Nainital is a famous hill station in Uttarakhand with a lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. If you’re considering visiting Nainital and nearby places around it, this experiential travel guide will be helpful.
There are about six places to visit nearby Nainital. The mesmerizing Naini Lake in Nainital, the mysterious legends behind the Kasar Devi temple, the world-famous Neem Karoli Baba temple, and many more.
If you come to Nainital and have a few days spare, you can enrich your experience by visiting these six places nearby Nainital. Let’s take you to these places virtually so you can make informed decisions and plan your travel better.
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In This Travel Guide:
Short Video Guide (Hindi Language)
How Nainital May Look To You First Time
My first impression of Nainital was that it is a romantic place. If you do come with your partner, stroll alongside the Naini lake, shop at the mall road, and get the blessings of Naina Devi. You can also explore these places solo if you’re a traveler like us.
The view of Naini Lake from Naina Devi temple is simply stunning. We spent over an hour here. If you enjoy boating, you’ll find some options near the temple. Further, you will find a few wholesale shops of scented candles (Nainital specialty) — do check them out.
Before you stretch your horizon, here’s a table of all the places you should visit in Nainital first.
| S. No | Place Name | Description |
| 1 | Naini Lake | Perfect for boating and romantic strolls, surrounded by tranquil mountains. |
| 2 | Naina Devi Temple | Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Visit for a calm and spiritual experience with a scenic view of the lake. |
| 3 | Eco Cave Garden | Spread over 6 acres, this dream world near Nainital is a haven for nature lovers. Features various plants, flowers, six caves, and waterfalls, providing a charming sight and excellent opportunities for nature photography. |
| 4 | Mall Road | Bustling 1.5 km road near Naini Lake, ideal for a leisurely stroll and shopping. Lined with diverse shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a perfect spot for shopping enthusiasts. |
| 5 | Other Places | Tiffin Top, Lover’s Point, and Snow View Point. |
Places to Visit Around Nainital
The top 6 places that you can cover if Nainital has filled your heart are as follows:
- Neem Karoli Baba Ashram (20 km)
- Bhimtal (23 km)
- Naukuchiatal (28 km)
- Mukteshwar (50 km)
- Jim Corbett National Park (65 km)
- Kasaar Devi Temple (72 km)
Here’s a detailed explanation of each place to help you make informed decisions for your travels.
1. Neem Karoli Ashram (20 km)
Do you know Neem Karoli Baba temple is where many of the world’s tech geniuses like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg visited?
Neem Karoli Baba is a famous temple near Nainital that is particularly significant to Lord Hanuman devotees. Neem Karoli Baba was considered an incarnation of Hanuman Ji, who performed many miracles during his lifespan.
Meditating and praying in the peaceful environment of this ashram brings immense peace to your soul. It is a highly revered temple on the side of the main road, so you won’t have to face any difficulty.
2. Bhimtal (23 km)
Legend has it that Bhimtal Lake was built by Bhima, one of the Pandavas, with his strong hands. Today, Bhimtal attracts travelers with its mesmerizing beauty. A boat ride on the lake, an island aquarium, and a glimpse of colorful fishes surely can be your memorable experience.
For adventure lovers, enjoy activities like kayaking, ziplining, or paragliding. Nature lovers can go for bird watching and jungle trails. The hills surrounding the lake offer enchanting views worth capturing with your camera.
3. Naukuchiatal (28 km)
Well, this is the place where we stayed during our expedition. The lovely and cozy The Hosteller property is for anyone looking to sway away from the noise of the city centers.
Naukuchiatal sits at an elevation of about 4000 feet above sea level and has lush green mountains. Naukuchiatal means the Nine Cornered Lake, as the lake here has nine corners.
This lake is much more peaceful and untouched than other typical lakes around Nainital. If you’re looking for an offbeat place, give this a try.
There is also a Hanuman temple nearby for spiritual matters, in case you want to experience it.
4. Mukteshwar (50 km)
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Mukteshwar is an ideal destination. Come here to enjoy trekking, rappelling, paragliding and ziplining. Several trek trails in the surrounding hills will bring you close to nature. Besides, it has a 350-year-old Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Reaching Mukteshwar doesn’t require you to travel rugged terrains. You can hire a cab or take public buses from Nainital. Also, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year, but summer months are considered best for visiting.
5. Jim Corbett National Park (65 km)
Royal Bengal tigers, a herd of elephants, and colorful birds – come to Jim Corbett National Park for an experience of a lifetime.
Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s most famous national parks, situated between Nainital and Ramnagar.
Some of the animals you can spot are tigers, elephants, deer, bears, cheetahs, sambar, blue bulls, birds, and a few reptiles in their natural habitat. A jungle safari in Jim Corbett National Park is no less than a thrilling adventure. But remember, safety comes first in the jungle. Follow the guide’s instructions, don’t disturb the wildlife, and respect nature.
Fun Fact: Modi Ji and Bear Grylls shot an episode of Man vs. Wild in this national park.
6. Kasaar Devi Temple (72 km)
Kasaar Devi temple is nestled in the lap of mountains and emanates a spiritual energy that gives you an inexplicable peace when you arrive. It is another famous temple near Nainital, where you can see the enchanting views of the Himalayas and dense deodar forests.
Kasaar Devi Temple is one of the three places on Earth under the impact of magnetic fields responsible for capturing Van Allen Belts, discovered by NASA. Many people believe that the presence of these fields gives you an ultimate peaceful and relaxing experience. Some even claim to have had extraordinary experiences while meditating here.
Several notable people worldwide have been here – Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Zohra Sehgal are a few names.
How Can You Reach Nainital?
Being a famous hill station in India, Nainital is well-connected to the major cities in India. There are three straightforward ways to reach Nainital.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
| By Bus | Several buses run from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. The nearest major bus station is in Haldwani. |
| By Train | The nearest railway stations are Haldwani and Kathgodam about 35 km from Nainital. There are buses or taxis to Nainital frequently available from here. |
| By Air | The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar. It is about 65 km from and you can hire taxis or take a bus to reach Nainital from the airport. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the places to visit near Nainital within 100 km?
The top places to visit nearby Nainital within 100 km are Neem Karoli Baba Ashram (20 km), Bhimtal (23 km), Naukuchiatal (28 km), Mukteshwar (50 km), Jim Corbett National Park (65 km), and Kasaar Devi Temple (72 km).
What are the places to visit near Nainital in May?
You must visit Almora and Corbett National Park in May near Nainital. Remember, this is the pearl summer in North India, so you must come with preparations.
What are the places to visit around Nainital in December?
We recommend visiting Almora, Mukteshwar, and Naukuchiatal in December.
What are the places to visit nearby Nainital in June?
Summers will be at their peak at this time, so you can visit Jim Corbett National Park, Kasaar Devi Temple (Almora), Ranikhet, and Kausani.
How far are Mukteshwar and Ranikhet from Nainital?
Ranikhet is approximately 57 km (36 miles) from Nainital, while Mukteshwar is 50 km (31 miles) from it.
Which lake is near to Nainital?
Bhimtal, Nakuchiatal, and Sattal are the best lakes we recommend exploring near Nainital.
Is Nainital safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Nainital is entirely safe for female travelers. However, we always recommend taking precautions, not trusting unknown individuals, and avoiding shady activities that might get you in trouble. Indians are known for their hospitality worldwide; you’ll feel the same here.
Quick and Practical Travel Tips for Nainital
- The best time to visit Nainital and places near it is between March to June and September to November. You’re likely to witness pleasant weather and fewer crowds at these times.
- You can easily hire taxis or bikes/scooters to visit all nearby destinations of Nainital. Ask your hotel or tour guide for local guidance.
- Mountains can be dangerous at night, so avoid driving and respect local culture.
- You might face parking issues in Nainital unless your hotel has private accommodation. Inquire before your stay or stay at the nearby places in Nainital like we did in The Hosteller in Naukuchiatal.
- The nearest railway stations to Nainital are Haldwani (HDW) and Kathgodam (KGM), while the nearest airport is in Pantnagar (PGH), Dehradun.
See Cheapest Flights to Pantnagar from Your Destination on Skyscanner
Conclusion
With mesmerizing lakes, adventurous activities, spiritual sites, and national parks, these places to visit around Nainital promise you memorable experiences. As you plan your itinerary, consider the best time to visit and the travel tips shared here.
Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, family, or group, there are enjoyable things to do for everyone in Nainital and around. Follow this travel guide to pick places that match your interests. Remember to stay safe in the mountains and respect local culture for a smooth journey.
This list equips you to make the most of your Nainital trip by exploring hidden gems around it. Please share your thoughts about this post so we can keep creating great content for your India travels.
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