Things To Do in Nainital – A Place Of Wonder & Peace Together

Nainital, the capital of Uttarakhand is one of the famous hill stations in India. It is known for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and wildlife attractions. The town has a lot to offer regarding sightseeing, shopping, adventure activities, and much more. Being one of the most sought-after destinations by tourists all over India, Nainital has been ranked as one of the popular tourist destinations in India by Lonely Planet. The month of December is a time of year that Nainital has become famous for and the perfect time to start looking for things to do in Nainital. 

The Himalayan beauty of the city and its surroundings are at their best during winter and it’s no wonder why! The weather is mild and pleasant, temperatures are moderate and you can enjoy nature from all angles.

You won’t find another experience like winter in Nainital. Nainital offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy quality time with your family and friends. 

Top things to do in Nainital in December

1. Hiking 

First in the things to do in Nainital is for sure hiking. The hiking trails in Nainital are beautiful and offer spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can also visit some famous waterfalls like Bhagirathi and Pindari Ghat which will make your trip memorable. Go on a short trek or hike along the banks of River Alaknanda or through the forests of Almora and Hemkund Sahib. This will allow you to experience nature at its best and get good exercise. The perfect time to go hiking in Nainital is during sunrise or sunset.

2. Rock climbing

If you are an explorer and looking for adventurous things to do in Nainital then you have chosen the right place as it has lots of options for beginners & professional climbers! You can also enjoy other sports like rafting, mountain biking, or even paragliding! If you’re looking for exciting activities in Nainital, you should start by visiting the Nainital Mountaineering Club (NMC).

3. Explore Beautiful Temples

Seek blessings at Nainital’s famous temples like Hanuman Garhi Temple, Maa Naina Devi Temple, Garhwal Rishi Temple, and Mukteshwar or visit Simlipal National Park and other wildlife sanctuaries which are extremely popular among tourists from different parts of the world. You can also explore other tourist attractions like museums, gardens, etc., during this month.  You can also visit the bird sanctuary at Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Planetarium (CHC-ABP). There you can see all kinds of birds—you might even see some rare species like owls! 

4. Feel the Snow

Experiencing snowfall is one of the most amazing things to do in Nainital in December. Around Christmas time in December, snowfall begins in Nainital at the end of the month. And frequent snow is expected during the weekend and month ahead. So you can enjoy the snow at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, High Altitude Zoo, Bhimtal, and Nakuchiatal. Lakri Village has been transformed into a winter wonderland with an array of snow sculptures and ice skating across the lake.

5. Shop Therapy

If you’re looking for some shopping therapy, head over to Mall Road where there are plenty of options available at affordable prices. You can also visit one of Nainital’s many Christmas markets, which will have you decked out in all your festive gear. Enjoy a festive stroll through the town centre, where you’ll find plenty of shops with decorations and lights. Another top preferred market of Nainital is the Tibetan Market where you may buy locally manufactured artefacts. This lively market, dotted with shops and shacks selling regional specialties, dazzles visitors with its energy and individuality. Check out 4 best places to shop in Nainital.

6. Capture the beauty of Botanical Gardens

Explore Nainital’s famous botanical gardens which are open from November through March. The gardens offer a variety of different displays throughout the year, including their popular Garden Showcase exhibit at Christmas time when they feature over 300 different species of plants from around the world!

7. Make the Best of the Lakes

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the most amazing views of the valley or relax with some fresh air and nature, Naini Lake is the perfect place for you. Boating on Naini Lake is a must-do when visiting Nainital. The lake is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, making for an awe-inspiring experience. Naini Lake is great for boating or fishing. You can also rent boats for your whole family. Witnessing the sunrise from Tiffin Top in Nainital is an awe-inspiring experience. 

8. Nainital Ropeway

In addition to providing access to minor peaks in Nainital, the ropeway also offers panoramic views of the hill town. If you enjoy seeing the views from tall buildings, you should definitely try it. The cable car travels across hills, the alluring beauty of Naini Lake, and other picturesque surroundings as it travels from Mallital to Snow View Point.

9. Winter Carnival

One of the fun things to do in Nainital in December is the three-day Nainital Winter Carnival, which is held every year. Go for heritage walks, participate in cultural performances, or even go birdwatching. In addition to this, you can attend the Uttarani Festival, which is a local event. Play some games or do some shopping. It is one of the methods to learn about and take in Uttarakhand’s culture.

Activities and things to do in Nainital are exciting here but what are the places to visit? All at one place here –

We have also curated a list of top places to visit in Nainital

1. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

This is one of the most popular picnic areas in Nainital, drawing both visitors and locals. Dorothy’s Seat is another well-known name for the Tiffin top. Col. J.P. Kellet, a British Army officer, constructed this place. People used to come here to eat, which is how the location’s name came to be. It is situated atop the Ayarpatta hills at a height of about 2300 metres. The location is only a 4-kilometre drive from Nainital town, making transportation easy. You can observe the town of Nainital 360 degrees from the location. Additionally, Dorothy’s provides a magnificent view of the Kumaon highlands. 

2. Lands End

One of the most beautiful spots to go if you want to see beautiful scenery from a mountaintop is definitely Lands End. The best thing about this location is that visitors can get to the area without having to climb very high. Located about 4 KM from the town. You can easily get there without difficulty, and transportation is not a problem. To get to the top, you can either ride a horse or simply climb the hill. People go to the location mostly for the view. It’s thrilling to look out over the plains and the KhurpaTal from the mountain’s top. The mountain is encircled by lovely villages and pine trees that will give you a lovely touch of nature.

3. Bhimtal Lake

It is a well-known lake that is situated in the famous Bhimtal town of Nainital. From Nainital, it is more than 22 miles away. The closest railway station from here is Kathgodam, which is about 20 kilometres away from the lake. The brick dam constructed in 1883, which allowed for a good storage facility, is what made it so widely known. It has a sizable catchment area of around 17.12 sq km. Due to the abundance of lakes in this area, Kumaon also known as the “lake district of India,” has Bhimtal Lake as its largest lake. Also, this place is famous for being a picnic spot and boating that again comes on the list of things to do in Nainital. 

4. Naina Devi Temple

When we talked about exploring temples in the things to do in Nainital, this one is surely the most popular. Visit the Naina Devi Temple to immerse yourself in holiness. Spend some time here in solitude, and you’ll undoubtedly leave feeling refreshed. The goddess Naina Devi, who is worshipped in the Naina Devi Temple, is thought to be in charge of the Naini Lake. It is thought to be one of India’s 64 Shaktipeeths. The temple’s setting is extremely mesmerizing, bringing peace to the pilgrims who come here to offer their prayers.

5. Snow View Point

Snow View Point is undoubtedly the most popular and often visited location worldwide. Residents worship in a temple on the mountain as well. You will get a spectacular view of the Nainital lake as you move down the cable rope.

There will be a place that states The tallest mountain in the British empire if you look closely. You can see the entire city from the peak of the mountain, and it is just breathtaking.

6. High Altitude Zoo

A must-visit location for any animal lover is the High Altitude Zoo. It is home to the rarest and most endangered animals, some of which are only found there. It was established in 1995 and has about 125,000 tourists each year. Even though it is only 2 kilometres from the Tallital bus stop, many guests prefer to climb up the hill without any transportation. 

Also Read – 10 best street food places in Nainital

Conclusion

Nainital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. The city is known for its stunning views and diverse culture. In December, the weather starts to get cold and tourists flock there to enjoy the beautiful scenery. So be it spending some quality romantic time with your partner, a peaceful and tranquil trip with your family, a fun and adventurous getaway with your friends, or even a solo trip amidst the mountains and nature, Nainital is an amazing place for sure and we are here for you with things to do in Nainital!

FAQs:

1. What is the best time to visit Nainital?

Nainital is a blissful town that may be visited any time of the year, although, given the local climate, the months from March to June and December to January are appropriate. Check out Weather and more information here.

2. What are some major tourist attractions of Nainital?

Some must-visit in Nainital include Kainchi Dham, Eco Cave Gardens, Mukteshwar Temple, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), and Land’s End. 

3. What are some activities you can’t miss out on your trip to Nainital?

Some fun things to do in Nainital are Lakeside camping, Trekking, Boating in Nainital lake or Bhimtal Lake, etc. 

4. How can we reach Nainital?

As Nainital is well connected by buses and railways, getting to it is simple. You can fly to Pantnagar, which is 65 kilometres from Nainital. To go to the main city from there, you can take a bus or a private taxi.

5. What can one expect in terms of food and accommodation in Nainital?

There is a plethora of quality restaurants and cafes serving different types of cuisine. So one need not worry about food and accommodation facilities during the stay in Nainital. Click here to book Affordable hotels.