Nainital
Set around the emerald Naini Lake and ringed by wooded ridges, Nainital is the grande dame of Kumaon's hill stations — boating on the water, a sacred temple on its shore, and a lake-side Mall Road that has drawn travellers since colonial times.
A colonial hill station around a sacred lake
Nainital grew up around Naini Lake — a crescent of green water said to mark where the eye, or naina, of the goddess Sati fell. The Naina Devi temple on its northern shore makes it one of the region's revered Shakti sthals.
Found by British traders in the 1840s, the town still wears its colonial past: the Mall Road along the water, old stone churches, and the constant bustle of Tallital and Mallital at either end of the lake.
The best of Naini and its ridges
Naini Lake boating
Pedal or row across the emerald lake in a painted boat — the classic Nainital hour.
Naina Devi Temple
A revered Shakti temple on the lake's north shore, alive with morning prayers and bells.
Snow View Point
Ride the aerial ropeway to 2,270 m for a sweep of the snow-capped Himalaya on clear days.
Tiffin Top & Naina Peak
Pony rides and forest trails up to the town's high ridges and their long valley views.
The Mall Road
A lake-side promenade of cafés, woollens and the Tibetan market — best walked at dusk.
High-Altitude Zoo
Home to the snow leopard and Himalayan black bear, on the slopes above the town.
Getting there
About 22 km via Bhowali — roughly an hour on hill roads. Park free at Blessed Aura and take a local cab to skip Nainital's parking crush.
Best time to visit
March to June for lake weather; autumn for the clearest Himalayan views. Summer holidays and weekends get very crowded.
Good to know
Vehicle entry onto the Mall can be restricted at peak hours. Go early, keep valuables close in the markets, and carry a light layer.
Make Blessed Aura your base
Skip the day-tripper traffic — stay 22 km away at Blessed Aura, wake to hill mist, and reach the lake before the crowds.