Nainital has many places in and around the town that tourists can visit. Apart from the usual sightseeing points, there are numerous hiking trails and hilltop points that you can visit while in Nainital. Even a week will be less if you want to explore every beautiful place in Nainital in one trip. Most tourists spend two or three days maximum in Nanital in one trip. And cover commonly visited sites in Nainital, including the lakes in and around Nainital.
Usually, it is possible to cover most of the frequently visited touristy places in 3 days. But visiting Nainital in one day is a tough job. It will be more of running around rather than feeling the charm of the place. And even running continuously throughout the day, covering all the areas in Nainital, is impossible.
But occasionally, due to unavailability of time, especially if you are on a quick weekend trip or taking a break at Nainital during your journey in other remote places in Kumaon or adding up Nainital with your trip to Corbett National Park, all you get is one full day to spend in Nainital.
This post is for that quick stopover kind of tourist visiting Nainital for the first time and wanting to explore the maximum of Nainital in one day. Let’s start the itinerary and make it as chronological and detailed as possible so you can follow it as scripted without thinking about or modifying it.
About Nainital
Nainital is a popular hill station in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand state. Nainital is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and beautiful lakes. Nainital is also called the “city of lakes.” There are many natural lakes in and around Nainital town. Naini Lake is the most popular of these lakes, located in the town’s centre.
Nainital is situated at an elevation of 2084 metres above sea level. The Nainital Lake is surrounded by hills, with Naina Peak, the highest peak in Nainital, located on the north side. The views of the town, especially the Naini Lake from Naina Peak, are stunning.
Nainital was the summer capital of the United Provinces during the British rule of India. Even now, it is the judicial capital of the state. The picturesque Governor House is in Nainital, also known as Raj Bhawan, a frequently visited place by tourists due to its colonial architecture.
Modern-day Nainital is a busy hill city with administrative offices, markets, schools, colleges, hotels, resorts and friendly people. Beautiful landscapes, lovely weather, good road connectivity, and availability of all modern amenities make Nainital one of the most visited hill stations in India.
How to reach
Nainital can be reached by road, rail and air. It is well connected with major cities in India. Delhi is the nearest metro city to Nainital. You can select different modes of transportation to reach Nainital depending on your time and budget.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar which is 70 kilometres away. It takes around 2 hours to reach Nainital from Pantnagar (PGH). Flight to Nainital is available via Lucknow and Delhi. Direct flights to Pantnagar are only available from Delhi, Lucknow and Jaipur. At this moment, only Indigo Airlines operate from Pantnagar Airport. The distance between Delhi Airport (DEL) and Nainital is 310 kilometres.
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Book airport cabs to and from Nainital
By Train:
Kathgodam(KGM) is the nearest railway station to Nainital at 34 kilometres. Kathgodam is connected to almost all major cities in India by superfast trains. 12040 NDLS-KGM (New Delhi-Kathgodam) Shatabdi Express is the best option for travellers who want to travel during the daytime. 15013 DEE-KGM (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Kathgodam) Ranikhet Express is the best train for an overnight journey.
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By Road:
Nainital is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by bus, taxi, or self-drive. You can find regular bus services from major cities in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. Regular and luxury buses are available from Delhi ISBT to Nainital. It takes 7-8 hours to reach Nainital from Delhi.
If you prefer more convenience and flexibility, hiring a cab or driving your own vehicle is a good option. You can pre-book your cabs from Delhi or nearby cities from travel agencies. You will also get outstation Ola and Uber cabs from Delhi throughout the day.
Book your bus ticket to Nainital
Where to stay
Nainital has a number of hotels, resorts, hostels and homestays. The options are available for all price ranges from basic to luxury. You can stay at the lakeside beside Naini Lake if you want to stay near Mall Road or book accommodation beside Sattal or Bhimtal Lake if you are looking for peaceful surroundings. The hotels and homestays at Ayarpatta Hills are best for those who want to stay in the lap of nature surrounded by forest with a distant view of Naini Lake.
If you want to stay at the centre of all happenings, book accommodation beside Mall Road, Tallital or the Mallital area. Mall Road has several restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and pizza counters. Whereas the neighbourhood area of Ayarpatta and Sherwani does not have many options for cafes and eateries.
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has very good properties run by govt. at Tallital, Sukhatal, and Snow View Point in Nainital. You can also stay at TRH Bhimtal, TRH Naukuchiyatal or TRH Bhowali if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Book the best hotels in Nainital
Book the best of homestays in Nainital
How to plan your perfect one day in Nainital
Let’s break the planning into a few simple points to make things easier. The first thing to consider would be what places you must visit. Second is in which order you will see them so that they cover the maximum number of places at the end of the day. Third is how you will commute in and around the town. Fourth is when and where you will take a break during your day out. And finally, you must consider adding a few family activities as well to make it a complete one-day tour package of Nainital.
Things to see in Nainital in one day
Broadly you can divide the sightseeing places in and around Nainital into two parts – the tour of the lakes outside Nainital town and the adjacent areas, or you can visit the places in Nainital. If you have one day to spend in Nainital, I would suggest visiting the places in the town only. It will take a full day to cover most of them. On another day, you can always go for a tour of the lakes around Nainital, or you can add a few lakes on your way to Haldwani.
So in this article, I will only write about the places inside Nainital that you can visit in one day. There are a few hiking trails that you can do inside Nainital, but I will skip them as they are time-taking and not suitable for every family or tourist, at least not for someone who is staying in Nainital just for a day. The sequence of visiting the sightseeing points will be as listed.
- St John in The Wilderness Church
- Eco Cave Garden
- Suicide Point / Lover’s Point
- Khurpatal Lake
- Woodland Waterfall
- Naini Lake View
- Himalaya Darshan
- Nainital Ropeway or Nainital Zoo
- Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Mall Road
St John In The Wilderness Church
St John in the wilderness church is one of the oldest buildings in Nainital. This church was built in 1848 in a Gothic style. The beautiful neo-gothic architecture with long corridors and stained glass windows attracts visitors here. The peaceful ambience and the shadow of the long deodar trees calm your mind and let you relax. That is why Jim Corbett frequently visited it for prayers. The graveyard on the backside has graves of some notable personalities, including Jim Corbett’s parents and the people who lost their lives in a deadly landslide in Nainital in 1980. The Trees surround the church and are not visible from the road. Although it is very close to the main road, you have to ask the locals for its exact location.
How to reach: St John In The Wilderness Church is around 2 kilometres away from Mallital Taxi Stand. The church is not visible from the road. You have to ask the locals for the entrance.
Address: Sherwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 10 am – 6:30 pm
Entry fee: No
Eco Cave Garden
Eco Cave Garden is a prime attraction in Nainital, not only for tourists but also for locals. This is essentially a cluster of natural rocky caves adequately lighted and made accessible by the tourism authority. The place is made more attractive by creating hanging gardens and activities for visitors. You can enjoy ziplining, sky cycling and rides for children inside the park. A cafeteria is also inside to provide visitors with snacks and drinks.
There are five caves inside. They are Panther Cave, Tiger Cave, Bat Cave, Apes Cave, and Flying Fox Cave. Walking and crawling inside these caves will be a memorable experience for the visitors. Negotiating through the narrow path inside these caves can be challenging for older people and children.
How to reach: Eco Cave Garden is around 2.5 kilometres from Nainital Taxi Stand. You can easily reach there in a cab or walk from Mall Road.
Address: Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Entry fee:
- Below five years – nil,
- Five years – ten years – ₹60,
- Above ten years – ₹100
Suicide Point / Lover’s Point
Nainital also has a suicide point and lover’s point like other hill stations in India. The only difference is that the suicide and lover’s points are in the same spot. A vertical cliff with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains is worth visiting this place. The selfie point, the roadside snack and juice counters, the woollen stoles for your loved ones and the horse rides to the nearby forest all make this place a perfect place for lovers or couples to spend some time. Ironically, there are also reported incidents of suicides from the cliff here that familiarise the site as a suicide point.
How to reach: Lover’s Point is 5 kilometres from Mall Road and on the way towards Kaladhungi Road.
Address: Naina Range, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 6 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: No
Khurpatal Lake
Khurpa Taal is a small lake outside Nainital towards Kaladhungi Road. The lake looks like a khurpa or trowel from above, and that’s how the name came. The clean emerald colour water with green mountains around make this place a scenic one. This place is popular for angling among locals. You can also enjoy boating on this lake.
How to reach: Khurpatal Lake is located at an 11 km distance from Tallital Bus Stand. You can take your car to the lakeside or hike down from a viewpoint above that offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surroundings.
Address: Khurpa Taal, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India
Entry time: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: No
Woodland Waterfall
Woodland Waterfall is a small waterfall near Nainital. SariyaTal, which is located a little away from the main town, has an outlet for water which has been streamlined into a waterfall in the lower reaches and developed as a tourist spot. This waterfall is called Woodland Waterfall. You can spend some time here with your families while dipping your feet in the chilly water of the stream.
How to reach: Woodland Waterfall is located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Nainital Bus Stand.
Address: Smanora Range, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 10 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: ₹50
Naini Lake View Point or Mango Lake View Point
This is a popular viewpoint up on the hills from where the full extent of Naini Lake can be seen. It looks like an inverted mango from this viewpoint. This place is popular among tourists for taking photographs and selfies with the famous Naini Lake. As seen from above, the fantastic landscape of Naini Lake with Nainital Town is worth a quick stop at this place.
How to reach: The place can be reached within 20 minutes by hiring a cab from Mall Road. It is at a distance of 7 kilometres from Mall Road.
Address: Kilbury Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 6 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: No
Himalaya Darshan
Himalaya Darshan View Point is a vantage point on the way to Kilbury that offers views of snow-capped mountains on a clear day. The snowy peaks at the horizon and the green valleys beneath are spectacular sights to watch. The meadows of Mukteswar are also visible from this point. You can zoom in on the landscape with the help of the binoculars and telescope on rent at the viewpoint. You can skip this place if you have already visited places in the higher reaches of Kumaon, like Kausani, Chaukori or Mukteswar.
How to reach: Himalaya Darshan View Point is at 8 kilometres distance from Naini Lake and can be easily reached by hiring a car.
Address: Kilbury Road, Nainital
Entry time: 6 am- 6 pm
Entry fee: No
Nainital Ropeway
Ropeway is a must-visit if you are in Nainital town. The panoramic view of Naini Lake and the Nainital city from a moving cable car is a treat to the eyes. The Ropeway extends between Mallital near the Flats to Snow View Point at the upper end. The total distance covered by the Ropeway is nearly 700 metres, and the travel time is close to 5 minutes on one side. Two trolleys are operated, and each car can accommodate a maximum of 11 people.
How to reach: Nainital Ropeway base point is near Mallital. A narrow road goes up opposite the Flats in Mallital. The road starts beside Cafe Himalaya.
Address: Ropeway Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 10 am – 4 pm
Entry fee:
- Child – ₹260
- Adult – ₹360
Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo, also known as G B Pant Zoo, is a high-altitude zoo in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2100 metres from sea level. The zoo is spread over an area of 11 acres. The Nainital Zoo is home to various animals and birds, including some endangered species. Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Tibetan Wolves, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Japanese Macaque and the Himalayan bear. The zoo also houses various birds like Golden Pheasant, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Steppe Eagle, Hill Partridge, White Peafowl, Blossom Headed Parakeet and Red Junglefowl can be seen in Nainital Zoo. This is a perfect place to spend time with your family while visiting Nainital.
How to reach: You can reach Nainital Zoo by shuttle services from Tallital or Mallital Bus Stand. The zoo is at a distance of 1.8 km from Tallital Bus Stand.
Address: Sher Ka Danda Hill, Nainital
Entry time: 10 am – 4:30 pm (Monday closed)
Entry fee:
- Child (5-12 years) – ₹20
- Adult (13-60 years) – ₹50
- Above 60 years – Nil
Naini Lake
Naini Lake is the main attraction of Nainital. Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, and Ropeway Point are all nearby and make the centre of attractions in Nainital for all visitors. The lake is surrounded by seven hills that are covered with coniferous trees. Boating in the water of Naini Lake is a favourite activity of tourists visiting Nainital.
How to reach: Naini Lake is located at the heart of Nainital city. The road beside the Naini Lake between Tallital and Mallital is called the Mall Road.
Entry time: 6 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: Boating in Naini Lake – ₹300-₹400
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 shaktipeeths in which the part of Goddess Sati fell, as the belief goes. It is believed that the eyes (nayan) fell here. Thus the names Naina Devi, Nainital and Naini Lake came from. Naina Devi Temple is one of the most sacred temples in the country that showers blessings to the devotees. Surrounded by the Shivalik Himalayan range, this temple acts like a guardian of Nainital, protecting the town for centuries.
Within the premises of the temple stands high an old Peepal tree guarding the temple and providing shelter to the pilgrims. As you walk inside, there stands Lord Hanuman showering blessings and guarding the goddess. Inside the temple, in the centre, are two Nayan (eyes) representing Naina Devi, Goddess Kali to the left and Lord Ganesha to the right. Two lion statues which represent the vehicle called ‘Vaahan’ of the Goddess, guard the inner shrine.
How to reach: The temple is at the northern end of Naini Lake, beside the lake itself. You can hire a cab to the temple. You can also walk or ride a rickshaw and reach the temple easily if you are in Mall.
Address: Near Flats, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 6 am – 10 pm
Entry fee: No
Mall Road
Mall Road is the most happening place in Nainital. It is right beside Naini Lake and extends between Tallital and Mallital in two ends. The upper end of Mallital is busier than Tallital. With lakeside hotels, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, souvenir shops, and clothing and accessories shops, Mall Road is a must-visit place to feel the vibe of touristy Nainital. The best time to explore Mall Road is between 6 pm to 8 pm when no vehicles are allowed to enter Mall Road, and it becomes a perfect place for an evening walk.
How to reach: Mall Road is the 1.5-kilometre stretch between Tallital and Mallital beside Naini Lake. You can easily reach Mall Road from anywhere in Nainital by hiring a cab.
Entry time: 24 hours a day
Entry fee: No
Few Places that you may add to your itinerary
Raj Bhawan
The Governor House in Nainital is called Raj Bhawan. This building was constructed like a Scottish-look castle in 1899. This old two-storied European building made in Gothic style with a golf course, swimming pool and green lawns attract visitors. The 18-hole golf course in Raj Bhawan is one of the country’s oldest, allowing tourists to try their hands at Golf with an entry fee.
How to reach: You can walk or hire a rickshaw from Nainital Taxi Stand and easily reach Raj Bhawan.
Address: Amghari, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: ₹50, Golf Course entry fee – ₹450
Gurney House
Gurney House used to be the summer house of famous hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett. Now it is a privately owned property by Dalmia’s. It is a small cottage with a garden on all four sides. Inside the house, the possessions of Jim Corbett are still kept. Things like animal trophies, fishing rods, African drums, furniture and books are still displayed in the Gurney House. You need a prior appointment to explore the inside of Gurney House.
How to reach: Gurney House is located on Ayarpatta Hills and is 3.5 kilometres away from Mall Road. It can be easily reached by hiring a cab, or you can go for an uphill walk from Mall Road to get there.
Address: Ayarpatta Hill, Opposite the High Court, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Entry time: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: No
How you should start your one-day tour
If you have one day in Nainital, then the first thing you must do is start early. It will give you more time to spend visiting the town. Depending on the location of your hotel, you should arrange the places in order of how you are going to visit them. Remember, the best time to enjoy boating the Nainital Lake is early morning or late afternoon.
Ropeway, Nainital Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road and the shopping places like Tibetan Market and Mall Road Market are close to Naini Lake, and you must group those places together. Having lunch at Mall Road or nearby areas will give you ample options.
So. the best thing will be to visit the places away from Mall Road in the first half and then have lunch at Mall Road, followed by visiting the points near Mall Road. Then enjoy boating in Naini Lake when the day ends and do shopping after that. Enjoy evening aarti in the Naina Devi Temple before shopping in Tibetan Market. Finally, you can head towards your hotel after dinner in a Mall Road restaurant.
How to move in and around Nainital
The easiest way to move in and around Nanital is to hire a cab. No shuttle services and shared cabs are available to move from point to point. You will get shuttle cabs only for the zoo from Mall Road. Car parking is a problem in Nainital, especially near the Mall Road. There is no car parking on Mall Road beside Naini Lake. Due to the high car parking charges in Mallital and Tallital, the two ends of Mall Road, cars usually park a little away from these two places. So, time will be wasted waiting for your car to pick you up at Mall Road. No cars or rickshaws are allowed on Mall Road between 6-8 pm.
Where to eat
There are many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries on Mall Road. Mall Road is the best place to enjoy your lunch or dinner, with plenty of options. Both veg and non-veg restaurants are available. Gianni’s Pure Veg Restaurant and Ashok Vegetarian Restaurant are good options on Mall Road, where only veg foods are served.
You can visit Machan, Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba, and Zooby’s Kitchen for non-veg restaurants. Alka, The Lakeside Hotel, has a very good in-house restaurant serving delicious food, although the prices are higher. The Boat House on Nainital Mall Road is good for high tea and delicious pastries. Cafe De Mall, Cafe Lakeside, Cafe Chica and Sakley’s are some very good cafes and bakeries in Nainital.
Best restaurants and cafes in Nainital
Activities to do
Boating on the lake water
Boating on the water of Naini Lake is the favourite activity of tourists visiting Nainital. There are a few boating points on Mall Road beside Naini Lake from where you can hire a paddle boat or a traditional boat and sail in the water of the lake. You can also experience yachting on Naini Lake by hiring a yacht from Nainital Boat House Club.
Ropeway Ride
The Nainital Ropeway is very popular among tourists. The town and the Naini Lake view from a moving cable car are amazing.
Fun activities at Snow View
Snow View is the highest point of the Nainital ropeway. There are many activities at Snow View Point for families and kids where you can spend some time. You can also have tea, coffee and momos at the food counters in Snow View Point.
Cave Exploration/Zip lining/air-cycling
Exploring the caves in Eco Cave Garden is a really fun activity. You can explore all the caves and then have some snacks from the food counter. Then you can try ziplining and sky-cycling inside the Eco Cave Garden.
Photography
Nainital is a scenic hill station with beautiful lakes, enchanting forests, and less-explored walking trails with hills-valleys-mountains. You will love to photograph the landscapes in Nainital. Mall Road is a bustling area with opportunities for candid photography as well.
Shopping
Mall Road Market and the Tibetan Market near the Flats are paradises for shopaholics. You can buy winter wears like woollen shawls, jackets, sweaters and stoles at a reasonable price from these places. You can buy different kinds of candles, brass items, wooden items, customised nameplates, key rings and many more as souvenirs from Mall Road shops.
Best time to visit
You can visit Nainital throughout the year and enjoy the vibes of Nainital in different climates. The peak tourist season in Nainital is between March-June and October-November, as the weather is pleasant.
Summer (March to June)
The weather during summer is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C. It’s a great time for boating on Naini Lake, exploring the nearby scenic spots, and enjoying the local attractions. However, keep in mind that Nainital can get crowded, so plan your visit accordingly.
Monsoon (July to September)
Nainital experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 23°C. The lush greenery and misty landscapes make it a picturesque time to visit, but heavy rains can sometimes disrupt outdoor activities. This could be a good time to visit if you don’t mind occasional showers and want to enjoy a serene atmosphere.
Autumn (October to November)
Autumn in Nainital is indicated by pleasant weather and clear skies. Temperatures range from 7°C to 20°C. The post-monsoon period offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the changing colours of the foliage. It’s a good time for nature walks, trekking, and sightseeing.
Winter (December to February)
Nainital experiences cold winters with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C. The town is often covered in snow during this time, making it a popular destination for snow lovers. It’s an excellent time for activities like skiing and snowboarding. However, the weather can be chilly, and some tourist facilities may have limited operation.
Things to remember
FAQs
Is it possible to visit Nainital in one day?
Covering all the tourist attractions in and around Nainital in a single day is impossible. You need at least two days, preferably three, to cover all the sightseeing places in Nainital.
What are the best things to do in Nainital in one day?
You can go for a boat ride in Naini Lake, a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, enjoy activities in Eco Cave Garden and shop at Mall Road in the evening. Yes, you can do all these in one day in Nainital.
Is it worth visiting Nainital for one day only?
It does not make sense if you plan a trip to Nainital only in Kumaon for one day. But if you plan to make a quick stop in Nainital while visiting other distant destinations in Kumaon, then this one-day itinerary of Nainital is perfect for you.
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. You will be directed to another third-party website when you click those links. If you purchase anything via those links, I will earn a referral bonus without any extra cost to you.
