century. The estate once housed the British Governor and is now home to Uttarakhand's Governor.
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Khurpatal: Fish and Chill
Khurpatal is a pretty lake just 10 km from Nainital. You can fish, walk and buy organic produce from the farms in the vicinity.
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Golu Devta: The King Who Became God
The temple of Golu Devta is a fine example of how a mere mortal got elevated to a God-like stature, through stories heard and shared over generations.
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Hanuman Garhi: A Temple Built by a Wandering Saint
The wandering saint from Nainital, Neem Karoli Baba, built the Hanuman Garhi atop a hill. This quiet temple is a must visit for those in search of peace or even just a good vantage point to enjoy the views of Nainital.
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A Hilltop of Quiet Power
Tucked away in the serene Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, Kasar Devi Temple is a modest shrine with a legacy that spans centuries—and dimensions. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is believed to mark the sacred site where Kaushiki Devi defeated the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh, as told in the Devi Bhagavata Purana. Behind the temple, a natural rock formation is said to bear the impression of her lion mount—an enduring reminder of the divine energy said to reside here.
