Nainital, the ‘Lake City of India’, is a picturesque locale in the lap of the Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The quaint town’s serene beauty coupled with its rich cultural heritage make it a popular tourist destination, especially for weekend getaways. If you are planning a quick trip to this hill station you might want to check out places to visit in Nainital in 1 day so that you can explore this hill station and its enchanting beauty. Let us share a curated itinerary of places to see in Nainital in 1 day to make the most of your time.
How to Reach Nainital From Delhi
There are several ways to reach Nainital from Delhi by road, train or flight. Here are the details you might want to check out.
How to Reach Nainital by Air –
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand. The airport is about 70 km away from the hill station.
How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Train –
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is about 35 km away from Nainital.
How to Reach Nainital from Delhi by Road –
You can drive to Nainital from Delhi via NH9. The distance is about 311 km and can be travelled in 6 hours and 45 mins approximately.
Places to Visit in Nainital in 1 Day
Let us look at some of the places to visit in Nainital in 1 day that you should not miss.
Morning Itinerary of Nainital
Start your Day early to catch the beautiful sunshine of the Kumaon.
Naini Lake
Start your day with the crown jewel of this quaint town – the serene Naini Lake. You can go boating with your family to explore the lake’s tranquil waters or enjoy the quietness at the banks. As you glide through the lake, admire the majestic mountains that surround it. Do not forget to click photos as it is one of the most picturesque locales in India.
Things to Know: Entry to Naini Lake in Nainital is free. Boat rides can cost Rs 420 for a full round.
Naina Devi Temple
For a spiritual pilgrimage visit the Naina Devi Temple – one of the famous ‘Shakti Peeths’ in India. Located at the northern end of Naini Lake this unique temple is home to Naina Devi – the goddess with two eyes. It is believed that the eyes (naina) of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation at this location, making this a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. Originally built in the 15th century, the temple was destroyed in a landslide and rebuilt in 1883.
Things to Know: Open from 6 AM–10 PM every day of the week. There is no entry fee.
Afternoon Itinerary of Nainital
Take a lunch break at any of the restaurants around the lake or along Mall Road and feast on delectable Kumaoni food followed by an afternoon of adventure and nature.
Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top is one of the key places to visit in Nainital in 1 day for adventure seekers. To see stunning views of the valley, hike to the summit of this peak. With its abundance of greenery and clean air, the journey itself is rewarding. You can even enjoy a horse ride at this location.
Things to Know: There are no entry fees at this site however it will cost 500 – 700 per person for a horse ride.
Naini Peak
If you are a photography enthusiast, do not miss this must-visit place to see in Nainital in 1 day. Naini Peak is a well-liked vantage point with expansive views of the Himalayan ranges. To get to the top, you can either hike or ride a cable car.
Eco Cave Gardens
Visit the Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital for a unique experience. With their exquisite lighting and sculptures, these man-made caves evoke a mystical ambience.
Things to Know: The garden is open every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entry fees adults – Rs 60, Kids – Rs 25.
Evening Itinerary of Nainital
Enjoy your evening coffee at any of the quaint cafes and continue with your trip of places to visit in Nainital in 1 day.
Mall Road
With the setting sun, go to Mall Road – the busy business district of Nainital. Savour mouthwatering regional specialities, indulge in some retail therapy or just take a leisurely walk.
Local Markets
Do not forget to check out local markets like Tibetian Market, and Capitol Cinema Market for handicrafts, candles, woollens and traditional Kumaoni products.
Evening Aarti at Naini Lake
Unwind the day with a spectacular evening aarti at the Naini Lake. This captivating aarti is a spiritual experience produced by the devotional chants and the calm atmosphere and is highly recommended.
How to Enjoy a Memorable Visit at Nainital
Now that you know about the places to visit in Nainital in 1 day, let us share some travel tips to make your trip memorable.
Best Time to Visit Nainital – The ideal time to visit Nainital is between March and May or September and October. Avoid travelling in Nov-Dec if you don’t want extremely chilly weather.
Carry Comfortable Footwear – Any trip to a hill station is incomplete without lots of walking. Do not forget to pack comfortable walking shoes.
Carry Essentials – Keep your water bottle, sunscreen, hand cream and a hat handy. You will need sunscreen at higher altitudes.
Respect Nature – Admire the beauty of nature without disturbing the ecosystem. Ensure you are not littering any tourist place and disposing off your plastic trash responsibly.
Luxury Hotel in Nainital – Blue Book at Gethia
A weekend getaway is incomplete without a comfortable yet luxurious stay where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For your stay during the trip, you can choose Blue Book at Gethia – a luxury hotel in Nainital. Nestled in the laps of Jeolikote Valley in the Kumaon. Enjoy a stay with your family at this bungalow from the 1890s and savour the taste of world-class Kumaoni hospitality.
Choose from a wide selection of suites and rooms with mountain views for your stay with friends and family. The 4-acre property offers each visitor enough privacy and lots of open areas for children to enjoy. From guided forest hikes to private candlelight dinners, you can experience luxury like never before at Blue Book – a luxury boutique hotel at Nainital.
