10 Places to Visit in Nainital in One Day: A Perfect Itinerary!

Start your morning with a relaxing boat ride on Naini Lake, the main attraction of the town. The lake is surrounded by hills and looks stunning in the early light. Next, visit the Naina Devi Temple, which is close to the lake. It’s a peaceful spot where you can spend some quiet time.  It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

Take a walk along Mall Road, a lively street with lots of shops and eateries. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and taste local snacks. For incredible views of the snow-covered Himalayas, ride the cable car to Snow View Point. If you like a bit of adventure, you can hike or take a horse ride to Tiffin Top for a 360-degree view of the area. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital. 

In just one day, you can enjoy the natural beauty, spiritual sites, and simple life of Nainital with our Uttarakhand Tour Packages!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Nainital in One Day

• Naini Lake
• Naina Devi Temple
• Mall Road
• Snow View Point
• Tiffin Top
• Eco Cave Gardens
• Nainital Zoo
• Raj Bhawan
• Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
• Hanuman Garhi

1. Naini Lake

Spending some time on a boat lets you experience the lake from different perspectives. The gentle rowing motion and the sound of water splashing against the boat can be incredibly soothing. Whether you choose a paddle boat, rowboat, or yacht, each offers a unique experience. The boats are often colourful and add to the charm of the lake. As you glide over the clear waters, you might notice fish swimming below, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot some ducks paddling alongside you. You might also like to check the best things to do in Uttarakhand for your next visit.

2. Naina Devi Temple

The temple complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings. As you enter, you are greeted by the fragrance of incense and the sound of bells ringing, creating a sacred atmosphere. The temple is usually filled with devotees, and you can often see people offering prayers, lighting candles, and ringing the temple bells. The main deity, Goddess Naina Devi, is depicted with large, expressive eyes, symbolising the all-seeing nature of the goddess. It is among the top places to visit in Nainital in one day.

The temple’s location offers a fantastic view of the Naini Lake and the surrounding hills. The temple premises also house smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. Walking around these shrines, you get a sense of the deep spiritual significance the place holds for the locals.

3. Mall Road

The shops on Mall Road offer a variety of goods, from colourful shawls and scarves to wooden artefacts and jewellery. You can find beautiful candles, handmade soaps, and other local crafts that make for perfect gifts. The shopkeepers are friendly and often willing to bargain, adding to the fun of shopping.

When it comes to food, Mall Road has something for everyone. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafts through the air, making it hard to resist the temptation to try everything. The street food vendors offer a range of delicious snacks. Momos, stuffed with vegetables or meat, are a must-try. The spicy chaat, with its tangy flavours, is another popular choice. If you’re looking for something warm and comforting, a bowl of maggi noodles cooked with vegetables is perfect.

In the evening, the lights from the shops and street lamps create a beautiful reflection on the lake. The cool breeze from the lake makes the walk along Mall Road even more enjoyable. You can also find musicians playing local tunes, adding to the lively atmosphere. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

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4. Snow View Point

The cable car ride to Snow View Point is an adventure in itself. As you ascend, you get a s-eye view of Nainital and the surrounding hills. The ride is smooth, and the scenery is just wow. Once you reach the top, the view of the snow-covered peaks is simply awe-inspiring. The white peaks stand tall against the blue sky, creating a picture-perfect scene. This is also a famous Trek in Nainital.

There are telescopes available that allow you to see the peaks up close. Looking through the telescope, you can spot the intricate details of the snow-covered mountains, the ridges, and the valleys. The small temple at Snow View Point is a peaceful place to sit and reflect. The area is also dotted with small stalls selling snacks and hot beverages. Sipping a cup of hot tea while gazing at the Himalayas is an experience you won’t forget. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

5. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

The trek to Tiffin Top is moderately easy and takes you through a beautiful forest trail. As you walk, you can hear the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere. If you prefer, you can also hire a horse for the journey. The horse ride adds a bit of adventure and is a great way to enjoy the scenic route.

Once you reach Tiffin Top, the view is worth the effort. You can see the entire town of Nainital, the sparkling Naini Lake, and the surrounding hills. The picture-perfect view is perfect for photography. There are benches and shaded areas where you can sit and relax. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic. You can bring your food or buy some snacks from the vendors around. The fresh air, the beautiful view, and the tranquil environment make Tiffin Top a perfect place to unwind. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

6. Eco Cave Gardens

It’s a fun and educational experience that showcases the natural beauty of the region. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

The Eco Cave Gardens are designed to give visitors a glimpse of the natural habitats of different animals. The caves are dark and narrow, which adds to the excitement. Some of the caves require you to crawl through, making it a thrilling adventure, especially for kids. The pathways inside the caves are well-lit, ensuring safety while maintaining the natural feel of the caves.

7. Nainital Zoo

The Nainital Zoo is spread over a large area and offers well-laid-out paths for visitors to explore. The enclosures are designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals, providing them with a comfortable environment. The zoo is home to several species that are native to the Himalayas, giving visitors a chance to see these animals up close.

The Himalayan black bear, with its thick fur and distinctive white V-shaped chest patch, is one of the star attractions. 

The snow leopard, with its beautiful spotted coat, is another highlight. The steppe eagle, with its impressive wingspan, and the Tibetan wolf, known for its striking appearance, are also fascinating to observe. Informational boards near the enclosures provide interesting facts about the animals, making the visit educational as well.  It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

8. Raj Bhawan

Raj Bhawan, with its grand architecture and green surroundings, is a testament to the colonial history of Nainital. The building’s Gothic style is characterised by pointed arches, intricate stonework, and large windows. The estate covers a vast area, and the gardens are meticulously maintained with a variety of flowers and plants.  It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

The main building is often used for official functions and is not always open to the public. However, the gardens and the golf course are accessible and provide a peaceful environment for a stroll. Walking through the gardens, you can see a wide range of flora, from colourful flowers to towering trees. The golf course adds to the charm of the place, with its rolling greens and well-maintained fairways.

9. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

The drive to Kilbury Bird Sanctuary takes you through landscapes, with dense forests and stunning views of the mountains. The sanctuary itself is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. The greenery and the environment make it an ideal spot for observing birds in their natural habitat.

Equipped with a pair of binoculars, you can spot a variety of birds. The Brown Wood Owl, with its striking appearance and haunting call, is a fascinating sight. The Collared Grosbeak, known for its vibrant colours, and the White-throated Laughing Thrush, with its distinctive call, are other birds you can spot here. The sanctuary is also home to many other species, both resident and migratory.

10. Hanuman Garhi

The temple’s location on a hill offers a 360 view of the surrounding landscape. The best time to visit is during the evening when the setting sun casts a golden glow over the hills. The sight of the sun slowly disappearing behind the mountains is just awesome and provides a perfect end to your day in Nainital.

The temple complex also includes smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita. These shrines are beautifully decorated and offer a peaceful place for prayer and reflection. Sitting on the steps of the temple, you can feel the cool breeze and enjoy the peaceful environment. The tranquil atmosphere and the beautiful views make Hanuman Garhi a perfect place to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. It is one of the best places to visit in Nainital in one day.

Additional Tips for a Perfect Day in Nainital

• Start Early: Start early to make the most of your day. Nainital has a lot to offer, and an early start will help you cover more ground.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and it’s best to be prepared for both sun and rain.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of walking.
• Local Transport: Utilise local transport like rickshaws, taxis, and the ropeway to save time. Walking is also a great option to explore the town at your own pace.
• Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.